How to Replace Window Panes

A cracked window pane is an issue. This could be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones and enjoy benefits like increased comfort, increased resale values and lower utility costs.

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

Glass

Replace window Pane your old single-paned windows using tempered or insulation glass to improve energy efficiency, reduce noise, and preserve the historic integrity of your older home. The process of replacing the window pane is easy and can be accomplished by homeowners with basic hand tools. Alongside a replacement pane, the following tools are required such as latex glazing putty; pliers, glazier's points and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty, if needed. Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to starting. Working with broken glass could result in serious injuries.

Take out any broken glass pieces that remain. This is best done using the help of pliers but flathead screwdrivers can be effective in the pinch. Make use of a wood chisel or putty knife to get rid of any old putty remaining around the frame and window sash. Be careful not to break the window sash. Take your time and work slowly. It is recommended to work using a sturdy ladder rather than the ground and to place someone on the sash to help hold it in place.

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

After putting in the new glass, apply caulking to the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then install a glazier's point on the frame's opposite side to secure the pane into its place. The points should not be so tight that they cause friction between the sash and frame however they shouldn't be too loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, you must knead it thoroughly until it is smooth and free from lumps. Roll it into pencil-sized strips. Apply 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 metal which help to secure the glass to the frame without damaging the delicate surface. Knowing how to use these hidden tiny pieces of help is simple and can save you money on a professional installation or the cost of new glass.

After the old putty as well as the glazier's points have been removed and the frame is thoroughly cleaned with a utility knife to remove any remaining traces. If needed you can lightly sand the wood along the grooves of the rabbet to smooth out rough spots. If you do sand the wood, be sure to 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 smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure that the pane fits perfectly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new window in the frame and push it into the frame using your hand. Then, you can use the point of your chisel or back of the putty knife to make a tap on the glazier's facets, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's point should be in line with the top edge of the pane and the shoulders should be just beneath that lip.

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

When the glazing compound is dry, you're ready to install the new window sash. First, saturate the wood with a thick coat of linseed oil. This will prevent the newly-created putty drying out or cracking when it absorbs moisture. Use a brush to apply this coat, or the point of the blade. Then, use the chisel that is on the back of the putty tool or the back of the handle to gently hit the new sash, or glazier's tip into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown at you or a rock that is errant or a fallen branch can cause a window glass replacement to break or crack. Fortunately, the majority of windows can be replaced by simply putting a brand new piece of glass in its the proper place. The glass is held in place using tiny metal clips known as a glazier's point, and putty, often called glazing compound. Before installing a new pane, first take out the old one and clean the area using a rag and a pull-type paint scraper or a wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while working. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll need use a heat gun to soften the adhesive prior to prying it free.

If you are planning to reinstall your original sash, you must remove the mold that holds the old pane. Then, sand the sash to make sure it's flat and ready for a new caulk. Once the sash is 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 on the sash where the glass is. If they're difficult to work out, try placing the hand tool, such as a heat gun to soften them before you do. When using a heating tool, make sure to avoid damaging the sash and its railings.

Prepare a bed for your new pane by removing the old glaze and putty. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, and form it into a 1/2-inch thick. Press it into the rabbets, where the glass will be placed. It is crucial that the glass is positioned against the putty on both sides If you have to, lightly tap the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack you can fill it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk prior pressing it into the sash. Otherwise, you'll need to putty over the crack to create an impervious seal to keep water out. After the putty has dried clean the oily film off of the glass and allow it to dry completely before you paint. Paint before the putty is completely dry. It will not form a good seal and may be leaking or discoloring over time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a broken piece of glass. However, replacing a single glass pane doesn't require a huge amount of money if you do it yourself. In fact windows with double panes can be replaced for less than the cost of an expert.

If you are working with a large glass window, first make sure it is securely attached to the frame. This is relatively easy and quick with the right tools and techniques.

When you are ready to start with the removal of the window pane. Pry out the metal glazing points attached to it. These are tiny triangles of metal which act as "nails" to hold the window in the frame. They are buried beneath a glaze putty or bead that hardens to an unbreakable wedge which holds the wood frame securely in place and hides the sharp edges.

After removal of the old pane clean the frame and wood. Scrape off any old paint and sand Replace Window Pane the rabbet grooves that the glazing points were placed. These should be sanded down to bare wood so that you can paint them the same color as the rest the frame. After the sanding process, apply a coat of flax oil to the wood that is not sanded down to help extend its lifespan.

Next, measure the size of the window opening. You will need to take horizontal and vertical measurements of the entire opening, and also the thickness of the old pane. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure that you get a precise size for the new pane. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Take these measurements to the hardware or home improvement store, and they will have cut the glass 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.