How to Replace Window Pane Window Panes

A damaged window pane could be a source of frustration. It can also be an opportunity to upgrade your glass to energy-efficient or insulated windows, and benefit from improved comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility bills.

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

Glass

If your single-pane windows are outdated, deteriorating or broken, replacing them with newer glass that is tempered or insulated will improve energy efficiency and reduce noise while preserving the historical integrity of older homes. The upvc replacement window handles of windows is easy and can be accomplished by anyone with basic hand tools. You will also need an extra window pane, glazier's tips pliers, and latex glazing 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 broken pieces of glass. This is best accomplished with the help of pliers but flathead screwdrivers can be effective in a pinch. Then, use a wood chisel, or putty knife, to remove the rest of the old putty from around the frame and the sash. Be careful to not scratch the window sash. Take your time and work slowly. This can be done best on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, have someone on the ground to ensure it is held steady.

Make sure the window frame is ready to receive the new pane once 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 sent to a home center or hardware store to have a piece cut of stock glass to the right size. You can also cut the glass yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

After installing the new 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 place. The points shouldn't be too tight as to cause friction between the sash and frame, but they also shouldn't be loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, you must knead it thoroughly until it becomes soft and free of lumps. Make it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the corner of the frame. Work from one corner to another, making sure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces of metal which help to secure the glass to the frame without damaging the delicate surface. Learning how to use these tiny helpers is simple and can save you money on a professional installation or the cost of new glass.

After the old putty and the glazier's point are gone and the frame is thoroughly cleaned using a utility knife to remove any remaining residue. If needed it is necessary to lightly sand the wood along the grooves of the rabbets to smooth out rough areas. If you decide to sand the wood, make sure to protect it with painter's tack to avoid accidental damage.

Write down the dimensions of the frame. These measurements can be brought to an hardware or home centers store, and the new pane 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 into the frame and press it down with your hands. Utilize the chisel's point or the edge of the putty blade to smudge the glaziers' points as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's points should be in line with the top edge of your pane, and the shoulders raised should be just below the lip.

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

After the glazing compound dries, you're ready to install the new window sash. First, you need to coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will prevent the new putty from sucking in the moisture and deteriorating and cracking with time. Use a brush to apply this coat, or the point of the blade. Then, use the chisel that is on the back of the tool or the back of the handle to gently smash the new sash or glazier's point into rabbet grooves. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A hurled baseball or an unintentional rock, or falling branch could cause a window pane to break or crack. The majority of windows can be repaired easily by installing a new piece. The glass is held into place by a small metal clip, referred to as the glazier's point, and putty. This compound is also called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using a rag, a pull-type scraper, or a wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while you do this work. If the window is glued to the frame, replace window pane you'll need to make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive before cutting it loose.

If you are planning to install your original sash, remove the molding that supports the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready to receive new caulk. After the sash has been re-installed then, apply a new silicone caulk around the glass to ensure it doesn't swell or fade as time passes.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, where the glass is. If they're difficult to work out, you can try holding the hand tool, such as a heat gun to soften them first. When using a heat tool, make sure to avoid damaging the sash and its railings.

Prepare the bed for your new pane after removing the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, shaping it to be around 1/2-inch thick. Then, press it into the rabbets in which the glass will be. The glass should rest against the putty on both sides. If needed, lightly tap your glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack then you can seal it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk prior pressing it into the sash. If not, you'll have to apply putty on the crack to create an impervious seal to keep water out. After the putty has dried and the film is oily, wipe it off the glass with a rag and allow it to completely dry before painting. Paint before the putty is completely dry. It will not create a solid seal and may discolor or leak over time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, then you may be concerned about the expense of replacing it. In reality, replacing a single piece of glass doesn't have to be expensive if you do it on your own. Even double-paned windows can be replaced for a fraction of the price it will cost an expert.

First, if you are working on a large window, ensure that it is securely fixed to the frame. By using the correct tools and techniques to make this task relatively easy and fast.

Once you're ready to begin taking off the old window pane by prying out the glazing points of metal that are attached to it. These are small metal triangles that act as "nails", holding the window within the frame. They are submerged beneath a bead or glazing putty that hardens to an unbreakable wedge that holds the wood frame securely in place and hides the points.

After you have removed the old pane taken away, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any paint that has been used, and sand the rabbet grooves in which the glazing points were placed. Sand them down to clean wooden surfaces so you can paint the frames the same shade. After sanding the wood then apply a layer of flax oil. This will help to extend its life.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of the window opening. You'll need to take horizontal and vertical measurements of the entire opening and also the thickness of the old pane. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure you get the exact measurement for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasonal change. Take these dimensions to a hardware or home improvement store and 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, replace window Pane it can be painted with the same color as the frame to prevent water and air from leaking into the frame and causing fogging.