How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window is an issue. This can be an opportunity to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones, and reap benefits like increased comfort, increased resale value and lower utility costs.

You can do it yourself at a fraction of what it would cost to hire an expert. You'll only require the appropriate tools and a few minutes 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 will increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while preserving the historic integrity of older homes. The process of replacing a window pane is relatively simple and can be done by anyone with basic hand tools. You will also require a replacement sash windows double glazed windows (shinhwapack.co.kr) window handles replacement pane, glazier's tips pliers, and latex glaze putty. If needed you may use a heatgun to warm the old putty. Before starting, put on gloves and safety glasses as working with broken glass may cause injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. This can be done with the help of pliers though using a flathead screwdriver can also work in a pinch. Then, use a wood chisel or putty knife take the remainder of the old putty around the frame and the sash. Be careful not to scratch the window sash. Take your time and work slowly. This can be done best on an elevated ladder, not on the ground. Also, you should have someone below the sash hold it steady.

Make sure that the window frame is ready to accommodate the new pane when you have removed the old glue. 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). Take these measurements to the nearest hardware store or home center, and have a piece of stock glass cut to size. Alternatively, you can cut the glass yourself, if you have the tools you need.

After putting in the new glass Apply a small amount of caulking around the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then, you can install a glazier's pointing on the frame's opposite side to secure the pane in its place. The points should not be tight enough to cause friction between the frame and sash However, they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, you must knead it thoroughly until it is soft and free of lumps. Make it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the corner of the frame. Work from one corner to another to ensure it's 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 delicate surface. Learning how to use these little helpers is easy and can save you money on a professional installation or the cost of new glass.

After the old putty and glazier's points are removed Clean the frame thoroughly with a utility knife to get rid of any remaining residue. Lightly sand the frame in the rabbet grooves if needed to smooth out rough areas. If you decide to sand wood, protect it with painter's tape to protect it from damage caused by accidental sanding.

Note down the dimensions of the frame. Take these measurements to a hardware store or a home center and request that the new pane made slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a secure fit and will allow room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and push firmly with your hands. Then use the point of your chisel or the back end of the putty knife to pierce the glazier's points, as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's point should be in line with the top edge of your pane, and the shoulders raised should be just below that lip.

Apply a thin bead of glazing compound on the edges of the new glass and in the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Let it dry completely and cure.

When the glazing compound is dry it's time to put in the new window sash. The first step is to coat the wood with a thick coat of linseed oil. This will keep the new putty from sucking up the moisture and deteriorating and cracking over time. Use a brush to apply this coat, or even the tip of the putty blade. Then use the chisel on the back of the tool or the back of the handle to gently smash the new sash or glazier's point into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A hurled baseball or a rock that is errant or a falling branch can cause a window to crack or break. Luckily, most windows can be replaced by simply putting a brand new piece of glass in its the right place. The glass is held in place using tiny metal clips known as a glazier's point and putty, which is often called glazing compound. Before you install a new pane, first take out the old one and clean up the area with an abrasive and a pull-type paint scraper or a wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves when working. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll need make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive before prying it free.

If you are planning to install your original sash, remove the molding that supports the old pane. Then sand the sash to make sure it's flat and ready for a new caulk. Once the sash is re-installed, apply a new caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure that it will not leak or change color as time passes.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets and the grooves in the sash, where the glass sits. If they are hard to chisel, use the hand tool, such as a heating gun over them to allow them to soften before. If you're using a heat gun, be cautious not to cause damage to the railings of the sash or the sash itself by placing the tool too close.

Prepare the bed for your new pane after removing the old glaze points and putty. Roll a rope with glazing compound between your fingers and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Then, push it into the rabbets where the glass will be. The glass must be positioned against the putty on both sides. If necessary, lightly tap your glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is damaged, you can use a silicone caulk or a glass glue based on solvents to cover the crack before pressing it into the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you'll need to apply putty to keep water from getting in. Once the putty is dry clean the oily film off of the glass and allow it to dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it will not form a strong seal and may discolor or leak in time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a damaged piece of glass. However, replacing one glass pane does not require a huge amount of money when you do it yourself. Even a double-paned window can be replaced for a fraction of what it will cost an expert.

If you're working with a large glass window first, ensure that it is securely attached to the frame. By using the correct tools and techniques, you can complete this task easily and speedy.

If you're ready to begin with the removal of the old window by prying out the glazing points of metal that are attached to it. These are basically small metal triangles which function as "nails" that hold the window in place in the wood frame. They are buried beneath a bead or glazing putty that hardens to solid wedge that holds the wood frame in place and hides the points.

After you have the old pane removed clean the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape away any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points used to be. They should be sanded to bare wood so that you can paint them the same color as the rest of the frame. After the sanding process, apply a coat of flax oil to the bare wood to help extend its lifespan.

Next, measure the dimensions of the window opening. You will need to measure the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the entire opening, as well as the thickness. 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. Take these measurements to the hardware or home improvement store, and they will have a piece 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 Replacement Double Glazed Windows as the frame to prevent water and air from leaking into the frame and causing fogging.