How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane can be a nuisance. It could also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy-efficient or insulated windows to enjoy benefits such as more comfort, higher the value of resales and lower utility bills.

You can do it yourself for only a fraction of the cost it would cost to hire an expert. You'll need only the right tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are old broken, deteriorating or damaged replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the historical integrity of older homes. The process of replacing windows is easy and can be accomplished by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. In addition to a new pane, the following tools are needed such as latex glazing putty; glazier's points; pliers; and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty, Replace Window Handle if necessary. Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin. Working with broken glass could result in serious injuries.

Take away any broken glass pieces remaining. This is best accomplished with the help of pliers though using flathead screwdrivers can work in the pinch. Make use of a wood chisel or putty knives to remove any old putty remaining around the frame and the window sash. Work slowly and carefully, taking care not to damage the old window sash. It is recommended to do this using a sturdy ladder instead of the ground and to place someone on the sash in order to help hold it in place.

Once you have removed all of the old putty, you can prepare the window frame to fit the new pane. Take measurements of the width and height of the opening for the sash, subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). Take these measurements to the nearest hardware store or home center, and get a piece of stock glass cut to size. Alternately, you can cut the glass yourself if have the appropriate tools.

After putting in the new glass, apply some caulking around the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Install a glazier’s point on both sides of the frame. This will secure the pane. The points should not be so tight that they cause friction between the frame and [Redirect-302] the sash However, they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty, make sure to knead it until it's soft and free of lumps. Make it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip in the corner of the frame, moving 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 which help to secure the glass to the frame without causing damage to the delicate surface. It's easy to learn how to use this nefarious tool, and you'll be able to save money on the cost of an installation by a professional.

After the old putty and glazier's points are removed, thoroughly clean the frame using a utility knife to eliminate any remaining residue. If necessary you can lightly sand the wood along the grooves of the rabbets to smooth out rough spots. If you do sand the wood, make sure to protect it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Take measurements of the empty frame and record precise measurements. These measurements can be taken to the hardware or home center store, and the new frame will be cut to a smaller size. This will ensure a snug fit, and allow for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and push it in using your hands. Then, use the tip of your chisel, or the back of the putty knife to make a tap on the glazier's facets, as shown in Figure 11. When you're done taping, they should be in line with the top edge of the pane and the shoulders that are raised of the points should be just below the lip of the rabbet groove.

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

Install the new window sash after the glazing compound has dried. First, saturate the wood with a heavy coat of linseed oil. This will prevent the new putty drying out or cracking due to the moisture it absorbs. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or even the tip of the blade. Then, use the chisel that is on the back of the putty tool or the back of the putty handle to gently hammer the new sash or glazier's tip into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A hurled baseball, an errant rock or a fallen 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 the position with a tiny metal clip, called a glazier's point and putty. This compound is also called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with the rag, a scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves when you work. You'll need a heat gun if the window is glued to the frame.

If you are planning to reinstall your original sash, you must remove the mold that holds the old pane. Then you can sand the sash down to ensure it's smooth and ready to be re-caulked. After the sash has been installed, you can apply a silicone caulk on the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't leak over time or discolor.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets, or the grooves in the sash that the glass sits. If they're difficult to chisel, use the hand tool, like a heat gun over them to soften first. If you're using a heated gun, make sure not to damage the railings or sash by holding the tool too tightly.

Create a bed for your new pane by removing the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your fingers and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Press it into the rabbets where the glass will be placed. The glass must rest against the putty on both sides. If needed you want to tap your glass lightly into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack then you can seal it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk prior pressing it into the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you will need to use putty to keep the water out. Once the putty is dry remove the oily film from the glass and allow it to dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it won't create a strong seal and may discolor or leak in time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a damaged piece of glass. But the truth is that replacing a single glass pane doesn't need to cost a fortune when you do it yourself. Even a replacement double glazed windows-paned window can be replaced for a fraction of what it costs an expert.

First, if you are working on a large window, make sure that it is securely attached 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 removing the glazing points of metal that are attached to it. These are tiny triangles of metal that function as "nails", holding the window in the frame. They are submerged beneath a layer of glazing putty, which is then cured to form a solid, formed wedge that secures the window in place and hides the edges.

After removal of the old pane clean the frame and the wood. Scrape away any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were. Sand them down to clean wooden surfaces so you can paint the frames with the same color. After sanding the wood then apply a layer of flax oil. This will help prolong the life of the frame.

Next, measure the size of the window's opening. It is necessary 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 ask them to cut you 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, it can be painted with the same color as the frame to prevent water and air from leaking into the frame and causing fogging.