How to Replace window pane Window Panes

A damaged or replace window pane cracked window is an inconvenience. This can be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones and enjoy benefits such as improved comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility costs.

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

Glass

If your single pane windows are old damaged, cracked or deteriorating, replacing them with newer insulated or tempered glass can improve energy efficiency and reduce noise while preserving the original character of older homes. The majority of homeowners with basic hand tools can repair the window pane. You will also require an additional window pane, glazier's tips, pliers, and latex glaze putty. If necessary you may use a heatgun to warm the old putty. Before starting, put on gloves and safety goggles as working with broken glass may cause injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. This can be done with a pair of pliers, however, a flathead screwdriver can also be used in the pinch. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knives, to take away any old putty that remains around the frame and window sash. Be careful not to damage the window sash. Work slowly and carefully. It is recommended to do this on a stable ladder instead of the ground and place someone on the sash to help hold it in place.

Prepare the window frame to receive the new pane once you have removed the old putty. Take measurements of the width and height of the opening in the sash and subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be taken to an hardware or home centers store to have cut a piece of glass stock to the proper size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

After putting in the new glass After installing the glass, apply some caulking on the edges. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then, you can install a glazier's pointing on the frame's opposite side to secure the pane into its place. The points shouldn't be too tight as to cause friction between the sash and frame but they should not be too loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, you must knead it thoroughly until it is smooth and free of lumps. Make it into pencil-sized strips. Place the first strip to the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to the other to ensure it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier’s points are small triangular metal pieces that help secure the glass into the window frame without causing damage to the delicate surface. It's simple to learn how to use this nefarious tool, and you'll be able to save money on the expense of an installation by a professional.

After the old putty as well as the glazier's point are gone Clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife to remove any remaining residue. If needed it is necessary to lightly sand the wood along the rabbet grooves to smooth out rough spots. If you decide to sand wood, protect it with painter's tape to protect it from damage caused by accidental sanding.

Note down the dimensions of the frame. Bring these measurements to a hardware store or a home center, and have the new pane cut slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure that the pane fits comfortably and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and press it in place with your hand. Then, use the tip of your chisel, or the back end of the putty knife to make a tap on the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should be aligned with the top edge of your pane and the shoulders should be just beneath 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.

Once the glazing compound has dried, you're ready to install the new window sash. First, coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will prevent the new putty from soaking up the moisture and deteriorating and cracking with time. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or the tip of the putty blade. Then, use the chisel on the back of the tool or the back of the handle to gently hit the new sash, or glazier's point into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.

Putty

A hurled baseball or an unintentional rock, or a falling branch can cause a window pane to break or crack. The majority of windows can be repaired easily by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held in place using a small metal clip called the glazier's pointed and putty, often called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using an abrasive, pull-type scraper, or a wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while working. If the window is attached to the frame, you'll have to make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive prior to cutting it loose.

If you are planning to replace window handle the original sash, remove any molding pieces that are used to secure the old pane. Then sand the sash to ensure it's level and ready to be re-caulked. Once the sash is reinstalled then, you can apply a silicone caulk over the glass. This will ensure that it won't get soiled or discolor over time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets and the grooves in the sash where the glass sits. If they're hard to chisel, hold a hand tool such as a heatgun over them to allow them to soften before. If you're using a heat gun, be careful not to scratch the sash or its railings by using the tool too closely.

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

If the new pane has cracked, you can use a silicone caulk or glass glue based on solvents to seal the crack prior to pressing it into the sash. If not, you'll have to apply putty on the crack to form an impervious seal to keep water out. Once the putty is dry clean the oily film from the glass and allow it to dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it will not form a strong seal and may leak or discolor over time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a broken piece of glass. In reality, replacing a single pane glass doesn't need to be expensive even if you do it your own. Even a double-paned window can be replaced for a fraction of the price it would cost a professional.

If you're working with large glass windows first, ensure that it is securely attached to the frame. With the right tools and techniques you can complete this task easily and fast.

When you are ready to start, remove the old window pane. Remove the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are tiny triangles of metal that act as "nails", holding the window within the frame. They are placed under a glaze putty or bead that sets to form solid wedge that holds the frame in place and hides the points.

After you have the old pane taken away, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points used to be. They should be sanded to bare wood to allow you to paint them the same shade as the rest of the frame. After sanding the wood, apply a layer of flax oil. This will help extend its life.

Then, take measurements of the dimensions of the window opening. You will need to take horizontal and vertical measurements of the entire opening, as well as the thickness of the old pane. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure that you have the exact size for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass in times of seasonal changes. You can take these measurements to a hardware store 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 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 replace window pane 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.