How to Replace Window pane Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window seal replacement is an issue. It can also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows and benefit from greater comfort, a higher the value of resales and lower utility costs.

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

Glass

Replace your single-paned windows with tempered insulated glass to increase energy efficiency, cut down on noise, and protect the historic integrity of your old home. The procedure of replacing windows is simple and can be done by anyone with basic hand tools. Alongside a replacement pane, the following items are required for the replacement process: latex glazing putty glazier's points; pliers; and a heat gun for replace Window Pane warming the old putty if required. Before starting, wear gloves and safety glasses as working with broken glass may cause injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. This can be done with pliers, however, flathead screwdrivers can be used in a pinch. Use a wood chisel, or putty knives to remove any remaining old putty around the frame and the window sash. Take your time and work slowly, taking care not to break the current window sash. It is a good idea to do this on a sturdy ladder rather than on the ground, and to have someone stand below the sash to help keep it steady.

Once you have removed all of the old putty, prepare the window frame to fit the new pane. Find the width and the height of the opening in the sash and subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). Bring these measurements to an hardware store or home center and get a piece of stock glass cut to size. You can cut the glass yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

After putting in the new glass, apply some caulking to the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then install a glazier's point on each side of the frame to secure the pane in its place. The points should not be so tight that they cause friction between the sash and frame but they should not be too loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, you must knead it thoroughly until it is smooth and free from lumps. Roll it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be placed to 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 metal pieces which help to secure the glass to the frame without damaging the delicate surface. It's easy to learn how to use this secret tool and you can save money on the cost of an installation by a professional.

Once the old putty and the glazier's points have been removed, thoroughly clean the frame with a utility knife to remove any remaining residue. Lightly sand the wood in the rabbet grooves, if necessary, to smooth rough areas. If you do sand your wood, ensure you protect it with painter's tack to avoid accidental damage.

Take the dimensions of the frame and write down accurate measurements. Take these dimensions 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 comfortably and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and press it in place by using your hands. Then, use the tip of your chisel, or the back of the putty knife to make a tap on the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should sit aligned with the top edge of the pane and the raised shoulders should be just below that lip.

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

After the glazing compound dries, you're ready to install the new window screen replacement sash. The first step is to coat the wood with a thick coat of linseed oil. This will prevent the new putty from drying out or cracking due to the moisture it absorbs. Apply this coat with a brush or the edge of your putty knife, then use the chisel or the back end of the putty knife to gently hammer the new sash and glazier's point into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A hurled baseball or an unintentional rock, or a fallen branch can cause a window to break or crack. Fortunately, the majority of windows can be replaced by simply placing a new piece in the proper place. The glass is held in place by small clips made of metal called a glazier's point, and putty, often called glazing compound. Before installing a replacement pane, first get rid of the old one and clean up the area with a rag and a pull-type paint scraper or the wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while you do this work. If the window is attached to the frame, you'll need use a heat gun to soften the adhesive prior to prying it free.

If you are planning to install the original sash, take off the molding that supports the old pane. Then, sand the sash to ensure it's level and ready for new caulk. Once the sash is installed and sanded, apply a fresh silicone caulk to the glass to ensure it won't leak or discolor in time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets, the grooves in the sash, where the glass is. If they're hard to chisel, hold a hand tool such as a heatgun over them to allow them to soften before. If you're using a heating gun, be cautious not to damage the sash or its railings by using the tool too close.

Once the old glazing points and putty are removed, prepare a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, forming it into a 1/2-inch thick. Place it into the rabbets where the glass will be placed. It's important that the glass is positioned against the putty on both sides So if you have to tap it, gently press the glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack you can fill it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk prior pressing it into the sash. If not, you'll have to apply putty on the crack to create an impervious seal to keep water out. Once the putty is dry clean the oily film off the glass and let it dry completely before you paint. Paint after the putty has dried completely. It won't create a solid seal and could leak or discolor with time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, you may be worried about the expense of replacing it. It's true that replacing a single pane glass doesn't have to be expensive even if you do it your own. In fact even windows with double panes can be replaced at less than the cost of a professional.

First, if you're working on a large-sized window, make sure it is securely fixed to the frame. This is relatively easy and fast using the proper tools and techniques.

When you are ready to start taking down the old window pane. Remove the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are small metal triangles that function as "nails" that hold the window within the frame. They are placed beneath a layer of glazing putty that is then cured to form a solid, formed wedge that holds the window firmly in place and conceals the window's points.

After removing 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. These should be sanded down to bare wood so that you can paint them the same color as the rest of the frame. After sanding the wood then apply a layer of flax oil. This will help to prolong the life of the frame.

Next, measure the size of the window opening. You will need to measure the vertical and replace Window Pane horizontal dimensions of the entire opening as well as the thickness. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure you have the exact size for the new pane. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Take these measurements to your local 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.