How to Replace window Pane Window Panes

A damaged window pane can be an inconvenience. It could also be an opportunity to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows and enjoy benefits such as greater comfort, a higher resale value and reduced utility bills.

It's a task 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 old single-paned windows with tempered or insulated glass to increase the efficiency of your energy, reduce noise, and preserve the original character of your old home. The procedure of replacing windows is easy and can be accomplished by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. You'll also require an extra window pane, glazier's suggestions, pliers, and latex glaze putty. If needed you may make use of a heat gun to warm the old putty. Before starting, wear gloves and safety glasses as working with broken glass can cause injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. It is best to use pliers for this, but a flathead can be used equally. Then, use a wooden chisel or putty knife remove the remaining old putty around the frame and sash. Be careful not to break the window sash. Be careful and slow. This is best done on an elevated ladder, not on the ground. Also, have someone below the sash keep it in place.

Once you have removed all the old putty, it is time to prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane. Find the width and the height of the opening in the sash and subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). Take these measurements to an hardware store or home center, and have a piece of stock glass cut to size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you possess the appropriate tools.

After putting in the new pane after installing the new pane, put a tiny amount of caulking around the edge to ensure it is weatherproof. Install a glazier's point on both sides of the frame. This will help secure the pane. The points shouldn't be so tight that they create friction between the sash and frame, but they also should not be too loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, gently knead it until it is smooth and free of lumps. Then make it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the corner of the frame. Work from one corner to the next and ensure that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are tiny triangular metal pieces which help to secure the glass into the window frame without causing any damage to the fragile surface. It's easy to learn how to use this hidden tool, and you'll save money on the expense of a professional installation.

After removing the old putty, glazier points, and any other leftovers clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife. If needed you can lightly sand the wood along grooves of the rabbets to smooth rough spots. If you decide to sand wood, protect it with painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Write down the exact dimensions of the frame. Bring these measurements to an hardware store or home center, and have the new pane cut smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a snug fit, and allow for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and push it into the frame by using your hands. Utilize the point of the chisel, or the back of the putty blade to tap the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. After you're done, the points should be in line with the top edge of the pane. the shoulders of the points should be below the lip of the rabbet groove.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound over 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.

Once the glazing compound has dried and the glazing compound is dry, you can install the new window sash. First, Replace Window Pane coat the wood with a thick coat of linseed oil. This will prevent the newly-created putty from drying out and cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or the tip of the blade. Then, use the chisel on the back of the tool or the back of the putty handle to gently smash the new sash or glazier's point 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 in error, or a tree falling could result in a broken or cracked window. Most windows can be repaired easily by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held in position by a small metal clip, also known as a glazier's point and putty. This compound is also known as glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with a rag, a pull-type scraper or wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses while working. You'll need a heating gun if the window pane replacement is glued to the frame.

If you are planning to reinstall your original sash, remove the molding that supports the old pane. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready for new caulk. Once the sash is installed and sanded, apply a fresh caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure it doesn't swell or fade in time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, where the glass is located. If they're difficult to cut out, you can try holding the hand Windows Replacement tool, such as a heat gun over them to soften them first. When using a heated tool, be careful to not damage the sash or its railings.

After the old glazing points and putty are removed, make a bed for the new pane. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, forming it to be around 1/2-inch thick. Then, you can press it into the rabbets in which the glass will rest. The glass must be positioned against the putty on both sides. If needed, lightly tap your glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is damaged, you can use a silicone caulk or glass glue based on solvents to cover the crack prior to pressing it into the sash. If not, you'll have to apply putty over the crack to form an impervious seal to keep water out. Once the putty is dry clean the oily film off the glass and let it dry completely before painting. Paint before the putty has dried completely. It won't create a solid seal and could leak or discolor with time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a damaged piece of glass. The truth is, replacing a single piece of glass doesn't have to be expensive if you do it on your own. In fact windows with double panes can be replaced for only a fraction of the cost of an expert.

If you are working with large glass windows, first make sure it is securely attached to the frame. This task is relatively easy and fast with the proper tools and techniques.

Once you're ready to begin with the removal of the old window pane by removing the glazing points of metal that are attached to it. These are basically small metal triangles that function as "nails" that keep the window in within the frame of wood. They are placed under a bead or glazing glue that sets to form an unbreakable wedge that holds the frame securely in place and conceals the edges.

After you have the old pane removed Clean up the frame and wood. Scrape away any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were. These should be sanded to the point of being bare, to allow you to paint them the same color as the rest of the frame. After sanding the wood you can apply a layer flax oil. This will help prolong the life of the frame.

Next, measure the size of the window opening. It is necessary to measure the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the entire opening, as well as the thickness. 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. You can take these measurements to a hardware or home improvement store and have 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 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.