How to Replace Window Pane Window Panes

A damaged window pane can be an inconvenience. It could be a chance to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones, and reap benefits such as improved comfort, higher resale value and lower utility costs.

It's a task you can tackle yourself at only a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional. It requires the right equipment and an hour or two of your time.

Glass

If your single pane windows are old broken, deteriorating or damaged replacing them with more modern insulated or tempered glass can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while preserving the historic integrity of older homes. The process of replacing windows is easy and can be completed by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. In addition to a replacement windows prices pane, the following tools are needed: latex glazing putty; Glazier's points; pliers and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty if required. Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin. Working with broken glass could cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. It is recommended to use pliers however, a flathead may be useful equally. Use a wood chisel, or putty knives to remove any old putty that remains around the frame and the window sash. Be careful not to scratch the window sash. Take your time and work slowly. It is best to do this on a sturdy ladder rather than on the ground and to place someone on the sash to help hold it in place.

Make sure the window frame is ready to accept the new pane after you have removed the old putty. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction by subtracting 1/8 inch from the measurements of the width and height. These measurements can be taken to an hardware or home centers store to have cut a piece of stock glass to the right size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

After installing the glass Apply a small amount of caulking on the edges. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then, you can install a glazier's pointing on each side of the frame to secure the pane in its place. The points shouldn't be too tight that they create friction between the frame and the sash However, they should not be loose.

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

Glazier's Points

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

After taking off the old putty, glazier points as well as any remaining residue, clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. If necessary, lightly sand the wood along the grooves of the rabbets to smooth rough areas. If you decide to sand wood, protect it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Note down the exact dimensions of the frame. Take these dimensions to a hardware store or a home center and request that the new pane cut smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure that the pane fits perfectly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and press it down with your hands. Make use of the point of the chisel, or the back of the putty blade to tap the glazier's points as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's point should be in line with the top edge of your pane and the shoulders should be just below that lip.

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

Install the new window sash once the glazing compound has dried. First, you need to coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will prevent the newly-created putty drying out or cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply the coat using a brush or the tip of your putty knife, then use the chisel or the back end from the putty knife to gently hammer in 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 tree falling can cause a broken or cracked window. Fortunately, the majority of windows can be repaired by simply placing a new piece in the right place. The glass is held in position by a small metal clip, called the glazier's point, and putty. This compound is also referred to as glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with an abrasive, pull-type scraper or wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while doing this work. You'll require a heat gun if the window is glued into the frame.

If you're planning to reinstall the original sash window replacement, take off the molding that holds the old pane. Then, sand the sash to make sure it's flat and ready for new caulk. Once the sash is installed and sanded, apply a fresh silicone caulk to the glass to ensure that it doesn't swell or fade as time passes.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets and the grooves in the sash where the glass sits. If they're difficult to work out, try holding the hand tool, such as a heat gun to soften them up first. If you're using a heated gun, be cautious not to scratch the railings or sash by placing the tool too close.

Make the bed for your new pane after removing the old glaze and putty. Roll a rope with glazing compound between your fingers and make it around 1/2 inch thick. Then, press it into the rabbets, where the glass will rest. It is crucial that the glass sits on the putty on both sides So if you have to do so, gently tap the glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack then you can seal it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk before pressing it into the sash. Otherwise, you'll need to putty over the crack to form an impervious seal to keep water out. Once the putty is dry, wipe the oily film off of the glass and let it dry completely before you paint. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it won't form a solid seal and could be leaking or discoloring over time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a broken pane of glass. However, replacing a single glass pane doesn't require a huge amount of money If you can do it yourself. Even double-paned windows can be replaced for a fraction of the price it would cost an expert.

First, if you are working on a large-sized window, make sure that it is securely attached to the frame. Using the proper tools and Replace Window pane techniques, you can accomplish this task fairly easily and speedy.

If you're ready to begin with the removal of the old window pane by prying out the glazing points made of metal that are connected to it. These are essentially small metal triangles that act as "nails" which hold the window in in the wood frame. They are submerged under a bead of glazing putty, which transforms into a solid moulded wedge that secures the window in place and hides the points.

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

Then, take measurements of the dimensions of the window 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 that you have the exact size for the new pane. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Take these dimensions to your local hardware or home improvement store and ask them to cut you 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.