How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane could be a source of frustration. It could be a chance to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones to enjoy benefits such as improved comfort, increased resale values and reduced utility costs.

You can do it yourself for a less than what it would cost to employ an expert. You'll need only the proper tools and a few minutes of your time.

Glass

If your single pane windows are old damaged, cracked or deteriorating replacing them with more modern glass that is tempered or insulated can improve energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the historic integrity of older homes. The procedure of replacing windows is simple and can be done by homeowners with basic hand tools. You'll also require an extra window pane, repaired glazier's suggestions, pliers, and latex glaze putty. If needed you can make use of a heat gun to warm the old putty. Before beginning, wear gloves and safety goggles as working with broken glass could cause injuries.

Take away any broken glass pieces remaining. It is recommended to use pliers for this, but a flathead can be used equally. Use a wood chisel, or putty knives to remove any old putty that remains around the frame and window sash. Be careful not to scratch the window sash. Be careful and slow. It is best to work on a stable ladder instead of the ground, and to have someone standing below the sash in order to help hold it steady.

Once you've removed all the old putty, it is time to prepare the window frame for the new pane. Measure the width and height of the opening for the sash, subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be sent to a home center or hardware store to have a piece cut of glass that is in stock to the correct size. Alternately, you can cut the glass yourself, if you have the tools you need.

After putting the new pane in place 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 shouldn't be so tight that they create friction between the sash and frame but they shouldn't be too loose.

Before putting the putty on, knead it thoroughly until it is smooth and free of lumps. Roll it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the frame's corner. Work from one corner to the next and ensure that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are tiny triangular pieces of steel which help to secure the glass to the frame without causing damage to the delicate surface. It's simple to learn how to use this nefarious tool, and you'll save money on the expense of an installation by a professional.

After getting rid of the old putty glazier points and any residue Clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife. If necessary you can lightly sand the wood along rabbet grooves to smooth out rough spots. If you sand wood, cover it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Measure the empty frame's dimensions and write down accurate measurements. These dimensions can be taken to an hardware or home centers store and the new pane will be cut to a smaller size. This will ensure that the pane fits snugly 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 the back of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. After you're done, the points should be level with the top edge of the pane, and the raised shoulders of the points should be below the rabbet's rim groove.

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

After the glazing compound dries, you're ready to install the new replacement window handle sash. First, coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will stop the new putty drying out or cracking due to the moisture it absorbs. Apply this coat with a brush or the tip of your putty knife, and then employ the chisel or back end of the putty knife to gently hammer the new sash and glazier's point into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball hit or a rock thrown in error, or a tree falling can result in a cracked or cracked window pane. Most windows can be repaired easily by putting in a new piece. The glass is held in place using tiny metal clips known as a glazier's point and putty, also called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with an abrasive, pull-type scraper, or a wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses when you work. You'll need a heating gun when the window is fixed into the frame.

If you are planning to replace the original sash in the future, take care to remove the molding pieces that secure the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready to receive new caulk. After the sash has been re-installed, apply a new caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure it will not leak or change color as time passes.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets, or the grooves in the sash that the glass sits. If they're difficult to work out, try placing an instrument like a heat gun over them to soften them before you do. If you're using a heat gun, be cautious not to cause damage to the railings or sash by using the tool too closely.

Once the old points of glazing and putty have been removed prepare a bed for the new pane. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, and form it to be about 1/2-inch thick. Place it into the rabbets where the glass will be put. It is essential that the glass is positioned against the putty in all places on both sides So if you have to tap it, gently press the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has damaged, you can use a silicone caulk or glass glue made from solvents to seal the crack prior to pressing it in the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you'll require putty to keep water out. After the putty has dried and the film is oily, wipe it off the glass using the help of a rag. Allow it to dry completely prior to painting. Paint after the putty has completely dried. It won't form a good seal and could discolor or leak over time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a broken pane of glass. In reality, replacing a single piece of glass doesn't need to be expensive even if you do it your own. Even a double-paned window can be replaced for a fraction of the price it costs for a professional.

If you are working with a large glass window, first make sure it is securely fixed to the frame. This job can be done relatively easy and fast with the proper tools and techniques.

When you are ready to start taking down the old window pane. Pry out the metal glazing points that are attached to it. They are basically tiny metal triangles which function as "nails" which hold the window replacement companies in place within the frame of wood. They are placed under a bead of glazing putty that hardens into a solid, moulded wedge that secures the window in place and hides the edges.

Once you have the old pane taken away Clean up the frame and wood. Scrape away any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points used to be. These should be sanded down to the point of being bare, to allow you to paint them the same shade as the rest of the frame. After sanding the wood, apply a layer of flax oil. This will help prolong the life of the frame.

Next, measure the width of the window's opening. It is necessary to measure the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the entire opening as well as the thickness. To determine the exact dimensions 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 store or home improvement shop and get 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.