How to Replace Window Panes

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

It's a task you can take on yourself for less than the cost of hiring an expert. You only need the right tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are old broken, deteriorating or damaged, replacing them with newer glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while maintaining the historic integrity of older homes. A majority of homeowners with hand tools can repair windows with ease. In addition to a new pane, the following tools are needed for the replacement double Glazing Windows process: latex glazing putty pliers, glazier's points and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty, if needed. Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to beginning. Working with broken glass could cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. It is best to use pliers for this, but a flathead can be used equally. Then, use a wooden chisel or putty knife to take the remainder of the old putty from the frame and sash. Be careful to not scratch the window sash. Work slowly and carefully. This is best done on an elevated ladder, not on the ground. Also, ensure that someone lower to hold it steady.

After you have removed all of the old putty, it is time to prepare the window frame for the new pane. To allow for seasonal expansion or Replacement Double Glazing Windows contraction and contraction, subtract 1/8 inch from the measurements of the width and height. Bring these measurements to the nearest 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 appropriate tools.

After putting in the new pane after installing the new pane, put a tiny amount of caulking around the edges to make it weatherproof. Then, you can install a glazier's pointing on the frame's opposite side to hold the pane in its place. The points shouldn't be tight enough to cause friction between the frame and the sash, but they should also not be loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, you must knead it thoroughly until it becomes soft and free from lumps. Cut it into pencil-sized pieces. 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 facets are tiny triangular pieces of steel that allow glass to be secured into the frame of a replacement window seals without scratching or damaging the delicate surface. Learning how to use these hidden tiny helpers is simple and could save you money on professional installation or the cost of purchasing new glass.

After removing the old putty, glazier points, and any other leftovers Clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. If needed you can lightly sand the wood along the grooves of the rabbets to smooth out rough areas. If you decide to sand the wood, ensure you protect it by using painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Take the dimensions of the frame and note down precise measurements. 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 a secure fit and leave room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and push it in with your hands. Make use of the chisel's point, or the back of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's point should be in line with the top edge of your pane and the shoulders should be just beneath that lip.

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

After the glazing compound dries it's time to put in the new replacement window glass sash. First, coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will prevent the newly-created putty from drying out or 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 tool or the back of the handle to gently hammer the new sash or glazier's tip into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A baseball hit or a rock thrown in error, or a tree falling can result in a cracked or cracked window. The majority of windows can be replaced by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held into place by a small metal clip, also known as a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also known as glazing compound. Before installing a new pane, first get rid of the old one and clean the area with a rag and an abrasive scraper that is a pull type or an abrasive wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves when working. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll have to use a heat gun to soften the adhesive prior to prying it free.

If you're planning to install the original sash in the future, take care to remove any molding pieces that are used to secure the old pane. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready to receive new caulk. Once the sash is reinstalled then, you can apply a silicone caulk to the glass. This will ensure that it won't leak over time or discolor.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash where the glass is located. If they're difficult to cut, place an instrument such as a heatgun over them to allow them to soften before. If you're using a heat gun, be careful not to damage the railings or sash by placing the tool too close.

Prepare a bed for your new pane after you have removed the old glaze and putty. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, and form it to be about 1/2-inch thick. Place it into the rabbets, where the glass will be placed. It is crucial that the glass sits on the putty in all places on both sides, so if you need to, lightly tap the glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked you can fill it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk before pressing it into the sash. In other cases, you'll need to apply putty over the crack to form a tight seal and keep water out. Once the putty is dry clean the oily film off the glass and let it dry completely before you paint. If you paint before the putty has completely dry, it will not form a solid seal and could discolor or leak in time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a broken pane of glass. The truth is, replacing a single piece of glass doesn't need to be costly if you do it on your own. Even double-paned windows can be replaced at a fraction of the cost it costs an expert.

First, if you're working on a large window, ensure that it is securely fastened to the frame. This job is relatively easy and quick with the proper tools and techniques.

When you are ready to begin, remove the old window pane. Pry out the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are tiny triangles of metal that function as "nails" that hold the window in the frame. They are submerged beneath a glaze putty or bead that hardens to solid wedge which holds the wood frame in place and conceals the edges.

After you have removed the old pane taken away, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any paint that has been used and sand down the rabbet grooves that the glazing points were placed. Sand them to bare wooden surfaces so you can paint the frames with the same color. After sanding, apply a coat of flax oil on the bare wood to help extend its lifespan.

Next, measure the size of the window opening. You'll need to take vertical and horizontal measurements of the entire opening as well as the thickness of the old pane. 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. You can bring 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.