How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window can be a source of frustration. This could be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones, and reap benefits like increased comfort, higher resale value and reduced utility costs.

This is a project you could do yourself for a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional. You only need the appropriate tools and a few hours 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If your single-pane windows are outdated broken, deteriorating or damaged, replacing them with newer glass that is tempered or insulated will increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while preserving the historic integrity of older homes. The replacement of the window pane is simple and can be done by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. You'll also require an additional Upvc Window Lock Replacement pane, glazier's tips, pliers, and latex glaze putty. If needed you can use a heating gun to warm the old putty. Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to starting. Working with broken glass could cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken window replacement pieces of glass. It is best to use pliers for this however a flathead could be useful equally. Then, use a wood chisel, or putty knife, to take the remainder of the old putty from around the frame and sash. Be careful to not break the window sash. Be careful and slow. It is best to work using a sturdy ladder instead of the ground, and to place someone on the sash to help keep it in place.

Make sure that the window frame is ready to accept the new pane after you have removed the old glue. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction and contraction, subtract 1/8 inch from the measurements of the width and height. Bring these measurements to the nearest hardware store or home center and get a piece of stock glass cut to size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

After putting the new pane in place, run a small bead of caulking around the edges to make it weatherproof. Then, place a glazier's tip on each side of the frame to secure the pane into the right place. The points should not be too tight that they cause friction between the frame and sash however they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty make sure to knead it until it's soft and free of lumps. Make it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to the other so that it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

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

After getting rid of the old putty glazier points and any remnants, clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife. Lightly sand the wood in the rabbet grooves to smooth out rough areas. If you sand wood protect it with painter’s tape to prevent accidental damage.

Measure the empty frame's dimensions and record precise measurements. These measurements can be brought to the hardware or home center store and the new pane will be cut to a smaller size. This will ensure that the pane fits comfortably and allows for expansion and contraction.

Insert the new pane into the frame and push firmly using your hands. Then use the point of your chisel or back end of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's facets, as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's point should be in line with the top edge of the pane and the raised shoulders should be just below that lip.

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

When the glazing compound is dry, you're ready to install the new window sash. The first step is to coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will stop the new putty drying out or cracking due to the moisture it absorbs. Apply this coat using a brush or the tip of your knife, then use the chisel or the back end of the putty knife to gently hammer in the new sash and glazier's points into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown or a rock thrown by error or a branch falling could result in a broken or cracked window. The majority of windows can be replaced easily by installing a new piece. The glass is held in place by a small metal clip called a glazier's point, and putty, also called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with a rag, a pull-type scraper or wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while working. If the window is attached to the frame, you'll need to make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive before taking it off.

If you are planning to replace the original sash, gently remove the molding pieces that are used to secure the old pane. Then, sand the sash to ensure it's smooth and ready for new caulk. After the sash has been installed it is possible to apply a silicone caulk over the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't get soiled or discolor over time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets, the grooves in the sash that the glass is. If they're difficult to cut, place the hand tool, such as a heatgun over them for a few minutes to soften them. When using a heated tool, be sure to avoid damaging the sash's railings and sash.

Once the old points of glazing and putty have been removed prepare 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 in which the glass will rest. It's important that the glass sits on the putty on each side If you have to, lightly tap the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is damaged, you can use the silicone caulk or glass glue based on solvents to fill in the crack before pressing it in the sash. If not, you'll have to apply putty on the crack to create a tight seal and keep water out. After the putty is dry then clean the oily film off the glass using a rag and allow it to dry completely prior to painting. Paint after the putty is completely dry. It won't make a strong seal and could discolor or leak over time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a broken pane of glass. It's true that replacing a single pane of glass doesn't need to be costly even if you do it your own. Even double-paned windows can be replaced for a fraction of the price it would cost for a professional.

If you are working on a large-sized window, make sure it is securely fastened to the frame. Using the proper tools and techniques you can complete this task easily and speedy.

When you are ready to begin with the removal of the window pane. Take out the metal glazing points attached to it. These are basically small metal triangles that act as "nails" that hold the window in within the frame of wood. They are buried beneath a glaze putty or bead which hardens into solid wedge that holds the wood frame in place and conceals the edges.

After taking off the old pane clean the frame and wood. Scrape away any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points used to be. These should be sanded down to bare wood, so that you can paint them the same shade as the rest of the frame. After sanding the wood, apply a layer of flax oil. This will help prolong the life of the frame.

Then, take measurements of the dimensions of the window's opening. You'll need to determine the horizontal and vertical 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 also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasons of changes. You can take these measurements to a hardware store 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 for windows replacement 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.