How to Replace window Pane Window Panes

A damaged window pane could 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 Replace Window Pane lower utility costs.

It's a project you can take on yourself for only a fraction of the cost of hiring an expert. It requires the right equipment and an hour or two of your time.

Glass

If your single pane windows are old, deteriorating or broken replacing them with more modern glass that is tempered or insulated will improve energy efficiency and reduce noise while preserving the historical integrity of older homes. Most homeowners with basic hand tools can repair a window pane. You'll also require an additional window pane, glazier's suggestions, pliers, and latex glaze putty. If needed, you can use a heating gun to warm the old putty. Before beginning, wear gloves and safety glasses as working with broken glass could cause injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. It is best to use pliers for this however a flathead could work equally. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knives to remove any remaining old putty around the frame and window sash. Be careful and slow making sure not to break the existing window sash. It is a good idea to work on a sturdy ladder rather than the ground, and to have someone standing below the sash to help keep it in place.

Make sure the window frame is ready to accept the new pane when you have removed the old putty. Measure the width and height of the opening for the sash by subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be sent to a home center or hardware store to get a piece cut of stock glass to the right size. 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 make it weatherproof. Then, place a glazier's tip on each side of the frame to hold the pane in place. The points should not be so tight that they cause friction between the frame and sash but they should not be too loose.

Before putting the putty on, knead it thoroughly until it's soft and free of lumps. Cut it into pencil-sized pieces. Apply the first strip to the corner of the frame. Work from one corner to the next, making sure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces of metal that allow glass to be secured into a window frame without scratching or damaging the fragile surface. It's easy to understand how to use this nefarious tool, and you'll save money on the cost of a professional installation.

After removing the old putty, glazier points as well as any remaining leftovers, clean the frame thoroughly with an utility knife. If necessary you can lightly sand the wood in the rabbet grooves to smooth rough spots. If you decide to sand the wood, ensure you protect it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Measure the empty frame's dimensions and write down accurate measurements. These measurements can be brought to a home center or hardware store, and the new pane will be cut to a smaller size. This will ensure a secure fit, and allow for expansion and contraction.

Insert the new pane into the frame and press it down using your hands. Make use of the point of the chisel, or the back of the putty blade to tap the glaziers' points as shown in Figure 11. When you're done, they should be in line with the top edge of the pane and the shoulders of the points should be just below the rabbet's lip. groove.

Apply a thin bead of glazing compound over the edges of the glass that has been made and into the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Allow this to dry and cure fully.

After the glazing compound dries and the glazing compound is dry, you can install the new window sash. First, coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will prevent the new putty from taking in the moisture and deteriorating and cracking with time. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or the point of the putty blade. Then use the chisel on the back of the putty tool or the back of the putty handle to gently smash the new sash or glazier's tip into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball hit, a rock thrown in error or a branch falling could result in a broken or cracked window pane. Fortunately, windows can be replaced by simply putting a brand new piece in the right place. The glass is held in position by a small metal clip, called a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also referred to as glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with a rag, a pull-type scraper or wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses while working. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll need to employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive before prying it free.

If you are planning to install the original sash, take off the molding that holds the old pane. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready to receive new caulk. Once the sash is installed then, apply a new caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure it doesn't swell or fade as time passes.

Remove the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, where the glass is. If they're difficult to cut, place the hand tool, like a heat gun over them to allow them to soften before. If you're using a heating gun, be cautious not to cause damage to the railings of the sash or the sash itself by holding the tool too close.

After the old glaze points and putty are removed, make a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, and form it to be around 1/2-inch thick. Then, you can press it into the rabbets where the glass will sit. The glass must be positioned against the putty on both sides. If needed gently tap your glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can use the silicone caulk or glass glue made from solvents to seal the crack prior to pressing it into the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you'll need to apply putty to keep water out. When the putty dries, clean the oily film off the glass using a rag and allow it to completely dry before painting. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it will not form a solid seal and could discolor or leak in time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a broken piece of glass. In reality, replacing a single piece of glass doesn't have to be expensive if you do it on your own. Even a double-paned window could be replaced at a fraction of the cost it will cost a professional.

First, if you're working on a large window, make sure it is securely attached to the frame. This task is relatively easy and fast with the proper tools and techniques.

When you are ready to start, remove the old window pane. Pry out the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are small metal triangles which act as "nails" that hold the window in the frame. They are buried under a bead of glazing putty that transforms into a solid molded wedge that holds the window firmly in place and conceals 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 bare wooden surfaces so you can paint the frames the same color. After sanding, apply a layer of flax oil on the bare wood to extend the life of the frame.

Next, measure the width of the window opening. You will need to measure the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the entire opening as well as the thickness. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure you have the exact size for the new pane. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. You can take these measurements to a hardware store or home improvement store and have the glass cut for you.

Now, it's time to bed the new replace window handles pane. To do this, place the pane inside the frame and replace window pane 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.