How to Replace Window Pane Window Panes

A cracked window pane is a nuisance. It could also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows, and enjoy benefits such as more comfort, higher potential for resales, and less bills.

You can do it yourself for 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

If your single-pane windows are old, deteriorating or broken, replacing them with newer glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while preserving the historical integrity of older homes. The replacement of the window pane is simple and can be done by homeowners with basic hand tools. Alongside a replacement pane, the following tools are required: latex glazing putty; glazier's points; pliers; and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty, if needed. Before starting, put on gloves and safety goggles as working with broken glass may cause injuries.

Remove any broken glass pieces remaining. It is recommended to use pliers however, a flathead may be used as well. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knife to get rid of any old putty remaining around the frame and window sash. Be careful to not damage the window sash. Be careful and slow. This can be done best on a ladder, not the ground. Also, you should have someone lower to keep it in place.

Make sure that the window frame is ready to accommodate 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 get a piece of stock glass cut to size. You can also cut the glass by 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. Then, you can install a glazier's pointing on each side of the frame to hold the pane in place. The points shouldn't be tight enough to create friction between the frame and the sash, but they should also not be loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, gently knead it until it is soft and free from lumps. Then make it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the corner of the frame, working from one corner to another to ensure it is even and replace window pane smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are tiny triangular metal pieces which help to secure the glass into the window frame without causing any damage to the fragile surface. It's simple to learn how to use this secret tool, and you'll be able to save money on the cost of a professional installation.

After the old putty and the glazier's point are gone and the frame is thoroughly cleaned with a utility knife to get rid of any remaining traces. Lightly sand the wood in the rabbet grooves to smooth rough areas. If you do sand your wood, ensure you protect it with painter's tack to avoid accidental damage.

Take the dimensions of the frame and record precise measurements. These measurements can be brought to an hardware or home centers store and the new pane will be cut slightly smaller. This will ensure a snug fit, and allow for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and press it down using your hands. Then, use the tip of your chisel, or the back end of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should sit aligned with the top edge of your pane and the shoulders should be just beneath that lip.

Apply a small amount of glazing compound over the edges of the new glass and in the rabbet grooves, to seal and protect them. Allow it to dry and cure completely.

Once the glazing compound has dried and the glazing compound is dry, you can install the new window sash. The first step is to coat the wood with a heavy coat of Linseed oil. This will keep the new putty from sucking up moisture and deteriorating and cracking with time. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or the point of the putty blade. Then use the chisel that is on the back of the tool or the back of the putty handle to gently smash the new sash or glazier's point into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A baseball hit, a rock thrown in error, or a fallen tree can result in a cracked or cracked window. Fortunately, windows can be easily replaced by simply placing a new piece of glass in its the right place. The glass is held in place with tiny metal clips known as a glazier's point, and putty, which is often called glazing compound. Before installing a replacement double glazed windows pane, first take out the old one and clean the area using an abrasive and an abrasive scraper that is a pull type or an abrasive wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses when working. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll need to use a heat gun to soften the adhesive before cutting it loose.

If you are planning to replace the original sash, remove any molding pieces that secure the old pane. Then sand the sash to ensure it's level and ready for new caulk. After the sash has been installed, you can apply a silicone caulk over the glass. This will ensure that it won't be leaking or fade over time.

Remove the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash, which is where the glass is. If they are hard to cut, place a hand tool such as a heating gun over them to allow them to soften before. When using a heat tool, be sure to avoid damaging the sash and its railings.

Create the bed for your new pane after you have removed the old glaze and replace Window pane putty. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your fingers, and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Then, you can press it into the rabbets, where the glass will be. It's important that the glass sits on the putty in all places on each side If you have to do so, gently tap the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has damaged, you can use a silicone caulk or a glass glue that is based on solvents to fill in the crack prior to pressing it into the sash. Otherwise, you'll need to putty over the crack to create a tight seal and keep water out. After the putty has dried and the film is oily, wipe it off the glass with the help of a rag. Allow it to dry completely before painting. Paint before the putty is completely dry. It won't create a solid seal and could discolor or leak over time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a broken piece of glass. It's true that replacing a single pane of glass doesn't need to be costly if you do it on your own. In fact, even a double-pane window can be replaced for less than the cost of an expert.

If you are working with large glass windows first ensure it is securely fixed to the frame. Using the proper tools and techniques to make this task relatively easy and quick.

Once you're ready to begin, begin by removing the old window pane by prying out the glazing points made of metal that are connected to it. These are tiny triangles of metal that function as "nails" to hold the window in place. They are submerged beneath a glaze putty or bead that hardens to a solid wedge that holds the frame securely in place and conceals the edges.

After removing the old pane, clean the frame and the wood. Scrape away any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points used to be. These should be sanded to the point of being bare, so that you can paint them the same shade as the rest of the frame. After the sanding process, apply a coat of flax oil on the bare wood to prolong its life.

Next, measure the width of the window opening. You will need 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 also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasonal change. You can bring these measurements to a hardware store or home improvement shop 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.