How to Replace window pane Window Panes

A damaged window pane could be a source of frustration. It could also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy-efficient or insulated windows, and reap benefits like greater comfort, a higher resale value and reduced utility bills.

It's a project you can do yourself for less than the cost of hiring an expert. You'll need only the appropriate tools and a few minutes of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are outdated damaged, cracked or deteriorating replacing them with more modern insulated or tempered glass can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while preserving the historical integrity of older homes. The process of replacing a window pane is relatively easy and can be completed by homeowners with basic hand tools. Alongside a replacement pane, the following tools are needed: latex glazing putty; pliers, glazier's points and an electric heater to warm the old putty if required. Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to beginning. Working with broken glass could cause serious injuries.

Take away any broken glass pieces remaining. It is recommended to use pliers however a flathead could work equally. Use a wood chisel, or putty knife to get rid of any old putty that remains around the frame and the window sash. Be careful and slow and be careful not to break the current window sash. This is best done on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, you should have someone lower to hold it steady.

Once you have removed all the old putty, you can prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane. Find the width and the height of the opening in the sash, subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). 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 yourself if have the appropriate tools.

After installing the new pane, run a small bead of caulking around the edge to make it weatherproof. Install a glazier's point on both sides of the frame. This will ensure the pane. The points shouldn't be so tight that they cause friction between the frame and sash but they shouldn't be too loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, gently knead it until it is smooth and free of lumps. Roll it into pencil-sized strips. Place the first strip to the corner of the frame, working from one corner to another so that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier’s points are small triangular pieces of steel that help secure the glass to the frame without damaging the delicate surface. It's easy to understand how to use this hidden tool, and you'll save money on the expense of an installation by a professional.

After the old putty as well as glazier's points are removed and the frame is thoroughly cleaned with a knife to get rid of any remaining residue. Lightly sand the frame in the rabbet grooves to smooth rough areas. If you do sand your wood, make sure to protect it by using painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Note down the exact dimensions of the frame. These measurements can be brought to a home center or hardware store, and the new pane will be cut a bit smaller. This will ensure that the pane fits perfectly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new window in the frame and press it into the frame using your hand. Use the chisel's point, or the edge of the putty blade to smudge the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. When you're done, they should be in line with the top edge of the pane, and the shoulders of the points should be below the rabbet's lip. groove.

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

Install the new window sash when the glazing compound has dried. First, saturate the wood with a heavy coat of linseed oil. This will keep the new putty from soaking up the moisture and drying out and cracking over time. Use a brush to apply this coat, or even the tip 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 at intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.

Putty

A baseball hit, a rock thrown in error, or a fallen tree can result in a cracked or cracked window pane. Fortunately, windows can be easily replaced by simply putting a brand new piece in the right place. The glass is held in place with small clips made of metal called a glazier's point, and putty, also called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using a rag, a pull-type scraper or wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves when you work. You'll need a heat gun if the window is glued into the frame.

If you are planning to replace the original sash, take off the molding that supports the old pane. Then you can sand the sash down to ensure it's level and ready for new caulk. After the sash has been installed then, you can apply a silicone caulk to the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't leak over time or discolor.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash where the glass is. If they're difficult to chisel, hold the hand tool, like a heat gun over them for a few minutes to soften them. When using a heated tool, make sure to not scratch the sash's railings and sash.

Make a bed for your new pane after you have removed the old glaze and putty. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, and form it to be about 1/2-inch thick. Place it into the rabbets where the glass will be placed. It is crucial that the glass is positioned against the putty in all places on each side So if you have to tap it, gently press the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

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

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a damaged piece of glass. But the truth is that replacing a single glass pane doesn't require a huge amount of money when you do it yourself. In fact, even a double glazing replacement windows-pane window can be replaced at less than the cost of an expert.

If you are working on a large-sized window, make sure that it is securely fastened to the frame. Using the proper tools and techniques you can accomplish this task fairly easily and fast.

When you are ready to begin, remove the old window pane. Take out the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are basically small metal triangles that act as "nails" that keep the window in within the frame of wood. They are buried beneath a layer of glazing putty, which is then cured to form a solid, molded wedge which holds the window in place and hides the points.

Once you have the old pane taken away Clean up the frame and wood. Scrape off any paint that has been used and sand down the rabbet grooves that the glazing points were. They should be sanded to bare wood, to allow you to paint them the same shade as the rest of the frame. After sanding the wood you can apply a layer flax oil. This will help prolong the life of the frame.

Next, measure the dimensions of the window's opening. You will need to take horizontal and vertical measurements of the entire opening as well as the thickness of the old pane. 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 take these measurements to a hardware store or home improvement shop and get the glass cut for you.

Now, it's time to bed the new window pane. To do this, Replace Window Pane 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.