How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane can be an issue. This could be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones and enjoy advantages like improved comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility bills.

You can do it yourself at a fraction of what it would cost to employ an expert. You'll need only the right tools and a few minutes of your time.

Glass

If your single pane windows are old damaged, cracked or deteriorating replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while maintaining the original character of older homes. The majority of homeowners with basic hand tools can replace windows with ease. In addition to a replacement pane, the following tools 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 glasses and gloves prior to starting. Working with broken glass can cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. This is best accomplished with the help of pliers but flathead screwdrivers can be used in a pinch. Use a wood chisel, or putty knife to get rid of any remaining old putty around the frame and the window sash. Take your time and work slowly and be careful not to damage the old window sash. It is recommended to work on a sturdy ladder rather than on the ground, and to have someone stand below the sash in order to help hold it in place.

After you have removed all of the old putty, you can prepare the window frame to fit the new pane. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction by subtracting 1/8 inch from the measurements of width and height. These measurements can be sent to a hardware or home center store to get a piece cut of glass that is in stock to the correct size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you possess the appropriate tools.

After putting in the new pane After installing the new pane, apply a small amount of caulking around the edge to make it weatherproof. Then install a glazier's point on the frame's opposite side to secure the pane in place. The points shouldn't be so tight as to cause friction between the frame and sash but they should not be too loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, knead thoroughly until it is smooth and free of lumps. Cut it into pencil-sized pieces. Apply the first strip to the corner of the frame. Work from one corner to another, making sure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

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

Once the old putty and glazier's points are removed Clean the frame thoroughly with a utility knife to remove any remaining residue. Lightly sand the frame in the rabbet grooves to smooth out rough areas. If you decide to sand the wood, make sure to protect it with painter's tack to avoid accidental damage.

Take measurements of the empty frame and note down precise measurements. 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 snugly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Insert the new pane into the frame and push it in with your hands. Then, use the tip of your chisel or the back end of the putty knife to pierce the glazier's points, as shown in Figure 11. When you're done, they should be level with the top edge of the pane, and the raised shoulders of the points should be below the rabbet's lip. groove.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the rabbet grooves as well as the edges of new glass. This will protect and seal the edges. Allow this to dry and cure completely.

Install the new window sash when the glazing compound has dried. First, saturate the wood with a thick coat of linseed oil. This will stop the new putty from sucking up moisture and drying out and cracking with 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 tool or the back of the handle to gently hammer the new sash or glazier's point into rabbet grooves. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches along the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball hit or a rock thrown in error, or a fallen tree can result in a cracked or cracked window pane. Most windows can be repaired easily by putting in a new piece. The glass is held in place with a small metal clip called the glazier's pointed and putty, which is often called glazing compound. Before installing a replacement double glazed windows pane, first remove the old one and clean up the area with the help of a rag, an abrasive scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves when working. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll have to make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive prior to taking it off.

If you are planning to replace window Pane the original sash, remove the molding pieces that hold the old pane in place. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready for new caulk. After the sash has been installed, you can apply a silicone caulk on the glass. This will ensure that it won't get soiled or discolor over time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets, the grooves in the sash, where the glass sits. If they are hard to cut, place a hand tool such as a heating gun over them for a few minutes to soften them. When using a heated tool, make sure to not scratch the sash and its railings.

Once the old glazing points and putty are removed, prepare a bed for the new pane. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, and form it into a 1/2-inch thick. Press it into the rabbets where the glass will be put. The glass must rest against the putty on both sides. If necessary gently tap your glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can use a silicone caulk or glass glue that is based on solvents to cover the crack before pressing it into the sash. Otherwise, you'll need to putty over the crack to form an impervious seal to keep water out. When the putty dries then clean the oily film off the glass with a rag and allow it to dry completely prior to painting. If you paint before the putty has completely dry, it won't form a solid seal and could be leaking or discoloring in time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a broken piece of glass. The truth is, replacing a single piece of glass doesn't need to be expensive if you do it on your own. Even double-paned windows can be replaced for a fraction of the price it will cost a professional.

If you're working with a large glass window, first make sure it is securely fixed to the frame. Using the proper tools and techniques, you can accomplish this task fairly easily and fast.

When you are ready to begin taking down the old window pane. Take out the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are small metal triangles that function as "nails" to hold the window in place. They are submerged under a bead of glazing putty, which transforms into a solid formed wedge that secures the window in place and hides the edges.

After you have removed 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. They should be sanded to bare wood, so that you can paint them the same color as the rest the frame. After sanding the wood, apply a layer of flax oil. This will help extend its life.

Next, measure the size of the window's opening. You'll need to determine the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the entire opening, as well as the thickness. To determine the exact dimensions of the new pane, subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasonal change. You can bring these measurements to a hardware or home improvement shop and get 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 replace window Pane 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, Replace window Pane 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.