How to Replace Window pane Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window can cause a lot of trouble. It could be a chance to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones and enjoy advantages like improved comfort, increased resale value and lower utility costs.

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

Glass

If your single-pane windows are old broken, deteriorating or damaged replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated will increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while also preserving the historical integrity of older homes. The procedure of replacing windows is easy and can be accomplished by anyone with basic hand tools. You will also need an extra window pane, glazier's tips, pliers, and latex glaze putty. If you need to you may use a heating gun to warm the old putty. Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to starting. Working with broken glass could cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. This is best accomplished with the help of pliers but flathead screwdrivers can be effective in a pinch. Then, use a wooden chisel or putty knife remove the rest of the old putty around the frame and sash. Be careful to not scratch the window sash. Be careful and slow. This should be done on a ladder, not the ground. Also, ensure that someone lower to hold it steady.

Once you have removed all of the old putty, you can prepare the window replacements frame to fit the new pane. Measure the width and height of the opening in the sash and subtract 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 have cut a piece of glass stock to the proper size. Alternately, you can cut the glass yourself if you have the tools you need.

After installing the new glass Apply a small amount of caulking to the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then, you can install a glazier's pointing on the frame's opposite side to secure the pane into its place. The points should not be tight enough to create friction between the frame and sash However, they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty, knead it thoroughly until it's soft and free of lumps. Then you can roll it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be placed in the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to the next so that it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's facets are tiny triangular pieces of steel which help to secure glass into frames for windows without scratching or damaging the delicate surface. It's easy to understand how to use this nefarious tool, and you'll save money on the expense of a professional installation.

After taking off the old putty, glazier points, and any other residue, clean the frame thoroughly with an utility knife. If needed, lightly sand the wood in the grooves of the rabbets to smooth out rough areas. If you decide to sand wood, protect it with painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Write down the dimensions of the frame. These measurements can be brought to a home center or hardware store, and the new frame will be cut to a smaller size. This will ensure a snug fit and leave room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and push it in with your hands. Then, you can use the point of your chisel, or the back of the putty knife to pierce the glazier's points as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's points should be aligned with the top edge of your pane and the raised shoulders should be just beneath that lip.

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

After the glazing compound dries, you're ready to install the new window sash. First, saturate the wood with a heavy coat of Linseed oil. This will prevent the newly-created putty from drying out or cracking due to the moisture it absorbs. Apply the coat using a brush or the edge of your putty knife, and then employ the chisel or back end from the putty knife to gently press the new sash and glazier's point 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 branch falling could result in a broken or cracked window. Most windows can be replaced easily by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held into position by a small metal clip, also known as the glazier's point, and putty. This compound is also known as glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with an abrasive, pull-type scraper, or a wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while doing this work. You'll require a heat gun when the window is fixed to the frame.

If you are planning to replace the original sash, gently remove any molding pieces that are used to secure the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready for new caulk. Once the sash is put back in place then, you can apply a silicone caulk over the glass. This will ensure that it won't get soiled or discolor over time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets and the grooves in the sash where the glass sits. If they're difficult to cut out, try holding an instrument like a heat gun to soften them before you do. When using a heat tool, make sure to avoid damaging the sash and its railings.

Make a bed for your new pane by removing the old putty and glazing points. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, and form it to be around 1/2-inch thick. Then, push it into the rabbets in which the glass will rest. The glass must be positioned against the putty on both sides. If necessary, lightly tap your glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is damaged, you can use a silicone caulk or a glass glue based on solvents to fill in the crack prior to pressing it in the sash. In other cases, you'll need to apply putty on the crack to create an impervious seal to keep water out. After the putty has dried remove the oily film off 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 leak or discolor over time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, you may be concerned about the expense of replacing it. However, replacing a single glass pane doesn't need to cost a fortune when you do it yourself. Even a double-paned window could be replaced for a fraction of what it would cost an expert.

First, if you're working on a large window, make sure it is securely fastened to the frame. This can be made relatively simple and quick with the proper tools and techniques.

If you're ready to begin with the removal of the old window pane by removing the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are tiny metal triangles that act as "nails" to hold the window in the frame. They are placed under a bead of glazing putty, which hardens into a solid, moulded wedge that secures the window in place and conceals the edges.

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 were. They should be sanded to bare wood, to allow you to paint them the same shade as the rest of the frame. After sanding, apply a coat of flax oil on the wood's surface to extend the life of the frame.

Next, measure the dimensions of the window's opening. You'll need to determine 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 replace window Pane expansion and contraction of the glass during seasonal change. Bring these measurements to your local 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.