How to Replace Window pane Window Panes

A damaged window pane can be an issue. This could be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones to enjoy benefits like increased comfort, higher resale value and reduced utility bills.

It's a project you can tackle yourself at a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional. You only need the appropriate tools and a few minutes of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are old broken, deteriorating or damaged, replacing them with newer insulated or tempered glass can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while maintaining the historic integrity of older homes. The process of replacing windows is simple and can be done by anyone with basic hand tools. In addition to a replacement pane, the following tools are required such as latex glazing putty; pliers, glazier's points and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty if required. Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to beginning. Working with broken glass can cause serious injuries.

Take out any broken glass pieces remaining. This can be done with the help of pliers though using a flathead screwdriver can also be used in the pinch. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knives to remove any old putty that remains around the frame and window sash. Be careful not to damage the window handle replacement sash. Take your time and work slowly. This should be done on an elevated ladder, not on the ground. Also, have someone lower to keep it in place.

Once you've removed all the old putty, prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction and contraction, subtract 1/8 inch from the measurements of the width and height. These measurements can be taken to an hardware or home centers store to get cut a piece of stock glass to the right size. Alternately, you can cut the glass yourself if have the tools you need.

After putting the new pane in place After installing the new pane, apply a small amount of caulking around the edges to seal it against weather. Then install a glazier's point on the frame's opposite side to hold the pane in its place. The points shouldn't be too tight that they create friction between the sash and the frame but they should not be too loose.

Before putting the putty on, knead it thoroughly until it's soft and free of lumps. Make it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be glued to the frame's corner. Work from corner to corner to ensure it's even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier’s points are small triangular metal pieces that help secure the glass to the frame without damaging the delicate surface. It's simple to learn how to use this hidden tool, and you'll be able to save money on the expense of an expert installation.

After the old putty as well as the glazier's points have been removed Clean the frame thoroughly with a knife to get rid of any remaining residue. Lightly sand the frame in the rabbet grooves if needed to smooth rough areas. If you sand wood, cover it with painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Take the dimensions of the frame and write down accurate measurements. Take 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 will allow room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and push it into the frame using your hand. Then use the point of your chisel, or the back of the putty knife to make a tap on the glazier's points, as shown in Figure 11. After you're done, the points should be flush with the top edge of the pane and the raised shoulders of the points should be just below the lip of the rabbet groove.

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

Once the glazing compound has dried and the glazing compound is dry, you can install the new window sash. First, coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will stop the new putty from sucking in the moisture and drying out and cracking with time. Apply this coat with a brush or the tip of your putty knife, and then use the chisel, or the back end of the putty knife to gently press the new sash and glazier's points into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown or a rock thrown by error, or a fallen tree could result in a broken or cracked window. Fortunately, windows can be replaced by simply putting a new piece of glass in its the proper place. The glass is held in place by a small metal clip called the glazier's pointed and putty, also called glazing compound. Before installing a replacement pane, first take out the old one and clean the area using an abrasive and the pull-type paint scraper or a wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while you do this work. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll need to use a heat gun to soften the adhesive prior to taking it off.

If you are planning to install the original sash, take off the mold that holds the old pane. Then, sand the sash to ensure it's level and ready for a new caulk. Once the sash is put back in place it is possible to apply a silicone caulk to the glass. This will ensure that it won't be leaking or fade over time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets, the grooves in the sash, where the glass is. If they're hard to chisel out, try holding the hand tool, such as a heat gun over them to soften them first. When using a heat tool, make sure to avoid damaging the sash's railings and sash.

Once the old glaze 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 must be positioned against the putty on both sides. If needed gently tap your glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked then you can seal it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk prior to pressing it into the sash. Otherwise, you'll need to putty over the crack to create a tight seal and keep water out. After the putty has dried clean the oily film off of the glass and let it dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it won't create a strong seal and may discolor or leak in time.

Paint

If you've suffered a break in a window pane, then you may be worried about the cost of a new one. In reality, replace window pane replacing a single pane of glass doesn't have to be costly even if you do it your own. Even double-paned windows can be replaced for a fraction of the price it will cost for a professional.

First, if you are working on a large window, make sure that it is securely fixed to the frame. This can be made relatively simple and fast with the right tools and techniques.

Once you're ready to begin taking off the old window pane by removing the metal glazing points that are connected to it. These are basically small metal triangles that function as "nails" which hold the window in in the wood frame. They are buried beneath a bead or glazing glue that hardens to a solid wedge that holds the wood frame in place and hides the sharp edges.

After taking off the old pane clean the frame and the wood. Scrape away any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were. These should be sanded to bare wood so that you can paint them the same shade as the rest of the frame. After sanding, apply a layer of flax oil to the bare wood to extend the life of the frame.

Then, you need to measure the width of the window opening. You will need to take horizontal and vertical 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 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.