How to Replace Window Panes

A cracked window pane can be a source of frustration. This can be an opportunity to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones and enjoy advantages like improved comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility costs.

It's a project you can take on yourself for only a fraction of the cost of hiring an expert. You'll need only the proper tools and a few minutes of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are outdated broken, deteriorating or damaged replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated can improve energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the historical integrity of older homes. A majority of homeowners with hand tools can Replace Window Pane windows with ease. You'll also require a replacement windows window pane, glazier's tips pliers, and latex glaze putty. If you need to you may use a heating gun to warm the old putty. Before starting, wear protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass may cause injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. It is recommended to use pliers for this however, a flathead may be used equally. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knives, to take away any old putty remaining around the frame and window sash. Be careful not to scratch the window sash. Take your time and work slowly. This can be done best on a ladder, not the ground. Also, you should have someone lower to hold it steady.

Make sure the window frame is ready to accept the new pane after you have removed the old glue. Measure the width and height of the sash opening and subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). Take 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 right tools.

After putting in the new pane after installing the new pane, put a tiny amount of caulking around the edge to ensure it is weatherproof. Install a glazier's pointing on both sides of the frame. This will ensure the pane. The points should not be so tight that they create friction between the sash and frame however they shouldn't be loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, you must knead it thoroughly until it is soft and free from lumps. Roll it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip in the corner of the frame, working from one corner to another to ensure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular metal pieces which help to secure the glass into the window frame without causing damage to the delicate surface. It's easy to learn how to use this secret tool and you can save money on the expense of an expert installation.

After taking off the old putty, glazier points as well as any remaining remnants, clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. Lightly sand the wood into the rabbet grooves if needed to smooth rough areas. If you do sand your wood, make sure to protect it by using painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Write down the exact dimensions of the frame. Bring these measurements 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 snug fit and leave room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and push it into place firmly by using your hands. Then, you can use the point of your chisel or back end of the putty knife to pierce the glazier's points, as shown in Figure 11. After you're done, the points should be flush with the top edge of the pane, and the shoulders of the points should be below the rabbet's lip. groove.

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

After the glazing compound dries, you're ready to install the new window sash. First, coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will prevent the new putty from sucking up moisture and drying out and replace window Pane cracking over time. Apply this coat using a brush or the tip of your knife, and then use the chisel, or the back end from the putty knife to gently press the new sash and glazier's point into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process every 10 inches around the perimeter of 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 replaced by simply putting a new piece in the right place. The glass is held in place by a small metal clip, also known as a glazier's point and putty. This compound is also called glazing compound. Before you install a new pane, first remove the old one and clean up the area with an abrasive and a pull-type paint scraper or an abrasive wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while you do this work. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll need make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive before taking it off.

If you are planning to replace the original sash, remove the molding pieces that are used to secure the old pane. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready to receive new caulk. Once the sash is re-installed then, apply a new silicone caulk to the glass to ensure it doesn't swell or fade over time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets, or the grooves in the sash, where the glass sits. If they're hard to chisel, use an instrument such as a heating gun over them to allow them to soften before. When using a heated tool, make sure to not damage the sash or its railings.

After the old points of glazing and putty have been removed prepare a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, forming it into a 1/2-inch thick. Then, press it into the rabbets where the glass will rest. It is crucial that the glass rests against the putty on both sides If you have to, lightly tap the glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can use a silicone caulk or a glass glue made from solvents to cover the crack before pressing it into the sash. If not, you'll have to apply putty on the crack to form a tight seal and keep water out. After the putty is dry and the film is oily, wipe it off the glass using a rag and allow it to completely dry before painting. If you paint before the putty has completely dry, it won't create an effective seal and could be leaking or discoloring in time.

Paint

If you've had a broken window pane, then you may be worried about the expense of a new one. However, replacing one glass pane does not need to cost a fortune if you do it yourself. In fact windows with double panes can be replaced for less than the cost of a professional.

First, if you are working on a large-sized window, make sure it is securely fastened to the frame. By using the correct tools and techniques to make this task relatively easy and speedy.

When you are ready to begin taking down the old window pane. Pry out the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are essentially small metal triangles which function as "nails" that keep the window in in the wood frame. They are buried beneath a bead or glazing putty that sets to form a solid wedge that holds the wood frame in place and hides the sharp edges.

After removing the old pane, Replace Window pane clean the frame and wood. Scrape off any old paint and sand the rabbet grooves in which the glazing points were placed. These should be sanded down to bare wood so that you can paint them the same shade as the rest of the frame. After sanding, apply a coat of flax oil to the wood's surface to help extend its lifespan.

The next step is to determine the width of the window's opening. It is necessary to take horizontal and vertical measurements of the entire opening, as well as the thickness of the old pane. To determine the exact dimensions of the new pane, subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Bring these measurements to the hardware or home improvement store, and they will have cut the glass replacement windows 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.