How to replace window handle Window Panes

A damaged window pane can be a nuisance. It could also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows, and benefit from greater comfort, a higher resale value and reduced utility costs.

This is a project you could tackle yourself at a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional. You'll need only the proper tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

Replace your single-paned windows with tempered or insulate glass to improve energy efficiency, cut down on noise, and protect the original character of your older home. The procedure of replacing windows is simple and can be done by homeowners with basic hand tools. In addition to a new pane, the following tools are needed for the replacement double glazing windows process: latex glazing putty pliers, glazier's points and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty, if needed. Before starting, wear gloves and safety goggles as working with broken glass can cause injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. It is recommended to use pliers however, a flathead may work as well. Then, use a wooden chisel, or putty knife, to remove the rest of the old putty around the frame and the sash. Be careful to not break the window sash. Be careful and slow. This is best done on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, you should have someone below the sash hold it steady.

After you have removed all the old putty, it is time to prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane. Find the width and the height of the sash opening, subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and replacement double glazing windows contraction). Take these measurements to an hardware store or home center and get a piece of stock glass cut to size. Alternately, you can cut the glass yourself if you have the right tools.

After installing the new pane, run a small bead of caulking around the edges to ensure it is weatherproof. Then, you can install a glazier's pointing on each side of the frame to hold the pane in its place. The points should not be too tight that they cause friction between the frame and the sash However, they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty, knead it thoroughly until it is smooth and free of lumps. Then, roll it into pencil-size strips. The first strip should be placed to the corner of the frame, working from one corner to another to ensure it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's facets are tiny triangular pieces of steel which help to secure glass into the frame of a window without scratching or damaging the delicate surface. Understanding how to use these little helpers is easy and could save you money on a professional installation or the cost of purchasing new glass.

After taking off the old putty, glazier points, and any other residue, clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. If necessary you can lightly sand the wood along the grooves of the rabbets to smooth out rough areas. If you sand wood, protect it with painter’s tape to prevent accidental damage.

Take the dimensions of the frame and note down precise measurements. These measurements can be brought to the hardware or home center store, and the new pane will be cut a bit smaller. This will ensure a snug fit and will allow room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and press it into the frame by using your hands. Then, use the tip of your chisel or the back end of the putty knife to pierce the glazier's points as illustrated in Figure 11. When you're done, they should be flush with the top edge of the pane. the shoulders of the points should be just below the rabbet's lip. groove.

Apply a small amount of glazing compound over the edges of the glass that has been made and into the rabbet grooves, to seal and protect them. Allow it to dry completely and cure.

After the glazing compound dries and the glazing compound is dry, you can install the new window sash. The first step is to coat the wood with a thick coat of Linseed oil. This will prevent the new putty drying out or cracking when it absorbs moisture. Use a brush to apply this coat, or the point of the putty blade. Then use the chisel on the back of the putty tool or the back of the handle to gently hit the new sash, or glazier's point into grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball that is thrown or a rock that is errant or a fallen branch can cause a window pane to crack or break. Most windows can be replaced easily by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held in the position with a tiny metal clip, referred to as a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also known as glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using the rag, a scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while working. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll have to employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive before taking it off.

If you're planning to install the original sash, gently remove the molding pieces that 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 caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure it doesn't swell or fade as time passes.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets, or the grooves in the sash that the glass is. If they're hard to chisel, hold an instrument such as a heatgun over them for a few minutes to soften them. If you're using a heating gun, make sure not to cause damage to the railings of the sash or the sash itself by holding the tool too close.

Create a bed for replacement double glazing windows your new pane by removing the old glaze and putty. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, forming it to be around 1/2-inch thick. Then, press it into the rabbets, where the glass will be. It is essential that the glass is positioned against the putty on both sides, so if you need to do so, gently tap the glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is damaged, you can use a silicone caulk or a glass glue based on solvents to seal the crack before pressing it into the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you will require putty to keep water out. After the putty has dried and the film is oily, wipe it off the glass with an abrasive and allow it to dry completely prior to painting. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it won't create an effective seal and could be leaking or discoloring in time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, then you may be worried about the expense of replacing it. But the truth is that replacing one glass pane does not need to cost a fortune if you do it yourself. In fact even windows with double panes can be replaced for less than the cost of an expert.

If you're working with a large glass window first ensure it is securely attached to the frame. This can be done relatively easy and fast using the right tools and techniques.

When you are ready to start with the removal of the window pane. Remove the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are tiny metal triangles that act as "nails" that hold the window in place. They are placed under a bead or glazing putty which hardens into solid wedge that holds the frame firmly in position and hides the points.

Once you have the old pane taken away, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape away any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points used to be. Sand them to bare wooden surfaces so you can paint the frames the same shade. After sanding the wood you can apply a layer flax oil. This will help prolong the life of the frame.

Then, you need to measure the width of the window opening. It is necessary to measure the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the entire opening, as well as the thickness. 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. You can bring these measurements to a hardware or home improvement shop and have the glass cut for you.

Now, it's time to bed the new window replacement 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.