How to replace window Pane Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window is an inconvenience. This could be an opportunity to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones to enjoy benefits like increased comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility costs.

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

Glass

Replace your old single-paned windows using tempered or insulate glass to improve the efficiency of your energy, reduce noise, and preserve the original character of your older home. The procedure of replacing windows is easy and can be accomplished by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. Alongside a replacement pane, the following components are required: latex glazing putty; Glazier's points; pliers and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty if required. Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to beginning. Working with broken glass can cause serious injuries.

Remove any broken glass pieces that remain. This is best accomplished with the help of pliers however, a flathead screwdriver may work in a pinch. Then, use a wooden chisel, or putty knife, to remove the rest of the old putty around the frame and the sash. Be careful not to damage the window sash. Be careful and slow. It is recommended to work using a sturdy ladder rather than on the ground, and to place someone on the sash to help keep it in place.

Prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane once 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 sent to an hardware or home centers store to have a piece cut of stock glass to the right size. You can cut the glass yourself if you possess the right tools.

After putting in the new glass Apply some caulking to the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then install a glazier's point on each side of the frame to secure the pane in place. The points shouldn't be too tight that they create friction between the frame and sash however they should not be loose.

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

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 hidden tool, and you'll save money on the cost of an expert installation.

After getting rid of the old putty glazier points and any residue clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife. If needed it is necessary to lightly sand the wood along grooves of the rabbets to smooth out rough spots. If you sand wood protect it with painter’s tape to avoid accidental damage.

Take measurements of the empty frame and write down accurate measurements. These measurements can be taken to the hardware or home center store, and the new pane will be cut slightly smaller. This will ensure that the pane fits snugly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Insert the new pane into the frame and press it down with your hands. Use the point of the chisel or the back of the putty knife to smudge the glazier's points as shown in Figure 11. When you're done, they should be flush with the top edge of the pane, and the shoulders that are raised of the points should be just below the rabbet's rim groove.

Apply a thin bead of glazing compound on the edges of the glass that has been made and replace window pane into the rabbet grooves, to seal and protect them. Allow it to dry and cure completely.

After the glazing compound dries it's time to put in the new window sash. First, coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will prevent the new putty from drying out or cracking due to the moisture it absorbs. Use a brush to apply this coat, or the point of the putty blade. Then, use the chisel that is on the back of the putty tool or the back of the handle to gently hammer the new sash or glazier's tip into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball thrown, a rock thrown in error, or a fallen tree can result in a cracked or cracked window pane. The majority of windows can be repaired easily by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held in place with a small metal clip called a glazier's point, and putty, which is often called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with the rag, a pull-type scraper or wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses while you do this work. You'll need a heat gun if the window is glued into the frame.

If you are planning to install the original sash, take off the molding that holds the old pane. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready for new caulk. Once the sash is re-installed then, apply a new silicone caulk to the glass to ensure that it will not leak or change color as time passes.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets and the grooves in the sash where the glass is. If they're difficult to cut out, try placing the hand tool, such as a heat gun to soften them before you do. When using a heated tool, make sure to avoid damaging the sash and its railings.

Once the old glazing points and putty have been removed, make a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, forming it to be around 1/2-inch thick. Then, push it into the rabbets, where the glass will be. The glass must be positioned against the putty on both sides. If needed gently tap your glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked you can fill it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk prior pressing it into the sash. Otherwise, you'll need to apply putty on the crack to create an impervious seal to keep water out. After the putty has dried then clean the oily film off the glass with an abrasive and allow it to dry completely before painting. Paint after the putty has completely dried. It will not create a solid seal and could be leaking or discoloring over time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a damaged piece of glass. It's true that replacing a single pane glass doesn't have to be expensive even if you do it your own. In fact windows with double panes can be replaced at a fraction of the cost of a professional.

If you are working with a large glass window first, ensure that it is securely attached to the frame. This job can be made relatively simple and fast with the appropriate tools and techniques.

If you're ready to begin with the removal of the old window by removing the glazing points of metal that are connected to it. These are tiny metal triangles that function as "nails", holding the window within the frame. They are placed under a bead of glazing putty that is then cured to form a solid, moulded wedge that secures the window in place and conceals the window's points.

After you have removed the old pane taken away clean the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any old paint 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 color as the rest of the frame. After sanding, apply a coat of flax oil on the bare wood to prolong its life.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of the window's opening. You will need to measure the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the entire opening as well as the thickness. To get the exact size of the new pane, subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass window replacement. You can bring these measurements to a hardware or home improvement store 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.