How to replace window pane Window Panes

A cracked window pane can be a nuisance. It could also be an opportunity to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows, and reap benefits like improved comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility bills.

You can do it yourself for a less than what it would cost to hire an expert. You'll only require the right tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

If your single pane windows are old damaged, cracked or deteriorating replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated will improve energy efficiency and reduce noise while preserving the historic integrity of older homes. The procedure of replacing a window pane is relatively easy and can be completed by anyone with basic hand tools. You'll also require a replacement window pane, glazier's tips, pliers, and latex glazing putty. If you need to you may use a heating gun to warm the old putty. Wear safety goggles and gloves before you begin. Working with broken glass can cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. This is best done using pliers, but flathead screwdrivers can work in the pinch. Utilize 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 making sure not to damage the old window sash. It is recommended to do this using a sturdy ladder rather than on the ground and place someone on the sash to help hold it steady.

After you have removed all the old putty, you can prepare the window frame for the new pane. Find the width and the height of the opening in the sash and subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). Bring these measurements to a hardware store or home center, and have a piece of stock glass cut to size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you have the right tools.

After putting in the new pane after installing the new pane, put a tiny amount of caulking along the edge to ensure it is weatherproof. Then install a glazier's point on the frame's opposite side to secure the pane into place. The points shouldn't be too tight as to cause friction between the sash and frame however they should not be too 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. Place the first strip to the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to another so that it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces of steel which help to secure the glass into the window frame without causing damage to the delicate surface. Understanding how to use these tiny pieces of help is simple and can save you money on a professional installation or the cost of purchasing new glass.

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

Measure the empty frame's dimensions and note down precise measurements. Bring these measurements to an hardware store or home center and request that the new pane made slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a snug fit and will allow room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and press it into place firmly with your hand. Make use of the chisel's point or the back of the putty blade to smudge the glazier's points as illustrated 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 below the rabbet's lip. groove.

Apply a small amount of glazing compound over the edges of the glass that has been made and into the rabbet grooves, to seal and protect them. Allow it to dry and cure completely.

Install the new window sash once the glazing compound has dried. First, saturate the wood with a thick coat of linseed oil. This will stop the new putty from soaking in the moisture and drying out and cracking with time. Apply this coat using a brush or the edge of your putty knife, and then use the chisel or the back end from the putty knife to gently hammer the new sash and glazier's point into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A baseball hit or a rock thrown by error or a branch falling can cause a broken or cracked window pane. Fortunately, windows can be repaired by simply placing a new piece in the right place. The glass is held into position by a small metal clip, called a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also known as glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using an abrasive, pull-type scraper or wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses while you do this work. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll need use a heat gun to soften the adhesive before taking it off.

If you're planning to install the original sash in the future, take care to 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 re-installed, apply a new caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure that it will not leak or change color in time.

Remove the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash where the glass is located. If they're hard to cut, place an instrument like a heat gun over them to soften first. When using a heated tool, make sure to not damage the sash or its railings.

Make the bed for your new pane by removing the old glaze and putty. Roll a rope made of glazing compound between your fingers, and make it around 1/2 inch thick. Then, press it into the rabbets, where the glass will sit. It is crucial that the glass sits on the putty on each side So if you have to do so, gently tap the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can apply the silicone caulk or glass glue based on solvents to fill in the crack before pressing it into the sash. Otherwise, you'll need to putty over the crack to form an impervious seal to keep water out. After the putty has dried, wipe the oily film from the glass and let it dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it won't create a solid seal and could leak or discolor over time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, then you may be worried about the cost of a new one. In reality, replacing a single piece of glass doesn't have to be expensive if you do it on your own. In fact, even a double-pane window can be replaced at only a fraction of the cost of a professional.

If you are working with large glass windows first, ensure that it is securely fixed to the frame. This is relatively easy and quick with the proper tools and techniques.

When you're ready to start taking off the old window by prying out the glazing points of metal that are attached to it. These are small metal triangles that function as "nails", holding the window in the frame. They are placed under a bead of glazing putty, which transforms into a solid moulded wedge that holds the window firmly in place and hides the edges.

After removing the old pane, clean the frame and the wood. Scrape off any old paint and sand the rabbet grooves in which the glazing points were. They should be sanded to bare wood, so that you can paint them the same color as the rest the frame. After sanding the wood then apply a layer of flax oil. This will help to prolong the life of the frame.

Next, measure the dimensions of the window replacement companies's opening. It is necessary to measure the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the entire opening as well as the thickness. To get the exact size of the new pane subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasonal changes. Take these dimensions to the hardware or home improvement store and ask them to cut you 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 Replace Window Pane causing fogging.