How to Replace Window Pane Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window is an inconvenience. This can be an opportunity to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones and enjoy benefits like increased comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility bills.

It's a project you can take on yourself for only a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional. It requires the right equipment and an hour or two of your time.

Glass

Replace your single-paned windows using tempered or insulated glass to increase energy efficiency, cut down on noise, and protect the original character of your older home. The procedure of replacing windows is simple and can be done by homeowners with basic hand tools. Alongside a replacement pane, the following components are required such as latex glazing putty; Glazier's points; pliers and a heat gun for warming the old putty if required. Before beginning, wear protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass could cause injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. It is recommended to use pliers however, a flathead may be used equally. Use a wood chisel, or putty knives, to take away any old putty remaining around the frame and the window sash. Work slowly and carefully, taking care not to break the existing window sash. This should be done on a ladder, not the ground. Also, you should have someone below the sash hold it steady.

Prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane after you have removed the old putty. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction, subtract 1/8 inch each from the measurements of the width and height. These measurements can be taken to a hardware or home center store to get a piece cut of glass stock to the proper size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you possess the right tools.

After putting in the new glass After installing the glass, apply caulking to the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Install a glazier's point on both sides of the frame. This will ensure the pane. The points shouldn't be too tight that they create friction between the frame and sash however they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty, knead it thoroughly until it is soft and free of lumps. Cut it into pencil-sized pieces. The first strip should be placed to the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to the next so that it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are tiny triangular metal pieces that allow glass to be secured to the frame without damaging the delicate surface. It's easy to learn how to use this hidden tool, and you'll save money on the expense of an installation by a professional.

After removing the old putty, glazier points, and any other residue Clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. Lightly sand the frame in the rabbet grooves, if necessary, to smooth rough areas. If you decide to sand the wood, make sure to protect it by using painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

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

Place 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. The glazier's points should sit in line with the top edge of the pane and the raised shoulders should be just below the lip.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the edges of the glass that has been made and into the rabbet grooves, to seal and protect them. Allow it 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 the moisture and deteriorating and cracking over time. Use a brush to apply this coat, or the point of the putty blade. Then, use the chisel that is on the back of the putty tool or the back of the putty handle to gently smash the new sash or glazier's point into grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches along the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball thrown or a rock thrown by error, or a fallen tree could result in a broken or cracked window. Most windows can be replaced by putting in a new piece. The glass is held into position by a small metal clip, called the glazier's point, and putty. This compound is also known as 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 doing this work. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll need to use a heat gun to soften the adhesive prior to prying it free.

If you're planning to install the original sash, gently remove any pieces of molding that are used to secure the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready to receive new caulk. After the sash has been re-installed and sanded, apply a fresh caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure that it doesn't swell or fade as time passes.

Remove the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash, which is where the glass is located. If they're difficult to cut out, you can try holding the hand tool, such as a heat gun over them to soften them first. If you're using a heat gun, make sure not to cause damage to the sash or its railings by using the tool too closely.

Create the bed for your new pane by removing the old glaze points and putty. 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. It's important that the glass rests against the putty on both sides So if you have to do so, gently tap the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can cover it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk prior pressing it into the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you will need to apply putty to keep the water out. After the putty is dry and the film is oily, wipe it off the glass with an abrasive and allow it to dry completely before painting. Paint after the putty has dried completely. It won't form a good seal and could be leaking or discoloring over time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, then you may be worried about the cost of replacing it. However, replacing one glass pane does not require a huge amount of money when you do it yourself. In fact windows with double panes can be replaced at a fraction of the cost of an expert.

If you're working with a large glass window, first make sure it is securely attached to the frame. This job is relatively easy and quick with the right tools and techniques.

Once you're ready to begin, begin by removing the old window handles replacement by prying out the glazing points made of metal that are connected to it. These are essentially small metal triangles that function as "nails" that hold the window in place in the wood frame. They are buried beneath a glaze putty or bead which hardens into solid wedge which holds the wood frame securely in place and hides the points.

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

The next step is to determine the size of the window opening. You will need to take vertical and horizontal measurements of the entire opening as well as the thickness of the old pane. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure you have the exact size for the new pane. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Bring these measurements to the 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 Replace window pane 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.