How to Replace Window Panes

A cracked window pane can be a source of frustration. This could be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones to enjoy benefits like increased comfort, higher resale value and reduced utility bills.

You can do it yourself at a fraction of what it would cost to hire an expert. It requires the right tools and only an hour or two of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are old damaged, cracked or deteriorating, replacing them with newer glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while also preserving the historic integrity of older homes. Most homeowners with basic hand tools can repair a window pane. Alongside a Replacement Double glazing windows pane, the following items are needed: latex glazing putty; Glazier's points; pliers and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty if required. Before beginning, wear protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass could cause injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. This can be done with pliers, but flathead screwdrivers can work in the pinch. Then, use a wood chisel or putty knife to remove the rest of the old putty from the frame and the sash. Take your time and work slowly, taking care not to break the current window sash. It is best to work on a sturdy ladder rather than on the ground and to place someone on the sash in order to help hold it steady.

Once you have removed all the old putty, it is time to prepare the window frame to fit the new pane. Take measurements of the width and height of the sash opening by subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be sent to a hardware or home center store to have cut a piece of stock glass to the right size. Alternately, you can cut the glass yourself if you have the right tools.

After putting in the new pane after installing the new pane, put a tiny amount of caulking along the edge to ensure it is weatherproof. Then install a glazier's point on the frame's opposite side to hold the pane in place. The points shouldn't be tight enough to cause friction between the frame and sash, but they should also not be loose.

Before applying the putty, make sure to knead it until it is soft and free of lumps. Roll it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be glued to the corner of the frame. Work from corner to corner and ensure that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces that allow glass to be secured into frames for windows without scratching or damaging the fragile surface. It's simple to learn how to use this secret tool, and you'll be able to save money on the cost of a professional installation.

Once the old putty and the glazier's points have been removed Clean the frame thoroughly with a knife to remove any remaining traces. If necessary, lightly sand the wood along the grooves of the rabbets to smooth rough spots. If you decide to sand wood, protect it with painter’s tape to prevent accidental damage.

Note down the dimensions of the frame. These dimensions can be taken to the hardware or home center store, and the new frame will be cut a bit smaller. This will ensure that the pane fits perfectly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and push it into the frame by using your hands. Then, you can use the point of your chisel or the back end of the putty knife to make a tap on the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. When you're done, they should be flush with the top edge of the pane and the shoulders that are raised of the points should be just below the rabbet's rim groove.

Apply a thin layer glazing compound on the rabbet grooves and the edges of the new glass. This will protect and seal the edges. Let it dry and cure completely.

Once the glazing compound has dried it's time to put in the new window sash. The first step is to coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will stop the new putty drying out or cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply this coat using a brush or the tip of your putty knife, then use the chisel, or the back end of the putty knife to gently hammer in the new sash and glazier's point into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.

Putty

A baseball hit or a rock thrown by error or a branch falling can result in a cracked or cracked window pane. Fortunately, windows can be replaced by simply putting a new piece in the right place. The glass is held in place by tiny metal clips known as the glazier's pointed and putty, which is often called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with an abrasive, pull-type scraper, or a wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses while doing this work. If the window is attached to the frame, you'll have to employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive prior to cutting it loose.

If you're planning to install the original sash, gently remove any pieces of molding that are used to secure the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready to receive new caulk. Once the sash is reinstalled then, you can apply a silicone caulk on the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't get soiled or discolor over time.

Remove the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash where the glass is. If they're difficult to cut out, try placing an instrument like a heat gun to soften them first. If you're using a heating gun, be cautious not to cause damage to the railings of the sash or the sash itself by using the tool too close.

Once the old points of glazing and putty are removed, replacement double glazing windows make a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope with glazing compound between your fingers, and make it around 1/2 inch thick. Press it into the rabbets, where the glass will be put. It's important that the glass is positioned against the putty in all places on both sides If you have to tap it, gently press the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can apply a silicone caulk or a glass glue based on solvents to fill in the crack before pressing it into the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you will require putty to keep water out. After the putty has dried, clean the oily film off the glass using an abrasive and allow it to dry completely before painting. Paint before the putty has dried completely. It won't form a good seal and could leak or discolor with time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a broken pane of glass. The truth is, replacing a single piece of glass doesn't have to be expensive when you do it on your own. In fact, even a double glazed window replacement-pane window can be replaced at only a fraction of the cost of an expert.

If you're working with large glass windows, first make sure it is securely attached to the frame. With the right tools and techniques you can accomplish this task fairly easily and quick.

If you're ready to begin, begin by removing the old window glass Replacement pane by prying out the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are basically small metal triangles that act as "nails" which hold the window in place within the frame of wood. They are submerged beneath a layer of glazing putty that is then cured to form a solid, moulded wedge that holds the window firmly in place and hides the points.

After taking off the old pane clean the frame and the wood. Scrape away any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points were. Sand them down to clean wooden surfaces so you can paint the frames the same shade. After sanding the wood, apply a layer of flax oil. This will help prolong the life of the frame.

Then, take measurements of the dimensions of the window opening. You'll need to take vertical and horizontal measurements of the entire opening and also the thickness of the old pane. To get the exact size of the new pane subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. You can take these measurements to a hardware or home improvement shop and get the glass cut for you.

Now, it's time to bed the new window pane. To do this, place the pane inside the frame and move it around until a 1/16 inch of putty remains between the edge of the glass and the sash on all four sides. Use a putty knife to smear the putty evenly, making sure that there isn't an excessive amount of excess putty in the corners and along the edges. When the putty dries, it can be painted with the same color as the frame to prevent water and air from leaking into the frame and causing fogging.