How to Replace Window Pane Window Panes

A cracked window pane can cause a lot of trouble. It could also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows and enjoy benefits such as greater comfort, a higher the value of resales and lower utility bills.

You can do it yourself for a less than what it would cost to employ an expert. It requires the right equipment and an hour or two of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are outdated broken, deteriorating or damaged, replacing them with newer glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while preserving the historical integrity of older homes. The replacement windows near me of a window pane is relatively easy and can be accomplished by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. You'll also require an extra window pane, glazier's tips, pliers, and latex glazing putty. If necessary you can make use of a heat gun to warm the old putty. Before starting, wear protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass could cause injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. This is best accomplished with a pair of pliers, however, a flathead screwdriver can also work in a pinch. Then, use a wood chisel, or putty knife, to remove the rest of the old putty around the frame and sash. Take your time and work slowly making sure not to break the existing window sash. It is a good idea to work on a stable ladder rather than the ground, and to have someone standing below the sash to help keep it steady.

Make sure the window frame is ready to receive the new pane after you have removed the old glue. Measure the width and height of the opening in the sash by subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be taken to a home center or hardware store to have cut a piece of glass that is in stock to the correct size. You can cut the glass yourself if you have the right tools.

After putting in the new pane after installing the new pane, put a tiny amount of caulking along the edge to seal it against weather. Then, place a glazier's tip on each side of the frame to secure the pane into place. The points should not be so tight that they cause friction between the frame and the sash, but they should also not be loose.

Before applying the putty knead it thoroughly until it's soft and free of lumps. Then you can roll it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the corner of the frame, working from one corner to the other so that it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces which help to secure glass into frames for windows without scratching or damaging the fragile surface. It's easy to learn how to use this hidden tool and you can save money on the expense of a professional installation.

After the old putty and the glazier's point are gone Clean the frame thoroughly with a knife to eliminate any remaining traces. Lightly sand the frame in the rabbet grooves if needed to smooth rough areas. If you sand wood protect it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Take the dimensions of the frame and record precise measurements. Take these dimensions to a hardware store or home center and have the new pane cut slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a tight fit and will allow room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new window in the frame and push it in place by using your hands. Make use of the point of the chisel, or the edge of the putty blade to smudge the glazier's points as shown in Figure 11. After you're done, the points should be flush with the top edge of the pane and the raised shoulders of the points should be below the rabbet's rim groove.

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

Install the new window sash when 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 from drying out or cracking as it absorbs moisture. Use a brush to apply this coat, or the point of the putty blade. Then use the chisel on the back of the putty tool or the back of the handle to gently smash the new sash or glazier's point into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A baseball that is thrown or an unintentional rock, or falling branch could cause a window to break or crack. The majority of windows can be repaired easily by putting in a new piece. The glass is held into position by a small metal clip, called a glazier's point and putty. This compound is also called glazing compound. Before you install a new pane, first get rid of the old one and clean the area with an abrasive and the pull-type paint scraper or the wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while working. You'll need a heating gun if the window is glued into the frame.

If you plan to reinstall the original sash in the future, take care to remove any pieces of molding that secure the old pane. Then sand the sash to make sure it's flat and ready for a new caulk. Once the sash is re-installed then, apply a new silicone caulk around the glass to ensure that it doesn't swell or fade over time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets, or the grooves in the sash, where the glass sits. If they're difficult to cut out, you can try holding an instrument like a heat gun over them to soften them before you do. If you're using a heating gun, make sure not to damage the railings or sash by placing the tool too closely.

Make the bed for your new pane by removing the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, and form it to be about 1/2-inch thick. Then, you can press it into the rabbets in which the glass will sit. It's important that the glass is positioned against the putty in all places on both sides So if you have to do so, gently tap the glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can apply the silicone caulk or glass glue that is based on solvents to cover the crack before pressing it in the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you will need to use putty to keep water out. Once the putty is dry, wipe the oily film from the glass and allow it to dry completely before you paint. Paint after the putty has dried completely. It will not make a strong seal and may leak or discolor with time.

Paint

If you've suffered a break in a window pane, you may be worried about the expense of replacing it. However, replacing one glass pane does not have to break the bank when you do it yourself. Even a double-paned window could be replaced for a fraction of what it will cost a professional.

If you're working with a large glass window first, ensure that it is securely attached to the frame. By using the correct tools and techniques to accomplish this task fairly easily and replace window pane fast.

When you are ready to begin, remove the old window pane. Pry out the metal glazing points attached to it. These are essentially small metal triangles that function as "nails" that hold the window in place within the frame of wood. They are buried beneath a glaze putty or bead that sets to form a solid wedge which holds the wood frame securely in place and conceals the edges.

Once you have the old pane removed, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points were. These should be sanded down to the point of being bare, so that you can paint them the same shade as the rest of the frame. After sanding, apply a layer of flax oil on the wood that is not sanded down to prolong its life.

Next, measure the dimensions of the window's opening. It is necessary to take vertical and horizontal measurements of the entire opening, as well as the thickness of the old pane. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure you have the exact size for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasonal change. Take these measurements to your local 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.