How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window can cause a lot of trouble. This could be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones and enjoy benefits like increased comfort, increased resale values and lower utility costs.

It's a project you can take on yourself for a fraction of the cost of hiring an expert. It requires the right tools and an hour or two of your time.

Glass

Replace window pane your single-paned windows with tempered or insulation glass to improve energy efficiency, cut down on noise, and protect the original character of your home's older. The process of replacing the window pane is simple and can be done by homeowners with basic hand tools. Alongside a replacement double glazed window pane, the following items are needed: latex glazing putty; glazier's points; pliers; and a heat gun for warming the old putty if required. Wear safety goggles and gloves before you begin. Working with broken glass can cause serious injuries.

Take away any broken glass pieces remaining. It is recommended to use pliers however a flathead could be useful equally. Then, use a wooden chisel or putty knife to take the remainder of the old putty from around the frame and the sash. Be careful not to damage the window sash. Work slowly and carefully. It is best to work using a sturdy ladder rather than on the ground, and to have someone stand below the sash to help keep it steady.

Once you have removed all of the old putty, it is time to prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane. Find the width and the height of the opening for the sash, subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). Bring these measurements to an hardware store or home center, and find a piece glass cut to size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

After putting in the new pane, run a small bead of caulking along the edge to make it 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 replace Window pane frame but they shouldn't be too loose.

Before putting the putty on, make sure to knead it until it's soft and free of lumps. Make it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be glued to the corner of the frame. Work from one corner to another to ensure it's even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces of steel that allow glass to be secured into the window frame without damaging the delicate surface. It's easy to learn how to use this secret tool, and you'll save money on the expense of an installation by a professional.

After removing the old putty, glazier points and any remnants, clean the frame thoroughly with an utility knife. Lightly sand the frame in the rabbet grooves if needed to smooth out rough areas. If you do sand your wood, ensure you protect it by using painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Write down the dimensions of the frame. Take these measurements to an hardware store or home center, and have the new pane cut slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure that the pane fits perfectly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and push firmly with your hands. Then use the point of your chisel, or the back end of the putty knife to make a tap on the glazier's points as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should be in line with the top edge of the pane and the shoulders should be just beneath that lip.

Apply a thin bead 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 fully.

After the glazing compound dries, you're ready to install the new window sash. First, you need to coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will keep the new putty from sucking up the moisture and deteriorating and cracking over time. Use a brush to apply this coat, or replace Window Pane even the tip of the blade. Then, use the chisel on the back of the putty tool or the back of the putty handle to gently hammer the new sash or 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 tree falling can cause a broken or cracked window pane. The majority of windows can be repaired easily by putting in a new piece. The glass is held into the position with a tiny metal clip, called a glazier's point and putty. This compound is also known as glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using a rag, a pull-type scraper, or a wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while doing this work. You'll require a heat gun when the window replacements is fixed into the frame.

If you're planning to reinstall the original sash, take off the molding that supports the old pane. Then sand the sash to ensure it's smooth and ready for new caulk. After the sash has been put back in place then, you can apply a silicone caulk over the glass. This will ensure that it won't get soiled or discolor over time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets and the grooves in the sash that the glass is. If they're difficult to chisel, use an instrument like a heat gun over them to soften first. If you're using a heat gun, be cautious not to scratch the railings of the sash or the sash itself by placing the tool too close.

Make a bed for your new pane after you have removed the old glaze points and putty. Roll a rope made of glazing compound between your fingers and then make it about 1/2 inch thick. Then, press it into the rabbets in which the glass will rest. The glass should rest against the putty on both sides. If you need to, lightly tap your glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has cracked, you can use the silicone caulk or glass glue made from solvents to seal the crack before pressing it into the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you'll need to apply putty to keep water from getting in. After the putty is dry then clean the oily film off the glass with an abrasive and allow it to dry completely prior to painting. Paint after the putty has dried completely. It will not make a strong seal and could leak or discolor with time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a broken piece of glass. However, replacing one glass pane does not have to break the bank if you do it yourself. Even a double-paned window can be replaced for a fraction of the price it will cost a professional.

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

When you're ready to start, begin by removing the old window pane by prying out the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are essentially small metal triangles that function as "nails" that hold the window in place in the wood frame. They are placed under a bead or glazing glue that hardens to a solid wedge which holds the wood frame firmly in position and hides the sharp edges.

After you have removed the old pane removed clean the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape away any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points were. Sand them down to clean wooden surfaces so you can paint the frames with the same color. After sanding, apply a coat of flax oil to the wood's surface to help extend its lifespan.

Then, you need to measure the width of the window's opening. You will need to measure the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the entire opening as well as the thickness. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure you get a precise size for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass in times of seasonal changes. You can take 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.