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 and enjoy advantages like improved comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility costs.

This is a project you could tackle yourself at less than the cost of hiring an expert. You'll need only the right tools and a few minutes 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If your single-pane windows are outdated damaged, cracked or deteriorating replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated will improve energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the historical integrity of older homes. The procedure of replacing the window pane is easy and can be completed by anyone with basic hand tools. Alongside a replacement pane, the following tools are required for the replacement process: latex glazing putty pliers, glazier's points and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty if required. Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin. Working with broken glass could cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. It is best to use pliers for this however a flathead could be useful as well. Then, use a wooden chisel, or putty knife, to remove the remaining old putty around the frame and the sash. Work slowly and carefully and be careful not to break the existing window sash. This is best done on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, ensure that someone below the sash keep it in place.

Make sure that the window frame is ready to accept the new pane once you have removed the old putty. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction, subtract 1/8 inch each from the measurements of the width and height. Bring these measurements to the nearest 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 right tools.

After installing the new pane, run a small bead of caulking around the edges 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 cause friction between the frame and sash However, they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, gently knead it until it is smooth and free from lumps. Roll it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be glued to the corner of the frame. Work from corner to corner to ensure it's even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are tiny triangular pieces of metal that allow glass to be secured to the frame without causing any damage to the fragile surface. It's easy to learn how to use this hidden tool and you can save money on the expense of a professional installation.

After the old putty as well as the glazier's points have been removed, thoroughly clean the frame with a utility knife to eliminate any remaining traces. If needed, lightly sand the wood in the grooves of the rabbet to smooth rough spots. If you decide to sand wood, protect it with painter’s tape to protect it from damage caused by accidental sanding.

Take the dimensions of the frame and note down precise measurements. Take these dimensions to a hardware store or home center, and replace Window Pane have the new pane cut 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 into the frame and push it into the frame using your hand. Make use of the chisel's point, or the back of the putty blade to tap in the glaziers' points as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's point should be flush against the top edge of the pane and the shoulders should be just beneath that lip.

Apply a thin bead of glazing compound on the edges of the new glass and into the rabbet grooves, to seal and protect them. Let it dry and cure completely.

Once the glazing compound has dried, you're ready to install the new window sash. The first step is to coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will stop the new putty from soaking up the moisture and drying out and cracking with time. Apply this coat using a brush or the edge of your putty knife, then use the chisel or the back end from the putty knife to gently hammer the new sash and glazier's tips into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown at you, an errant rock or falling branch could cause a window pane to crack or break. Fortunately, the majority of windows can be easily replaced by simply putting a new piece in the right place. The glass is held in place using a small metal clip called a glazier's point, and putty, often 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 while you do this work. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll have to employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive prior to prying it free.

If you are planning to Replace Window Pane the original sash, remove any pieces of molding that hold the old pane in place. 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 it won't leak or discolor in time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets, or the grooves in the sash, where the glass is. If they're hard to cut, place the hand tool, such as a heatgun over them for a few minutes to soften them. If you're using a heating gun, be cautious not to cause damage to the sash or its railings by placing the tool too closely.

Prepare a bed for your new pane after removing the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, shaping 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 is positioned against the putty in all places on both sides, so if you need to, lightly tap the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked you can fill it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk prior to pressing it into the sash. Otherwise, you'll need to apply putty over the crack to form an impervious seal to keep water out. When the putty dries then clean the oily film off the glass using the help of a rag. Allow it to completely dry before painting. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it won't form an effective seal and could leak or discolor in time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a broken pane of glass. The truth is, replacing a single piece of glass doesn't need to be costly 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.

First, if you are working on a large-sized window replacement, ensure that it is securely fixed to the frame. With the right tools and techniques you can complete this task easily and speedy.

If you're ready to begin taking off the old window by removing the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are tiny metal triangles that function as "nails", holding the window in the frame. They are submerged beneath a bead or glazing glue that sets to form a solid wedge which holds the wood frame in place and hides the sharp edges.

Once you have the old pane taken away Clean up the frame and wood. Scrape away any paint and Replace Window Pane sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were. Sand them down to clean wood surfaces, so that you can paint the frames with the same shade. After sanding, apply a layer of flax oil to the wood's surface to prolong its life.

Then, you need to measure the size 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 size of the new pane subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Take these dimensions to the hardware 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.