How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane can be an inconvenience. It could be a chance to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones and enjoy advantages like improved comfort, higher resale value and lower utility costs.

It's a task you can take on yourself for only a fraction of the cost of hiring 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 more modern glass that is tempered or insulated can improve energy efficiency and nearest reduce noise while also preserving the original character of older homes. The replacement of a window pane is relatively easy and can be completed by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. In addition to a replacement pane, the following items are required: latex glazing putty; Glazier's points; pliers and an electric heater to warm the old putty, if necessary. Before beginning, wear gloves and safety glasses as working with broken glass could cause injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. This can be done with pliers, but a flathead screwdriver can also work in a pinch. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knives to remove any remaining old putty around the frame and window sash window replacement. Be careful to not break the window sash. Take your time and work slowly. This should be done on an elevated ladder, not on the ground. Also, ensure that someone on the ground to keep it in place.

After you have removed all of the old putty, you can prepare the window frame to fit the new pane. Measure the width and height of the opening in 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. Alternately, you can cut the glass yourself if have the appropriate tools.

After installing the new glass, apply a small amount of 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 the right place. The points shouldn't 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 from lumps. Make it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be placed to the corner of the frame, working from one corner to the next to ensure it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are the tiny triangular pieces of steel which help to secure glass into the frame of a window without damaging or scratching the delicate surface. It's easy to learn how to use this nefarious tool and you can save money on the cost of an expert installation.

After the old putty as well as glazier's points are removed Clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife to remove any remaining traces. If needed it is necessary to lightly sand the wood in the grooves of the rabbet to smooth rough spots. If you sand wood cover it with painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Write down the dimensions of the frame. These measurements can be brought to a home center or hardware store and the new pane will be cut a bit smaller. This will ensure that the pane fits snugly and allows for expansion and contraction.

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

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the edges of the glass that has been made and into 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. First, you need to coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will prevent the newly-created putty from drying out and cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply this coat with a brush or the edge of your putty knife, then employ the chisel or back end of the knife to gently hammer in the new sash and glazier's point into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball hit or a rock thrown by error, or a fallen tree could result in a broken or cracked window replacement. Fortunately, windows can be replaced by simply placing a new piece in place. The glass is held in place using a small metal clip called the glazier's pointed and putty, which is often called glazing compound. Before installing a new pane, first get rid of the old one and clean the area with the help of a rag, the pull-type paint scraper or the wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while working. You'll require a heat gun in the event that the window is glued to the frame.

If you are planning to reinstall your original sash, remove the molding that holds the old pane. Then sand the sash to ensure it's level and ready to be re-caulked. Once the sash is put back in place, you can apply a silicone caulk over the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't be leaking or fade over time.

Remove the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash where the glass is located. If they're hard to cut, place a 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 scratch the railings or sash by placing the tool too closely.

Create a bed for your new pane after removing the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your fingers, and then make it about 1/2 inch thick. Press it into the rabbets, where the glass will be placed. It is essential that the glass rests against the putty in all places on both sides If you have to do so, gently tap the glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack you can fill it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk before pressing it into the sash. Otherwise, you'll need to apply putty on the crack to create an impervious seal 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 after the putty is completely dry. It will not make a strong seal and could leak or discolor with time.

Paint

If you've suffered a break in a window pane, you might be concerned about the expense of a new one. However, replacing one glass pane does not have to break the bank If you can do it yourself. In fact even windows with double panes can be replaced for less than the cost of a professional.

First, if you're working on a large window, ensure that it is securely attached to the frame. Using the proper tools and techniques, you can accomplish this task fairly easily and speedy.

When you are ready to begin taking down the old window pane. Take out the metal glazing points attached to it. These are tiny triangles of metal that act as "nails", holding the window within the frame. They are submerged beneath a bead or glazing putty that hardens to an unbreakable wedge that holds the wood frame securely in place and hides the sharp edges.

After taking off the old pane clean the 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 clean wood surfaces, so that you can paint the frames the same shade. After sanding, apply a coat of flax oil to the wood that is not sanded down 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 determine the exact dimensions of the new pane subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Take these dimensions to a hardware or home improvement store and ask them to cut you 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.