How to replace Window pane Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window can be a source of frustration. It could also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy-efficient or insulated windows, and enjoy benefits such as improved comfort, increased the value of resales and lower utility costs.

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

Glass

If your single pane windows are old damaged, cracked or deteriorating replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while maintaining the historic integrity of older homes. The majority of homeowners with basic hand tools can replace a window pane. In addition to a new pane, the following components are required: latex glazing putty; pliers, Replace Window Pane glazier's points and a heat gun for warming the old putty, if needed. Before starting, wear gloves and safety goggles as working with broken glass can cause injuries.

Remove any broken glass pieces remaining. It is recommended to use pliers for this however a flathead could work as well. Then, use a wood chisel or putty knife remove the remaining old putty around the frame and sash. Be careful and slow and be careful not to damage the old window sash. It is a good idea to do this on a sturdy ladder rather than on the ground and to have someone standing below the sash in order to help hold it in place.

Make sure the window frame is ready to accommodate the new pane after you have removed the old glue. Take measurements of 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 taken to a hardware or home center store to get a piece cut of glass that is in stock to the correct size. You can cut the glass yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

After putting in the new pane After installing the new pane, apply a small amount of caulking around the edges to seal it against weather. Then, you can install a glazier's pointing on each side of the frame to secure the pane into its place. The points should not be too tight that they cause friction between the frame and sash however they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, gently knead it until it becomes soft and free of lumps. Then, roll it into pencil-size strips. The first strip should be glued to the corner of the frame. Work from one corner to another, making sure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces of steel which help to secure the glass to the frame without causing any damage to the fragile surface. It's easy to understand how to use this secret tool, and you'll be able to save money on the expense of an installation by a professional.

After the old putty as well as the glazier's point are gone, thoroughly clean the frame with a knife to eliminate any remaining residue. If necessary, lightly sand the wood along grooves of the rabbet to smooth out rough areas. If you sand wood protect it with painter's tape 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 a secure fit and leave room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new window in the frame and press it into the frame with your hand. Utilize the point of the chisel or the back of the putty blade to tap the glaziers' points as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's point should be flush against the top edge of the pane and the shoulders raised should be just beneath that lip.

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

Once the glazing compound has dried, you're ready to install the new window sash. First, coat the wood with a thick coat of linseed oil. This will prevent the new putty from drying out or cracking due to the moisture it absorbs. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or even the tip of the blade. Then use the chisel that is on the back of the putty tool or the back of the handle to gently hammer the new sash or glazier's point into grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown, a rock thrown in error, or a fallen tree could result in a broken or cracked window pane. Fortunately, windows can be repaired by simply putting a brand new piece in the right place. The glass is held in place using small clips made of metal called a glazier's point and putty, which is 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. You'll require a heat gun in the event that the window is glued into the frame.

If you're planning to replace your original sash, remove the mold that holds the old pane. Then, sand the sash to ensure it's level and ready for a new caulk. After the sash has been reinstalled then, you can apply a silicone caulk to the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't get soiled or discolor over time.

Take out the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash, where the glass is located. If they're difficult to work out, try holding an instrument like a heat gun to soften them before you do. When using a heated tool, be careful to avoid damaging the sash's railings and sash.

Make the bed for your new pane by removing the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope with glazing compound between your fingers, and make it around 1/2 inch thick. Then, you can press it into the rabbets, where the glass will sit. It is crucial that the glass is positioned against the putty in all places on each side So if you have to do so, gently 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. If not, you'll have to apply putty on the crack to form an impervious seal to keep water out. After the putty has dried, clean the oily film off the glass using an abrasive and allow it to dry completely before painting. Paint before the putty has completely dried. It will not form a good seal and may leak or discolor with time.

Paint

If you've suffered a break in a window pane, you may be worried about the cost of replacing it. But the truth is that replacing a single glass pane doesn't require a huge amount of money if you do it yourself. In fact even windows with double glazing window replacement panes can be replaced at less than the cost of an expert.

If you are working on a large-sized window, ensure that it is securely attached to the frame. This task can be made relatively simple and fast using the right tools and techniques.

When you are ready to begin with the removal of the window pane. Take out the metal glazing points attached to it. These are tiny triangles of metal that function as "nails" that hold the window within the frame. They are buried beneath a bead or glazing glue which hardens into an unbreakable wedge that holds the wood frame in place and hides the sharp edges.

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

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 size of the new pane, subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. You can bring these measurements to a hardware 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.