How to replace Window pane Window Panes

A cracked window pane is an issue. This could be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones, and reap benefits such as improved comfort, higher resale value and reduced utility bills.

You can do it yourself at less than what it would cost to employ an expert. It requires the right tools and only an hour or two of your time.

Glass

If your single pane windows are old broken, deteriorating or damaged, replacing them with newer glass that is tempered or insulated can improve energy efficiency and reduce noise while preserving the original character of older homes. A majority of homeowners with hand tools can repair a window pane. 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 required. Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to starting. Working with broken glass can cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. It is recommended to use pliers for this however a flathead could be used equally. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knives to remove any old putty remaining around the frame and the window sash. Be careful to not break the window sash. Be careful and slow. This can be done best on a ladder, not the ground. Also, you should have someone below the sash ensure it is held steady.

Make sure that the window frame is ready to receive the new pane when you have removed the old glue. Take measurements of 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 find a piece glass cut to size. Alternatively, you can cut the glass yourself if have the right tools.

After putting in the new glass Apply some caulking around the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then, you can install a glazier's pointing on the frame's opposite side to hold the pane in the right place. The points should not be so tight that they create friction between the sash and frame but they shouldn't be too loose.

Before putting the putty on, make sure to knead it until it's 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 the next, making sure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's facets are small triangular pieces of metal that help secure glass into frames for windows without scratching or damaging the fragile surface. It's easy to learn how to use this secret tool and you can save money on the cost of an expert installation.

After getting rid of the old putty glazier points and any residue, clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. Lightly sand the wood in the rabbet grooves to smooth rough areas. If you decide to sand the wood, ensure you protect it with painter's tack to avoid accidental damage.

Note down the exact dimensions of the frame. Bring these measurements 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 perfectly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and press it down with your hands. Then, use the tip of your chisel or back of the putty knife to make a tap on the glazier's facets, as illustrated in Figure 11. When you're done, they should be flush with the top edge of the pane, and the shoulders that are raised of the points should be just below the rabbet's rim groove.

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

After the glazing compound dries and the glazing compound is dry, replace window pane you can install the new window sash. The first step is to coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will prevent the new putty from taking in the moisture and drying out and cracking with time. Apply this coat using a brush or the tip of your putty knife, and then use the chisel, or the back end of the knife to gently hammer in the new sash and glazier's tips into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A baseball that is thrown, an errant rock or a fallen branch can cause a window to break or crack. Fortunately, windows can be repaired by simply placing a new piece of glass in its the right place. The glass is held in place using a small metal clip called a glazier's point and putty, which is often called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using the rag, a pull-type scraper or wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while working. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll need employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive prior to cutting it loose.

If you are planning to replace your original sash, remove the mold that holds the old pane. Then you can sand the sash down to make sure it's flat and ready for new caulk. Once the sash is reinstalled then, you can apply a silicone caulk to the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't leak over time or discolor.

Take out the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, where the glass is. If they're hard to cut, place the hand tool, like a heat gun over them for a few minutes to soften them. If you're using a heat gun, be careful not to cause damage to the sash or its railings by using the tool too closely.

Once the old glazing points and putty are removed, make a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope made of glazing compound between your fingers and make it around 1/2 inch thick. Then, you can press it into the rabbets, where the glass will rest. The glass must rest against the putty on both sides. If needed you want to tap your glass lightly into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can cover it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk before pressing it into the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you'll need to use putty to keep water out. After the putty is dry and the film is oily, wipe it off the glass with the help of a rag. Allow it to dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it won't form a strong seal and may leak or discolor over time.

Paint

If you've had a broken window pane, you might be worried about the cost of a new one. The truth is, replacing a single piece of glass doesn't need to be costly when you do it on your own. In fact even windows with double panes can be replaced for less than the cost of a professional.

If you are working with a large glass window first ensure it is securely attached to the frame. This job can be done relatively easy and fast with the appropriate tools and techniques.

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

After removal of the old pane clean the frame and wood. Scrape off any old paint and sand the rabbet grooves in which the glazing points were. Sand them to bare wooden surfaces so you can paint the frames with the same shade. After the sanding process, apply a coat of flax oil on the wood's surface to extend the life of the frame.

Next, measure the width of the window opening. You'll need to take vertical and horizontal measurements of the entire opening as well as the thickness of the old pane. 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 replacement windows. Bring these measurements to a hardware or home improvement store and ask them to cut you 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 replace window Pane 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.