How to Replace Window Panes

A cracked window pane is an issue. It could be a chance to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones and enjoy benefits like increased comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility costs.

This is a project you could tackle yourself at only a fraction of the cost of replacement windows uk of hiring a professional. You only need the proper tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are outdated damaged, cracked or deteriorating replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while maintaining the historical integrity of older homes. Most homeowners with basic hand tools can repair windows with ease. In addition to a replacement pane, the following tools are required such as latex glazing putty; Glazier's points; pliers and a heat gun for warming the old putty, if needed. Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to beginning. Working with broken glass could cause serious injuries.

Remove any broken glass pieces that remain. This can be done with pliers, however, a flathead screwdriver may be effective in the pinch. Use a wood chisel, or putty knife to get rid of any remaining old putty around the frame and the window sash. Take your time and work slowly and be careful not to damage the old window sash. It is recommended to work on a stable ladder rather than on the ground and to have someone standing below the sash to help hold it steady.

After you have removed all the old putty, it is time to prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction, subtract 1/8 inch each from the measurements of width and height. These measurements can be taken to a hardware or home center store to have a piece cut of stock glass to the right size. You can also cut the glass yourself, if you have the right tools.

After installing the new pane After installing the new pane, apply a small amount 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 the right place. The points shouldn't be tight enough to create friction between the frame and the sash However, they should not be loose.

Before putting the putty on, work it in a gentle manner until it is soft and free of lumps. 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 points are tiny triangular pieces of steel that help secure glass into a window frame without damaging or scratching the delicate surface. Learning how to use these little helpers is easy and could save you money on a professional installation or the cost of new glass.

After getting rid of the old putty glazier points and cost Of replacement windows uk any residue clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife. Lightly sand the frame in the rabbet grooves, if necessary, to smooth rough areas. If you decide to sand the wood, be sure to protect it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Note down the exact dimensions of the frame. These measurements can be taken to a home center or hardware store and the new pane will be cut slightly smaller. This will ensure that the pane fits perfectly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new window in the frame and press it into the frame using your hand. Make use of the chisel's point, or the edge of the putty blade to smudge the glaziers' points as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's points should be flush against the top edge of your pane and the shoulders raised should be just beneath that lip.

Apply a thin bead of glazing compound on the edges of the new glass and into the rabbet grooves, to seal and protect them. Let it dry completely and cure.

Install the new window sash when the glazing compound has dried. The first step is to coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will prevent the newly-created putty from drying out or cracking when it absorbs moisture. Use a brush to apply this coat, or the tip of the blade. Then, use the chisel that is on the back of the putty tool or the back of the putty handle to gently hammer the new sash or glazier's tip into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball hit or a rock thrown in error, or a fallen tree could result in a broken or cracked window. Fortunately, windows can be replaced by simply putting a brand new piece in the proper place. The glass is held in place with small clips made of metal called a glazier's point, and putty, also called glazing compound. Before installing a replacement window glass pane, first take out the old one and clean up the area using the help of a rag, the pull-type paint scraper or a wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while working. If the window is attached to the frame, you'll need employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive prior to taking it off.

If you are planning to replace your original sash, remove the mold that holds the old pane. Then, sand the sash to make sure it's flat and ready for a new caulk. Once the sash is re-installed, apply a new silicone caulk to the glass to ensure it doesn't swell or fade over time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets and the grooves in the sash, where the glass sits. If they're hard to chisel out, try holding the hand tool, such as a heat gun to soften them before you do. If you're using a heating gun, be careful not to damage the railings of the sash or the sash itself by holding the tool too close.

Make a bed for your new pane after removing the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, forming it into a 1/2-inch thick. Then, you can press it into the rabbets where the glass will rest. It's important that the glass rests against the putty on each side If you have to, lightly tap the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked you can fill it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk before pressing it into the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you will need to apply putty to keep the water out. When the putty dries, clean the oily film off the glass with a rag and allow it to dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty has completely dry, it won't create a strong seal and may be leaking or discoloring in time.

Paint

If you've suffered a break in a window pane, cost of replacement windows uk you may be concerned about the expense of replacing it. It's true that replacing a single pane glass doesn't need to be costly if you do it on your own. In fact windows with double glazing replacement window panes can be replaced for less than the cost of a professional.

If you are working with a large glass window first, ensure that it is securely attached to the frame. This task can be done relatively easy and quick with the right tools and techniques.

When you are ready to begin, remove the old window pane. Take out the metal glazing points attached to it. These are basically small metal triangles that function as "nails" which hold the window in place in the wood frame. They are buried under a bead of glazing putty that is then cured to form a solid, molded wedge that secures the window in place and hides the edges.

After taking off the old pane clean the frame and the wood. Scrape off any paint that has been used and sand the rabbet grooves in which the glazing points were. They should be sanded to bare wood to allow you to paint them the same color as the rest the frame. After sanding, apply a coat of flax oil to the wood that is not sanded down to help extend its lifespan.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of the window's opening. You'll need to determine the horizontal and vertical 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 allow for seasonal changes in the glass. You can take these measurements to a hardware or home improvement store and have 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.