How to replace window pane Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window can be a nuisance. It could also be an opportunity to upgrade your glass to energy-efficient or insulated windows and reap benefits like more comfort, higher resale value and reduced utility costs.

You can do it yourself for a fraction of what it would cost to hire an expert. You only need the right tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are outdated broken, deteriorating or damaged replacing them with more modern glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the original character of older homes. A majority of homeowners with hand tools can repair the window pane. Alongside a replacement pane, the following components are needed for the replacement process: latex glazing putty glazier's points; pliers; and an electric heater to warm the old putty if required. Wear safety goggles and gloves before you begin. Working with broken glass could cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. This is best done using a pair of pliers, though using flathead screwdrivers can be used in the pinch. Then, use a wood chisel or putty knife to remove the remaining old putty around the frame and sash. Work slowly and carefully making sure not to break the existing window sash. It is best to work using a sturdy ladder rather than on the ground and to have someone stand below the sash to help keep it in place.

Make sure the window frame is ready to receive the new pane once you have removed the old putty. Measure the width and height of the sash opening by subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). Take these measurements to the nearest hardware store or home center, and find a piece glass cut to size. You can cut the glass yourself if you possess the appropriate tools.

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

Before applying the putty on the surface, knead thoroughly until it is soft and free of lumps. Then you can roll it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be glued to the frame's corner. Work from one corner to another to ensure it's even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are tiny triangular pieces of steel which help to secure the glass into the window frame without damaging the delicate surface. It's easy to learn how to use this nefarious tool and you can save money on the expense of an installation by a professional.

After removing the old putty, glazier points as well as any remaining leftovers clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. If necessary it is necessary to lightly sand the wood along the rabbet grooves to smooth out rough areas. If you sand wood, protect it with painter's tape to protect it from damage caused by accidental sanding.

Note down the dimensions of the frame. Take these dimensions to an hardware store or 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 window in the frame and push it into the frame using your hand. Then, you can use the point of your chisel or back end of the putty knife to pierce the glazier's points as shown in Figure 11. When you're done, they should be in line with the top edge of the pane. the shoulders that are raised of the points should be below the rabbet's lip. groove.

Apply a thin bead of glazing compound on the edges of the glass that has been made and into the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Allow it to dry and cure fully.

Install the new window sash after the glazing compound has dried. First, coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will stop the new putty from drying out and cracking when it absorbs moisture. Apply the coat using a brush or the edge of your putty knife, then employ the chisel or back end from the putty knife to gently press the new sash and glazier's points into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches along the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball hit or a rock thrown by error, or a fallen tree can cause a broken or cracked window. Most windows can be repaired easily by installing a new piece. The glass is held in place by small clips made of metal called the glazier's pointed and putty, often called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with the rag, a scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses while doing this work. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll need to use a heat gun to soften the adhesive prior to prying it free.

If you're planning to install your original sash, remove the molding that holds the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready to receive new caulk. After the sash has been re-installed, apply a new silicone caulk around the glass to ensure it won't leak or discolor over time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets and the grooves in the sash that the glass sits. If they're difficult to cut out, you can try holding the hand tool, such as a heat gun over them to soften them before you do. When using a heat tool, make sure to not damage the sash's railings and sash.

Once the old glaze points and putty are removed, make a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, forming it to be around 1/2-inch thick. Place it into the rabbets where the glass will be put. The glass must be positioned 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 use the silicone caulk or glass glue made from solvents to cover the crack prior replace window pane to pressing it in the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you'll need to use putty to keep water out. When the putty dries, clean the oily film off the glass with the help of a rag. Allow it to completely dry before painting. Paint before the putty is completely dry. It won't form a good seal and may discolor or leak over time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, you might be worried about the expense of replacing it. The truth is, replacing a single pane of glass doesn't need to be costly even if you do it your own. Even double-paned windows can be replaced for a fraction of what it will cost for a professional.

If you are working with a large glass window first, ensure that it is securely fixed to the frame. This job can be made relatively simple and fast using the right tools and techniques.

When you are ready to begin taking down the old window pane. Pry out the metal glazing points attached to it. They are basically tiny metal triangles that act as "nails" which hold the window in within the frame of wood. They are buried beneath a layer of glazing putty that hardens into a solid, molded wedge that holds the window firmly in place and conceals the window pane replacement's points.

Once you have the old pane removed, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points used to be. These should be sanded down to bare wood to allow you to paint them the same color as the rest the frame. After sanding, apply a layer of flax oil on the bare wood to extend the life of the frame.

Then, take measurements of the dimensions of the window's opening. It is necessary to measure the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the entire opening, as well as the thickness. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure you get the exact measurement for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasons of change. You can bring these measurements to a hardware store or home improvement shop and get 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.