How to Replace Window Pane Window Panes

A cracked window pane is an inconvenience. It could be a chance to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones, and reap advantages like improved comfort, increased resale values and reduced utility costs.

It's a task you can take on yourself for only a fraction of the cost of hiring an expert. You'll need only the proper tools and a few minutes of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are old broken, deteriorating or damaged replacing them with more modern insulated or tempered glass can increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while preserving the historic integrity of older homes. The replacement of the window pane is easy and can be accomplished by homeowners with basic hand tools. You will also need a replacement double glazed windows window pane, glazier's suggestions, pliers, and latex glazing putty. If needed you may use a heatgun to warm the old putty. Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to beginning. Working with broken glass could result in serious injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. It is best to use pliers for this however, a flathead may be useful as well. Then, use a wooden chisel or putty knife to take the remainder of the old putty from around the frame and the sash. Be careful to not break the window sash. Work slowly and carefully. This can be done best on an elevated ladder, not on the ground. Also, you should have someone on the ground to ensure it is held steady.

After you have removed all the old putty, you can prepare the window handle replacement frame for the new pane. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction, subtract 1/8 inch each from the measurements of width and height. These measurements can be taken to an hardware or home centers store to have an item cut from glass stock to the proper size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you have the right tools.

After putting the new pane in place, run a small bead of caulking along the edge to seal it against weather. Then, place a glazier's tip on each side of the frame to secure the pane into its place. The points shouldn't be so tight that they cause friction between the frame and sash However, they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty knead it thoroughly until it's soft and free of lumps. Roll it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be placed in the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to another to ensure it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces of steel which help to secure the glass to the frame without damaging the delicate surface. It's easy to learn how to use this hidden tool, and you'll save money on the expense of an expert installation.

After removing the old putty, glazier points and any residue clean the frame thoroughly with an utility knife. If needed it is necessary to lightly sand the wood along the rabbet grooves to smooth rough areas. If you decide to sand the wood, ensure you protect it with painter's tack to avoid accidental damage.

Note down the dimensions of the frame. Bring these measurements to a hardware store or a home center and have the new pane cut slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure that the pane fits snugly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new window in the frame and push it into the frame with your hand. Make use of the point of the chisel or the back of the putty blade to tap in the glazier's points as illustrated in Figure 11. After you're done, the points should be flush with the top edge of the pane, and the shoulders that are raised of the points should be below the rabbet's rim groove.

Apply a small amount of glazing compound on the edges of the new glass and into the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Allow it to dry and cure fully.

Install the new window sash when the glazing compound has dried. The first step is to coat the wood with a heavy coat of Linseed oil. This will keep the new putty from soaking up moisture and drying out and cracking with time. Apply this coat using a brush or the edge of your putty knife, then use the chisel or the back end from the putty knife to gently hammer the new sash and glazier's point into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown or a rock thrown by error, or a tree falling can result in a cracked or cracked window pane. The majority of windows can be replaced by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held in place by tiny metal clips known as a glazier's point, and putty, which is often called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using an abrasive, pull-type scraper, or a wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses when you work. If the window is attached to the frame, you'll need make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive prior to cutting it loose.

If you are planning to reinstall the original sash, take off the mold that holds the old pane. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready for new caulk. Once the sash is reinstalled then, you can apply a silicone caulk on the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't leak over time or discolor.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash where the glass is located. If they're difficult to cut, place a hand tool like a heat gun over them for a few minutes to soften them. If you're using a heated gun, be cautious not to cause damage to the railings or sash by placing the tool too closely.

Make a bed for your new pane after removing the old glaze points and putty. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, shaping it into a 1/2-inch thick. Press it into the rabbets where the glass will be placed. It is crucial that the glass sits on the putty on each side So if you have to, lightly tap the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can use a silicone caulk or glass glue based on solvents to cover the crack before pressing it into the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you will need to use putty to keep the water out. When the putty dries, clean the oily film off the glass with the help of a rag. Allow it to dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it won't form a strong seal and may discolor or leak over time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a broken pane of glass. In reality, replacing a single pane glass doesn't need to be costly if you do it on your own. Even a double-paned window can be replaced for a fraction of what it costs a professional.

First, if you're working on a large window, make sure it is securely attached to the frame. By using the correct tools and techniques to accomplish this task fairly easily and quick.

When you're ready to start, begin by removing the old window by prying out the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are basically small metal triangles that act as "nails" that keep the window in place within the frame of wood. They are buried beneath a bead or glazing glue which hardens into a solid wedge which holds the wood frame securely in place and hides the points.

Once you have the old pane removed, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any paint that has been used, and sand the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were placed. Sand them down to clean wooden surfaces, allowing you to paint the frames the same color. After sanding, apply a coat of flax oil to the wood's surface to extend the life of the frame.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of the window'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 dimensions of the new pane subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will also allow for Replace Window pane expansion and contraction of the glass during seasonal changes. You can take these measurements to a hardware or home improvement store 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.