How to Replace Window Panes

A cracked window pane is an issue. It can also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows, and reap benefits like greater comfort, a higher the value of resales and lower utility costs.

You can do it yourself at a fraction of 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If your single-pane windows are outdated damaged, cracked or deteriorating replacing them with more modern insulated or tempered glass can improve energy efficiency and reduce noise while preserving the original character of older homes. The procedure of replacing the window pane is easy and can be accomplished by homeowners with basic hand tools. In addition to a replacement windows prices sash windows cost, Read Heartmatters, pane, the following tools are required for the replacement window pane process: latex glazing putty glazier's points; pliers; and a heat gun for warming the old putty, if necessary. Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin. Working with broken glass can cause serious injuries.

Take away any broken glass pieces remaining. This is best accomplished with the help of pliers however, flathead screwdrivers can be effective in a pinch. After that, use a wood chisel, or putty knife, to remove the rest of the old putty from the frame and the sash. Be careful and slow making sure not to damage the old window sash. This should be done on a ladder, not the ground. Also, have someone on the ground to ensure it is held steady.

Make sure that the window frame is ready to accept the new pane when you have removed the old glue. 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 cut a piece of glass stock to the proper size. Alternatively, 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. Install a glazier's point on both sides of the frame. This will ensure the pane. The points shouldn't be so tight that they create friction between the frame and sash however they should not be too loose.

Before applying the putty work it in a gentle manner until it is soft and free of lumps. Roll it into pencil-sized strips. Place the first strip in the corner of the frame, working from one corner to another so that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces of steel that allow glass to be secured into the window frame without causing damage to the delicate surface. It's easy to learn how to use this nefarious tool and you can save money on the cost of an expert installation.

Once the old putty and the glazier's points have been removed and the frame is thoroughly cleaned with a utility knife to eliminate any remaining residue. If necessary it is necessary to lightly sand the wood along the grooves of the rabbet to smooth out rough spots. If you do sand the wood, make sure to protect it by using painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Note down the dimensions of the frame. These measurements can be brought to a home center or hardware store, and the new frame will be cut to a smaller size. This will ensure that the pane fits perfectly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and push it in place by using your hands. Make use of the chisel's point, or the edge of the putty blade to smudge the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should sit aligned with the top edge of the pane and the raised shoulders should be just below the lip.

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

Once the glazing compound has dried it's time to put in the new window sash. The first step is to coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will prevent the new putty from drying out and cracking when it absorbs moisture. Apply this coat with a brush or the tip of your knife, and then employ the chisel or back end of the knife to gently press the new sash and glazier's tips into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball thrown or a rock thrown by error, or a fallen tree can cause a broken or cracked window pane. Fortunately, the majority of windows can be easily replaced by simply placing a new piece in the proper place. The glass is held in place by small clips made of metal called a glazier's point and putty, which is often called glazing compound. Before you install a new pane, first take out the old one and clean the area using the help of a rag, an abrasive scraper that is a pull type or an abrasive wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves when you work. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll have to use a heat gun to soften the adhesive before taking it off.

If you're planning to install the original sash, remove any molding pieces that are used to secure the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready to receive new caulk. Once the sash is installed and sanded, apply a fresh silicone caulk around the glass to ensure that it won't leak or discolor as time passes.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets, or the grooves in the sash, where the glass is. If they're difficult to cut, place a hand tool such as a heatgun over them to allow them to soften before. When using a heated tool, be careful to not damage the sash and its railings.

Once the old glazing points and putty have been removed, prepare a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope made of glazing compound between your fingers, and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Then, you can press it into the rabbets, where the glass will be. The glass should rest against the putty on both sides. If needed gently tap your glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack you can fill it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk prior to pressing it into the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you will require putty to keep water from getting in. After the putty has dried remove the oily film off of the glass and allow it to dry completely before painting. Paint before the putty is completely dry. It will not make a strong seal and may discolor or leak over time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, you may be worried about the expense of a new one. However, replacing one glass pane does not need to cost a fortune If you can do it yourself. In fact even windows with double panes can be replaced at a fraction of the cost of a professional.

If you are working with a large glass window, first make sure it is securely attached to the frame. Using the proper tools and techniques, you can make this task relatively easy and speedy.

When you are ready to begin, remove the old window pane. Take out the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are small metal triangles that function as "nails" that hold the window in the frame. They are buried beneath a layer of glazing putty, which hardens into a solid, molded wedge which holds the window screen replacement in place and conceals the edges.

Once you have the old pane removed Clean up the frame and wood. Scrape off any old paint and sand 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 color. After the sanding process, apply a coat of flax oil to the wood that is not sanded down to help extend its lifespan.

Next, measure the size of the window's opening. You will need to take horizontal and vertical measurements of the entire opening and also the thickness of the old pane. 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 measurements to your local hardware or home improvement store, and they will have a piece 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.