How to Replace Window Panes

A cracked window pane is a nuisance. This can be an opportunity to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones, and reap benefits like increased comfort, higher resale value and reduced utility bills.

You can do it yourself for less than what it would cost to hire an expert. You only need the right tools and a few minutes of your time.

Glass

Replace your single-paned windows with tempered insulate glass to improve energy efficiency, cut down on noise, and maintain the original character of your home's older. The process of replacing the window pane replacement (source website) pane is easy and can be accomplished by homeowners with basic hand tools. You'll also require a replacement window pane, glazier's tips pliers, and latex glazing putty. If necessary you can use a heating gun to warm the old putty. Wear safety goggles and gloves before you begin. Working with broken glass can cause serious injuries.

Remove any broken glass pieces that remain. This is best done using a pair of pliers, though using flathead screwdrivers can work in a pinch. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knife to get rid of any remaining old putty around the frame and window sash. Be careful to not damage the window sash. Be careful and slow. It is a good idea to do this on a stable ladder rather than on the ground and to have someone standing below the sash to help hold it in place.

Once you've removed all the old putty, you can prepare the window frame to fit the new pane. Take measurements of the width and height of the opening for the sash and subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). Take these measurements to a hardware store or home center, and find a piece glass cut to size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you possess the right tools.

After putting in the new pane After installing the new pane, apply a small amount of caulking along the edge to make it weatherproof. Then, you can install a glazier's pointing on the frame's opposite side to secure the pane into its place. The points shouldn't be too tight as to cause friction between the sash and the frame however they shouldn't be too loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, you must knead it thoroughly until it becomes soft and free from lumps. Then, roll it into pencil-size strips. The first strip should be glued to the frame's corner. Work from one corner to another to ensure it's even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces of metal which help to secure the glass into the window frame without causing any damage to the fragile surface. It's simple to learn how to use this hidden tool, and you'll save money on the expense of a professional installation.

After getting rid of the old putty glazier points as well as any remaining residue clean the frame thoroughly with an utility knife. Lightly sand the wood in the rabbet grooves to smooth rough areas. If you decide to sand wood, protect it with painter’s tape to prevent accidental damage.

Write down the dimensions of the frame. Take these dimensions to an hardware store or home center and request that the new pane cut slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a secure fit and leave room for Window Pane Replacement expansion and contraction.

Place the new window in the frame and press it into place firmly with your hand. Then, use the tip of your chisel, or the back of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's points as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's points should be flush against the top edge of your pane, Window pane replacement and the shoulders should be just below the lip.

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

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 a heavy coat of linseed oil. This will stop the new putty from drying out and cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or the tip of the blade. Then, use the chisel that is on the back of the putty tool or the back of the handle to gently hit the new sash, or glazier's point into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball that is thrown or an unintentional rock, or falling branch could cause a window pane to break or crack. Luckily, most windows can be easily replaced by simply putting a new piece of glass in its the proper place. The glass is held in place by a small metal clip called a glazier's point and putty, often called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using the rag, a pull-type scraper, or a wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves when working. You'll need a heat gun in the event that the window is glued into the frame.

If you plan to reinstall the original sash, gently remove any pieces of molding that are used to secure the old pane. Then, sand the sash to ensure it's level and ready to be re-caulked. After the sash has been put back in place 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, or the grooves in the sash that the glass is. If they're difficult to cut, place the hand tool, such as a heating gun over them to soften first. When using a heat tool, be careful to not damage the sash or its railings.

Create the bed for your new pane after removing the old glaze and putty. Roll a rope made 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 put. The glass must be positioned against the putty on both sides. If you need to, lightly tap your glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack you can fill it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk prior to pressing it into the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you'll need to apply putty to keep water out. Once the putty is dry remove the oily film from the glass and let it dry completely before painting. Paint after the putty has dried completely. It will not create a solid seal and may discolor or leak over time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, you might be worried about the expense of a new one. It's true that replacing a single pane of glass doesn't need to be costly when you do it on your own. Even double-paned windows can be replaced for a fraction of the price it will cost a professional.

If you are working with a large glass window, first make sure it is securely attached to the frame. This job is relatively easy and quick with the right tools and techniques.

When you are ready to start with the removal of the window pane. Take out the metal glazing points attached to it. These are basically small metal triangles which function as "nails" that keep the window in place in the wood frame. They are buried beneath a bead or glazing putty which hardens into a solid wedge that holds the frame in place and hides the sharp edges.

Once you have the old pane removed clean the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any paint that has been used and sand the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were. 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.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of the window sash replacement's opening. You will need to measure the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the entire opening, as well as the thickness. To determine the exact size of the new pane, subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasons of changes. You can bring these measurements to a hardware store or home improvement shop and have 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.