How to Replace Window Pane Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window is a nuisance. It can also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows, and enjoy benefits such as greater comfort, a higher potential for resales, and less costs.

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

Glass

If your single-pane windows are old, deteriorating or broken, replacing them with newer glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while maintaining the historical integrity of older homes. The procedure of replacing a window pane is relatively easy and can be completed by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. You will also need an additional window pane, glazier's tips pliers, and latex glazing putty. If you need to, you can use a heating gun to warm the old putty. Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to beginning. Working with broken glass could cause serious injuries.

Remove any broken glass pieces remaining. This is best done using a pair of pliers, though using a flathead screwdriver may work in a pinch. After that, use a wood chisel, or putty knife, to remove the rest of the old putty from around the frame and sash. Be careful and slow, taking care not to damage the old window sash. This is best done on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, have someone below the sash hold it steady.

Make sure that the window frame is ready to accept the new pane when you have removed the old putty. Measure 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 an hardware store or home center and Replace Window Pane get a piece of stock glass cut to size. You can also cut the glass yourself if have the tools you need.

After putting the new pane in place, run a small bead of caulking along the edge to make it weatherproof. Then, you can install a glazier's pointing on each side of the frame to hold the pane in place. The points should not be too tight that they cause friction between the frame and sash however they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, gently knead it until it is smooth and free from lumps. Make it into pencil-sized strips. Place the first strip 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 facets are tiny triangular pieces of steel that help secure glass into frames for windows without damaging or scratching the delicate surface. It's simple to learn how to use this hidden tool and you can save money on the cost of a professional installation.

After taking off the old putty, glazier points, and any other leftovers, clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. Lightly sand the frame in the rabbet grooves to smooth rough areas. If you decide to sand wood, cover it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Write down the dimensions of the frame. These measurements can be brought to an hardware or home centers store and the new pane will be cut slightly smaller. This will ensure that the pane fits snugly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Insert the new pane into the frame and press it down using your hands. Use the point of the chisel or the back of the putty blade to tap in the glaziers' points as illustrated in Figure 11. When you're done taping, they should be level with the top edge of the pane and the raised shoulders of the points should be just below the rabbet's lip. groove.

Apply a thin bead 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.

Install the new window sash once the glazing compound has dried. 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 employ the chisel or back end of the knife to gently hammer the new sash and glazier's points into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches along the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball hit, a rock thrown in error, or a tree falling can result in a cracked or cracked window pane. Most windows can be replaced by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held in place using small clips made of metal called a glazier's point and putty, also called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using the rag, a pull-type scraper, or a wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves when working. You'll require a heat gun if the window is glued into the frame.

If you are planning to replace window glass near me your original sash, remove the mold that holds the old pane. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready for new caulk. Once the sash is installed then, apply a new silicone caulk around the glass to ensure it won't leak or discolor as time passes.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets and the grooves in the sash that the glass is. If they're difficult to work out, try placing an instrument like a heat gun to soften them up first. When using a heating tool, make sure to not scratch the sash or its railings.

Prepare the bed for your new pane after removing the old glaze points and putty. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, and form it into a 1/2-inch thick. Press it into the rabbets where the glass will be put. The glass must rest against the putty on both sides. If you need to, lightly tap your glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can apply the silicone caulk or glass glue made from solvents to seal the crack prior to pressing it into the sash. In other cases, you'll need to putty over the crack to form an airtight seal and keep water out. Once the putty is dry clean the oily film off the glass and allow it to dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it won't create a strong seal and may leak or discolor over time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, you might be worried about the expense of a new one. In reality, replacing a single pane of glass doesn't have to be costly if you do it on your own. In fact, even a replacement double glazing windows-pane window can be replaced for a fraction of the cost of an expert.

If you are working with large glass windows, first make sure it is securely attached to the frame. This task can be made relatively simple and quick with the proper tools and techniques.

When you're ready to start, begin by removing the old window pane by removing the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. They are basically tiny metal triangles that act as "nails" which hold the window in place within the frame of wood. They are submerged beneath a layer of glazing putty that transforms into a solid molded wedge which holds the window in place and conceals the edges.

After you have the old pane removed, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape away any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points were. Sand them down to bare wooden surfaces, allowing you to paint the frames with the same color. After sanding, apply a coat of flax oil to the wood that is not sanded down to prolong its life.

Then, take measurements of the dimensions of the window opening. You'll need to take horizontal and vertical measurements of the entire opening as well as the thickness of the old pane. To determine the exact dimensions of the new pane subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass in times of seasonal change. Bring these measurements to the hardware or home improvement store, and they will 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.