How to replace window pane Window Panes

A cracked window pane is an inconvenience. This can be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones to enjoy benefits like increased comfort, increased resale values and reduced utility bills.

You can do it yourself for less than what it would cost to hire an expert. It requires the right equipment and an hour or two of your time.

Glass

If your single pane windows are old damaged, cracked or deteriorating replacing them with modern insulated or tempered glass can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the historic integrity of older homes. The process of replacing the window pane is easy and can be completed by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. In addition to a replacement upvc window handles pane, the following components are needed for the replacement process: latex glazing putty Glazier's points; pliers and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty, if needed. Before starting, wear gloves and safety goggles as working with broken glass could cause injuries.

Take out any broken glass pieces remaining. This is best accomplished with the help of pliers however, a flathead screwdriver may be effective in the pinch. Make use of a wood chisel or putty knives to remove any old putty that remains around the frame and window sash. Be careful not to damage the window sash. Work slowly and carefully. This is best done on a ladder, not the ground. Also, you should have someone lower to hold it steady.

After you've removed all the old putty, you can prepare the window frame for the new pane. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction by subtracting 1/8 inch from the measurements of the width and height. These measurements can be sent to an hardware or home centers store to have cut a piece of glass that is in stock to the correct size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you possess the right tools.

After putting in the new glass Apply caulking on the edges. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then install a glazier's point on the frame's opposite side to hold the pane in its place. The points should not be so tight that they cause friction between the sash and the frame however they shouldn't be too loose.

Before applying the putty make sure to knead it until it is smooth and free of lumps. Then you can roll it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to the other to ensure it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are the small triangular pieces that allow glass to be secured into a window frame without damaging or scratching the delicate surface. It's easy to learn how to use this nefarious tool, and you'll be able to save money on the expense of an expert installation.

After getting rid of the old putty glazier points, and any other residue, clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. If needed it is necessary to lightly sand the wood along grooves of the rabbets to smooth out rough spots. If you do sand the wood, be sure to protect it by using painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Note down the dimensions of the frame. Bring these measurements to an hardware store or home center, and have the new pane cut smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a tight fit and leave room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and push it into the frame using your hand. Use the point of the chisel, or the back of the putty blade to tap in the glaziers' points as shown in Figure 11. When you're done, they should be level with the top edge of the pane, and the shoulders of the points should be below the lip of the rabbet groove.

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

After the glazing compound dries, you're ready to install the new window sash. First, saturate the wood with a thick coat of Linseed oil. This will prevent the newly-created putty drying out or cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply the coat using a brush or the tip of your knife, then use the chisel or the back end of the knife to gently hammer in the new sash and glazier's tips into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A baseball that is thrown or a rock that is errant or a falling branch can cause a window pane to break or crack. The majority of windows can be replaced easily by putting in a new piece. The glass is held into position by a small metal clip, also known as a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also known as glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using an abrasive, scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses when working. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll need use a heat gun to soften the adhesive before taking it off.

If you plan to reinstall the original sash, gently remove the molding pieces that secure the old pane. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready for new caulk. After the sash has been installed then, you can apply a silicone caulk on the glass. This will ensure that it won't leak over time or discolor.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets, the grooves in the sash where the glass sits. If they're difficult to cut, place the hand tool, such as a heating gun over them to soften first. When using a heated tool, be careful to avoid damaging the sash's railings and sash.

After the old points of glazing and putty have been removed make a bed for the new pane. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, and form it into a 1/2-inch thick. Press it into the rabbets, where the glass will be put. The glass must rest against the putty on both sides. If necessary you want to tap your glass lightly into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can apply a silicone caulk or a glass glue that is based on solvents to fill in the crack prior to pressing it in the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you will need to apply putty to keep water from getting in. Once the putty is dry, wipe the oily film from the glass and allow it to dry completely before you paint. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it won't form an effective seal and could be leaking or discoloring in time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a broken pane of glass. It's true that replacing a single pane glass doesn't need to be costly if you do it on your own. Even double-paned windows can be replaced for a fraction of what it costs an expert.

If you are working on a large-sized window, make sure it is securely fastened to the frame. This is relatively easy and fast using the appropriate tools and techniques.

If you're ready to begin with the removal of the old window pane by removing the metal glazing points that are connected to it. These are small metal triangles which act as "nails" that hold the window in place. They are buried beneath a bead or glazing glue that hardens to a solid wedge which holds the wood frame firmly in position and hides the sharp edges.

After you have removed the old pane removed, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape away any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points used to be. Sand them down to bare wooden surfaces, allowing you to paint the frames the same color. After sanding the wood you can apply a layer flax oil. This will help to extend its life.

Then, you need to measure the width of the window opening. You'll need to determine the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the entire opening, as well as the thickness. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure that you get a precise size for the new pane. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Take these dimensions to the hardware or home improvement store, and they will have cut the glass 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.