How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window is an issue. It can also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows and enjoy benefits such as improved comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility bills.

You can do it yourself at less than what it would cost to hire an expert. It requires the right tools and an hour or two 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 historic integrity of your older home. The majority of homeowners with basic hand tools can replace a window pane. In addition to a replacement upvc window handles pane, the following components are needed such as latex glazing putty; glazier's points; pliers; and an electric heater to warm the old putty if required. Before starting, put on gloves and safety goggles as working with broken glass may cause injuries.

Remove any broken glass pieces remaining. This is best accomplished with pliers, however, flathead screwdrivers can work in a pinch. After that, use a wood chisel, or putty knife, to take the remainder of the old putty from around the frame and sash. Be careful and slow making sure not to damage the old window sash. It is a good idea to work on a stable ladder rather than on the ground, and to place someone on the sash to help hold it steady.

Make sure that the window frame is ready to receive the new pane when you have removed the old putty. Take measurements of the width and height of the opening for the sash by 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 have a piece cut of glass stock to the proper size. You can also cut the glass yourself if you have the tools you need.

After installing the new pane after installing the new pane, put a tiny amount of caulking around the edge to seal it against weather. Then, you can install a glazier's pointing on each side of the frame to secure the pane into place. The points shouldn't be so tight as to cause friction between the sash and the frame, but they also should not be too loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, you must knead it thoroughly until it is soft and free from lumps. Cut it into pencil-sized pieces. Apply the first strip to the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to the next to ensure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's facets are small triangular pieces which help to secure glass into frames for windows without damaging or scratching the delicate surface. It's simple to learn how to use this secret tool, and you'll be able to save money on the cost of an expert installation.

After taking off the old putty, glazier points, and any other leftovers, clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. Lightly sand the frame in the rabbet grooves to smooth out rough areas. If you decide to sand the wood, be sure to protect it by using painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Take the dimensions of the frame and write down accurate measurements. Take these measurements to a hardware store or a home center, and have the new pane made slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure that the pane fits comfortably and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and push it into the frame using your hand. Make use of the chisel's point, or the edge of the putty blade to tap the glazier's points as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should be aligned with the top edge of your pane, and the raised shoulders should be just below the lip.

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

When the glazing compound is dry it's time to put in the new window sash. First, you need to coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will stop the new putty from soaking up the moisture and deteriorating and cracking over time. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or even the tip of the 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 tip into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown or a rock thrown by error or a branch falling can cause a broken or cracked window. Luckily, most windows can be easily replaced by simply putting a brand new piece in the proper place. The glass is held in position by a small metal clip, referred to as the glazier's point, and putty. This compound is also called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using an abrasive, scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while you do this work. You'll require a heat gun in the event that the window is glued to the frame.

If you are planning to replace the original sash, gently remove any molding pieces that are used to secure the old pane. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready for new caulk. After the sash has been re-installed and sanded, apply a fresh silicone caulk around the glass to ensure that it won't leak or discolor over time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets, the grooves in the sash where the glass sits. If they're difficult to work out, try placing an instrument like a heat gun to soften them up first. If you're using a heating gun, be cautious not to cause damage to the sash or its railings by placing the tool too closely.

Once the old points of glazing and putty have been removed make a bed for the new pane. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, shaping it into a 1/2-inch thick. Place it into the rabbets where the glass will be placed. It is essential that the glass is positioned against the putty in all places on each side If you have to, lightly tap the glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can apply a silicone caulk or glass glue made from solvents to cover the crack prior to pressing it into 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 off the glass and let it dry completely before painting. Paint after the putty has completely dried. It won't make a strong seal and may be leaking or discoloring over 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 a single glass pane doesn't require a huge amount of money If you can do it yourself. In fact even windows with double panes can be replaced at only a fraction of the cost of an expert.

If you are working with a large glass window, first make sure it is securely fixed to the frame. This job can be made relatively simple and quick with the proper tools and techniques.

When you are ready to start, remove the old window pane. Remove the metal glazing points 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 submerged beneath a glaze putty or bead that hardens to solid wedge that holds the frame securely in place and conceals the edges.

Once you have the old pane taken away, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape away any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points were. These should be sanded down to bare wood, to allow you to paint them the same color as the rest the frame. After sanding the wood you can apply a layer flax oil. This will help to prolong the life of the frame.

Next, measure the dimensions 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 the exact measurement for the new pane. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass replacement windows. Take these measurements to the hardware or home improvement store and have a piece 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 glass replacement windows causing fogging.