How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane could cause a lot of trouble. It could also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy-efficient or insulated windows to reap benefits like improved comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility costs.

It's a task you can take on yourself for less than the cost of hiring an expert. It requires the right equipment and an hour or two of your time.

Glass

If your single pane windows are old damaged, cracked or deteriorating, replacing them with newer insulated or tempered glass can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the original character of older homes. The process of replacing windows is simple and can be done by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. You will also require a replacement window pane, glazier's tips, pliers, and latex glazing putty. If needed you can make use of a heat gun to warm the old putty. Before starting, wear gloves and safety glasses as working with broken glass may cause injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. It is best to use pliers for this however, a flathead may be useful equally. Use a wood chisel, or putty knife to get rid of any old putty that remains around the frame and window sash. Work slowly and carefully, taking care not to damage the old window sash. It is a good idea to do this on a stable ladder rather than the ground and to place someone on the sash to help keep it steady.

After you have removed all the old putty, it is time to prepare the window frame to fit the new pane. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction and contraction, subtract 1/8 inch from the measurements of width and height. Bring these measurements to an hardware store or home center and find a piece glass cut to size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you possess the appropriate tools.

After putting in the new pane After installing the new pane, apply a small amount of caulking around the edge to seal it against weather. Install a glazier's point on both sides of the frame. This will secure the pane. The points should not be too tight that they cause friction between the frame and sash however they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty, 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, working from one corner to another so that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's facets are tiny triangular pieces of steel that allow glass to be secured into the frame of a window without damaging or scratching the delicate surface. Understanding how to use these little helpers is easy and could save you money on a professional installation or the cost of new glass.

Once the old putty and the glazier's point are gone and the frame is thoroughly cleaned with a utility knife to get rid of any remaining residue. If needed it is necessary to lightly sand the wood along grooves of the rabbet to smooth out rough areas. If you sand wood protect it with painter’s tape to prevent accidental damage.

Note down the dimensions of the frame. Take these dimensions to a hardware store or home center and have the new pane cut slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a secure fit and leave room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and push it in with your hands. Then, use the tip of your chisel or the back end 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 shoulders raised should be just beneath that lip.

Apply a small amount 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.

Install the new window sash when the glazing compound has dried. First, saturate the wood with a thick coat of linseed oil. This will keep the new putty from soaking up moisture and deteriorating and cracking with time. Use a brush to apply this coat, Replace Window pane or the tip of the putty blade. Then, use the chisel on the back of the tool or the back of the handle to gently smash the new sash or glazier's tip into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball that is thrown or a rock that is errant or a falling branch can cause a window to break or Replace window pane crack. Most windows can be repaired easily by putting in a new piece. The glass is held in place using small clips made of metal called a glazier's point and putty, often called glazing compound. Before you install a new pane, first take out the old one and clean the area with a rag and a pull-type paint scraper or the wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while doing this work. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll need use a heat gun to soften the adhesive before cutting it loose.

If you are planning to Replace window pane your original sash, remove the molding that holds the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready to receive 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 be leaking or fade over time.

Remove the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash where the glass is located. If they're difficult to chisel, hold the hand tool, like a heat gun over them to soften first. If you're using a heat gun, be careful not to cause damage to the sash or its railings by placing the tool too close.

Create the bed for your new pane after you have removed the old glaze points and putty. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, shaping it into a 1/2-inch thick. Place it into the rabbets where the glass will be placed. 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 cover it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk prior pressing it into the sash. In other cases, you'll need to putty over the crack to form an airtight seal and keep water out. When the putty dries and the film is oily, wipe it off the glass using the help of a rag. Allow it to completely dry before painting. If you paint before the putty has completely dry, it won't form a solid seal and could leak or discolor in time.

Paint

If you've had a broken window pane, then you may be worried about the expense of a new one. In reality, replacing a single pane glass window replacement doesn't have to be expensive even if you do it your own. In fact, even a double-pane window can be replaced for less than the cost of an expert.

If you're working with large glass windows, first make sure it is securely fixed to the frame. With the right tools and techniques, you can accomplish this task fairly easily and quick.

When you are ready to begin taking down the old window pane. Pry out the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are tiny metal triangles that function as "nails", holding the window in place. They are submerged under a bead of glazing putty, which transforms into a solid moulded wedge which holds the window in place and conceals the edges.

After you have the old pane removed Clean up the frame and wood. Scrape off any paint that has been used, and sand 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 coat of flax oil on the bare wood to help extend its lifespan.

Next, measure the dimensions of the window opening. It is necessary to take horizontal and vertical measurements of the entire opening, as well as the thickness of the old pane. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure you get a precise size for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass in times of seasonal changes. You can bring these measurements to a hardware store 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.