How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window is an inconvenience. It could also be a chance to upgrade your glass window replacement to energy-efficient or insulated windows to reap benefits like more comfort, higher potential for resales, and less bills.

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

Glass

If your single pane windows are old broken, deteriorating or damaged replacing them with modern insulated or tempered glass can increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while maintaining the historic integrity of older homes. Most homeowners with basic hand tools can Replace window pane windows with ease. In addition to a replacement double glazed windows pane, Replace Window Pane the following tools are needed such as latex glazing putty; glazier's points; pliers; and a heat gun for warming the old putty, if needed. Before beginning, wear protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass could cause injuries.

Take out any broken glass pieces remaining. It is recommended to use pliers for this, but a flathead can be used as well. Then, use a wooden chisel or putty knife take the remainder of the old putty around the frame and sash. Be careful and slow making sure not to damage the old window sash. It is a good idea to work using a sturdy ladder rather than the ground and have someone stand below the sash to help keep it steady.

After you have removed all the old putty, it is time to prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction, subtract 1/8 inch each from the measurements of width and height. These measurements can be taken to a home center or hardware store to get a piece cut of stock glass to the right size. Alternatively, you can cut the glass yourself if you have the tools you need.

After putting in the new glass Apply some caulking around the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then, place a glazier's tip on the frame's opposite side to hold the pane in its place. The points shouldn't be too tight that they cause friction between the frame and sash however they should not be too loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, you must knead it thoroughly until it becomes soft and free from lumps. Cut it into pencil-sized pieces. Place the first strip in 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 tiny triangular pieces of steel which help to secure the glass to the frame without causing damage to the delicate surface. It's easy to understand how to use this nefarious tool, and you'll be able to save money on the cost of an installation by a professional.

Once the old putty and the glazier's point are gone, thoroughly clean the frame using a utility knife to get rid of any remaining residue. If necessary you can lightly sand the wood along rabbet grooves to smooth out rough areas. If you do sand your wood, make sure to protect it with painter's tack to avoid accidental damage.

Write down the dimensions of the frame. 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 that the pane fits perfectly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and push it in place by using your hands. Then, use the tip of your chisel or back of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's points as illustrated in Figure 11. When you're done taping, they should be in line with the top edge of the pane. the raised shoulders of the points should be below the lip of the rabbet groove.

Apply a thin bead of glazing compound over the edges of the new glass and in the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Allow this to dry and cure completely.

Install the new window sash when the glazing compound has dried. First, coat the wood with a thick coat of linseed oil. This will keep the new putty from sucking up moisture and deteriorating and cracking over time. Apply this coat with a brush or the edge of your putty knife, then use the chisel or the back end of the putty knife to gently hammer in the new sash and glazier's point into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.

Putty

A baseball hit, a rock thrown in error, or a fallen tree could result in a broken or cracked window. The majority of windows can be replaced by installing a new piece. The glass is held in place with small clips made of metal called the glazier's pointed and putty, which is often called glazing compound. Before you install a new pane, first remove the old one and clean up the area with the help of a rag, a pull-type paint scraper or a wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses while you do this work. You'll need a heating gun if the window is glued to the frame.

If you're planning to install the original sash in the future, take care to remove any molding pieces that secure the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready for new caulk. After the sash has been installed, you can 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, or the grooves in the sash, where the glass sits. If they're hard to chisel out, you can try holding the hand tool, such as a heat gun to soften them up first. If you're using a heated gun, be careful not to damage the railings of the sash or the sash itself by using the tool too close.

Make a bed for your new pane by removing the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, forming it to be about 1/2-inch thick. Press it into the rabbets where the glass will be placed. The glass must rest against the putty on both sides. If needed gently tap your glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has cracked, you can apply a silicone caulk or a glass glue based on solvents to cover the crack before pressing it into the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you'll need to apply putty to keep water from getting in. Once the putty is dry remove the oily film off of the glass and allow it to dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty is fully 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. It's true that replacing a single pane of glass doesn't have to be costly if you do it on your own. In fact, even a double-pane window can be replaced for less than the cost of a professional.

First, if you are working on a large-sized window, ensure that it is securely attached to the frame. This job is relatively easy and fast with the appropriate tools and techniques.

When you're ready to start taking off the old window by prying out the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are basically small metal triangles that function as "nails" which hold the window in in the wood frame. They are submerged beneath a bead or glazing putty that sets to form an unbreakable wedge that holds the frame firmly in position and hides the sharp edges.

After you have removed the old pane removed clean the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points were. Sand them down to clean wood surfaces, so that you can paint the frames with the same shade. After sanding the wood you can apply a layer flax oil. This will help to extend its life.

Then, take measurements of the dimensions of the window opening. It is necessary to measure the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the entire opening, as well as the thickness. To determine the exact size of the new pane subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Take these dimensions to a hardware or home improvement store, and they will have cut the glass 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.