How to replace Window pane Window Panes

A damaged window pane could be a nuisance. It could also be an opportunity to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows and enjoy benefits such as improved comfort, increased the value of resales and lower utility bills.

This is a project you could take on yourself for less than the cost of hiring a professional. You'll need only the right tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are outdated, deteriorating or broken replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and Replace Window Pane reduce noise while preserving the original character of older homes. The replacement of a window pane is relatively easy and can be completed by anyone with basic hand tools. In addition to a new pane, the following components are required for the replacement windows process: latex glazing putty Glazier's points; pliers and an electric heater to warm the old putty if required. Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to beginning. Working with broken glass can cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. It is recommended to use pliers, but a flathead can work as well. Then, use a wood chisel or putty knife to remove the remaining old putty around the frame and sash. Be careful not to break the window sash. Take your time and work slowly. This can be done best on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, ensure that someone on the ground to ensure it is held steady.

Prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane once you have removed the old putty. Take measurements of the width and height of the opening in the sash, subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be sent to an hardware or home centers store to get a piece cut of glass that is in stock to the correct size. You can cut the glass yourself if you have the right tools.

After installing the new glass After installing the glass, apply some caulking on the edges. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then, you can install a glazier's pointing on each side of the frame to hold the pane in its place. The points should not be tight enough to create friction between the frame and the sash however they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, knead thoroughly until it is smooth and free of lumps. Then you can roll it into pencil-sized strips. Place the first strip to the corner of the frame, working from one corner to another to ensure it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are tiny triangular metal pieces that allow glass to be secured into the window frame without damaging the delicate surface. Learning how to use these hidden tiny helpers is simple and can save you money on a professional installation or the cost of buying new glass.

After taking off the old putty, glazier points, and any other residue Clean the frame thoroughly with an utility knife. Lightly sand the frame in the rabbet grooves to smooth rough areas. If you do sand your wood, make sure to protect it with painter's tack to avoid accidental damage.

Take measurements of the empty frame and note down precise measurements. These dimensions can be taken to the hardware or home center store, and the new pane will be cut a bit smaller. This will ensure a snug fit and will allow room for expansion and contraction.

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

Apply a small amount of glazing compound over the edges of the glass that has been made and into the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Allow it to dry and replace window pane cure completely.

Once the glazing compound has dried and the glazing compound is dry, you can install the new window sash. The first step is to coat the wood with a thick coat of Linseed oil. This will prevent the newly-created putty from drying out and cracking due to the moisture it absorbs. Apply this coat using a brush or the tip 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 points into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball that is thrown, an errant rock or a falling branch can cause a window to break or crack. Fortunately, windows can be easily replaced by simply putting a brand new piece of glass in its place. The glass is held in place using tiny metal clips known as the glazier's pointed and putty, which is often called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using a rag, a pull-type scraper or wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses while you do this work. You'll need a heat gun when the window is fixed to the frame.

If you're planning to replace the original sash, take off the mold that holds the old pane. Then you can sand the sash down to ensure it's level and ready for a new caulk. Once the sash is re-installed, apply a new silicone caulk around the glass replacement windows to ensure that it will not leak or change color in time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets, or the grooves in the sash where the glass is. If they're difficult to work out, try placing the hand tool, such as a heat gun to soften them up first. If you're using a heat gun, make sure not to scratch the railings of the sash or the sash itself by using the tool too closely.

After the old glazing points and putty have been removed, prepare a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope made of glazing compound between your fingers, and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Then, you can press it into the rabbets, where the glass will be. The glass should rest against the putty on both sides. If necessary, lightly tap your glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can cover it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk prior to pressing it into the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you will need to use putty to keep water out. After the putty has dried remove the oily film off the glass and let it dry completely before you paint. If you paint before the putty has completely dry, it won't form a solid seal and could leak or discolor over time.

Paint

If you've had a broken window pane, you might be concerned about the expense of a new one. However, replacing a single glass pane doesn't require a huge amount of money If you can do it yourself. In fact, even a double-pane window can be replaced at a fraction of the cost of a professional.

First, if you are working on a large window, ensure that it is securely fixed to the frame. Using the proper tools and techniques to accomplish this task fairly easily and quick.

When you're ready to start with the removal of the old window pane by prying out the glazing points made of metal that are connected to it. These are basically small metal triangles that act as "nails" which hold the window in place in the wood frame. They are submerged under a bead of glazing putty that is then cured to form a solid, formed wedge that holds the window firmly in place and hides the edges.

After you have removed the old pane removed clean the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape away any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points were. Sand them down to clean wooden surfaces, allowing you to paint the frames the same shade. After sanding the wood you can apply a layer flax oil. This will help to prolong the life of the frame.

Next, measure the width 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 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 change. Bring these measurements to the hardware or home improvement store and have a piece 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.