How to Replace window pane Window Panes

A cracked window pane can cause a lot of trouble. It can also be an opportunity to upgrade your glass to energy-efficient or insulated windows to benefit from greater comfort, a higher resale value and reduced utility bills.

You can do it yourself for a fraction of what it would cost of replacement windows uk 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If your single-pane windows are outdated damaged, cracked or deteriorating replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated will increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the historical integrity of older homes. The process of replacing a window pane is relatively simple and can be done by homeowners with basic hand tools. Alongside a replacement pane, the following components are needed such as latex glazing putty; Glazier's points; pliers and an electric heater to warm the old putty, if necessary. Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to beginning. Working with broken glass could result in serious injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. This can be done with a pair of pliers, though using a flathead screwdriver can also work in the pinch. Then, use a wooden chisel or putty knife to take the remainder of the old putty around the frame and sash. Take your time and work slowly, taking care not to break the existing window sash. This should be done on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, have someone on the ground to ensure it is held steady.

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

After installing the new pane, run a small bead of caulking around the edge to ensure it is weatherproof. Install a glazier's point on both sides of the frame. This will help secure the pane. The points shouldn't be too tight that they create friction between the frame and sash however they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, knead thoroughly until it becomes soft and free of lumps. Then you can roll it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip in the corner of the frame, working from one corner to the next so that it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are the small triangular pieces of metal that allow glass to be secured into the frame of a window without scratching or damaging the delicate surface. It's easy to learn how to use this nefarious tool and you can save money on the expense of a professional installation.

After taking off the old putty, glazier points and any residue, clean the frame thoroughly with an utility knife. If needed you can lightly sand the wood along grooves of the rabbet to smooth rough spots. If you decide to sand the wood, make sure to protect it by using painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Note down the dimensions of the frame. Take these dimensions 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 tight fit and will allow room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and push it into place firmly with your hand. Then use the point of your chisel or back of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's facets, as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's points should be in line with the top edge of the pane and the shoulders should be just below that lip.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the rabbet grooves and the edges of new glass. This will seal and protect the edges. Let it 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 prevent the newly-created putty drying out or cracking due to the moisture it absorbs. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or the point of the blade. Then use the chisel on the back of the putty tool or the back of the putty handle to gently hammer the new sash or glazier's point into grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches all 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 easily replaced by simply putting a brand new piece in place. The glass is held into the position with a tiny metal clip, called the glazier's point, and Replace Window Pane putty. This compound is also known as glazing compound. Before installing a replacement pane, first get rid of the old one and clean the area using an abrasive and an abrasive scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves when working. If the window is attached to the frame, you'll need to make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive before prying it free.

If you plan to reinstall the original sash, gently remove the molding pieces that hold the old pane in place. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready for new caulk. After the sash has been put back in place, you can apply a silicone caulk over the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't leak over time or discolor.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets, or the grooves in the sash that the glass is. If they're hard to chisel, use the hand tool, such as a heating gun over them to soften first. When using a heating tool, be careful to avoid damaging the sash or its railings.

Make the bed for your new pane by removing the old glaze and putty. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, and form it to be around 1/2-inch thick. Place it into the rabbets, where the glass will be put. It is essential that the glass sits on the putty in all places on each side, so if you need to do so, gently tap the glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack then you can seal it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk prior to pressing it into the sash. Otherwise, you'll need to putty over the crack to create an airtight seal and keep water out. Once the putty is dry clean the oily film from the glass and let it dry completely before you paint. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it will not form a strong seal and may be leaking or discoloring in time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a damaged piece of glass. It's true that replacing a single pane glass doesn't have to be expensive when you do it on your own. In fact windows with double panes can be replaced at a fraction of the cost of a professional.

If you are working on a large-sized window, ensure that it is securely fixed to the frame. Using the proper tools and techniques you can accomplish this task fairly easily and speedy.

When you are ready to begin taking down the old window pane. Pry out the metal glazing points that are attached to it. They are basically tiny metal triangles that function as "nails" that hold the window in place within the frame of wood. They are placed under a bead of glazing putty that transforms into a solid moulded wedge that holds the window firmly in place and hides the window's points.

After taking off the old pane clean the frame and the wood. Scrape away any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were. These should be sanded to bare wood so that you can paint them the same color as the rest the frame. After sanding, apply a layer of flax oil on the wood's surface to extend the life of the frame.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of the window's opening. You will need 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 have the exact size for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasons of change. 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.