How to Replace Window Pane Window Panes

A damaged window pane could be a nuisance. It could also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows to reap benefits like improved comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility bills.

You can do it yourself for only a fraction of the cost it would cost to hire an expert. It requires the right tools and only an hour or two of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are outdated broken, deteriorating or damaged replacing them with more modern glass that is tempered or insulated will increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while also preserving the original character of older homes. The replacement of a window pane is relatively easy and can be accomplished by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. You will also require a replacement window pane, glazier's tips pliers, and latex glaze putty. If you need to, you can use a heating gun to warm the old putty. Before starting, put on protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass may cause injuries.

Take out any broken glass pieces that remain. It is best to use pliers for this however a flathead could be used as well. Then, use a wood chisel, or putty knife, to take the remainder of the old putty around the frame and the sash. Take your time and work slowly, taking care not to damage the old window sash. It is a good idea to work on a stable ladder instead of the ground and have someone stand below the sash to help hold it steady.

After you have removed all the old putty, you can prepare the window frame for the new pane. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction and contraction, subtract 1/8 inch from the measurements of the width and height. Bring these measurements to the nearest hardware store or home center and get a piece of stock glass cut to size. You can also cut the glass yourself if you have the tools you need.

After putting in the new pane After installing the new pane, Replace window Pane apply a small amount of caulking around the edge to seal it against weather. Then install a glazier's point on each side of the frame to secure the pane in its place. The points should not be tight enough to create friction between the frame and Replace window pane sash However, they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, knead thoroughly until it is soft and free of lumps. Make it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be placed to the corner of the frame, working from one corner to the next to ensure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces that allow glass to be secured into a window frame without damaging or scratching the delicate surface. It's easy to learn how to use this nefarious tool, and you'll save money on the cost of a professional installation.

After taking off 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 in the grooves of the rabbets to smooth out rough spots. If you sand wood cover it with painter's tape to protect it from damage caused by accidental sanding.

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

Place the new window in the frame and press it in place using your hand. Make use of the point of the chisel, or the back of the putty knife to tap in the glaziers' points as shown in Figure 11. When you're done taping, they should be flush with the top edge of the pane, and the shoulders of the points should be below the lip of the rabbet groove.

Apply a thin bead of glazing compound over the edges of the glass that has been made and into the rabbet grooves, to seal and protect them. Let it dry completely and cure.

After the glazing compound dries and the glazing compound is dry, you can install the new window sash. First, saturate the wood with a heavy coat of Linseed oil. This will stop the new putty from taking up the moisture and deteriorating and cracking with time. Use a brush to apply this coat, or the tip of the blade. Then use the chisel that is on the back of the tool or the back of the putty handle to gently hit the new sash, or glazier's point into rabbet grooves. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown at you, an errant rock or a fallen branch can cause a window pane to break or crack. Fortunately, the majority of windows can be easily replaced by simply putting a brand new piece in the right place. The glass is held into position by a small metal clip, also known as a glazier's point and putty. This compound is also referred to as glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using a rag, a scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while working. You'll require a heat gun in the event that the window is glued to the frame.

If you plan to reinstall 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. Once the sash is re-installed then, apply a new silicone caulk to the glass to ensure that it will not leak or change color as time passes.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets and the grooves in the sash that the glass is. If they're difficult to chisel, hold the 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.

Make a bed for your new pane after you have removed the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope made of glazing compound between your fingers and make it around 1/2 inch thick. Place it into the rabbets where the glass will be put. It is crucial that the glass is positioned against the putty in all places on each side, so if you need to tap it, gently press the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has cracked, you can apply a silicone caulk or glass glue based on solvents to cover the crack prior to pressing it in the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you will need to apply putty to keep water from getting in. After the putty is dry, clean the oily film off the glass using the help of a rag. Allow it to completely dry before painting. If you paint before the putty has completely dry, it won't form a strong seal and may leak or discolor in time.

Paint

If you've suffered a break in a window handles replacement pane, then you may be concerned about the expense of a new one. It's true that replacing a single piece of glass doesn't have to be expensive even if you do it your own. In fact windows with double panes can be replaced at less than the cost of an expert.

First, if you are working on a large window, make sure that it is securely attached to the frame. Using the proper tools and techniques to accomplish this task fairly easily and fast.

When you're ready to start, begin by removing the old window pane by prying out the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are small metal triangles which act as "nails", holding the window in place. They are submerged under a bead of glazing putty that hardens into a solid, moulded wedge that holds the window firmly in place and hides the edges.

After removing the old pane, clean the frame and the wood. Scrape off any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were. These should be sanded down to the point of being bare, to allow you to paint them the same shade as the rest of the frame. After sanding the wood, apply a layer of flax oil. This will help to extend its life.

Then, take measurements of the dimensions of the window opening. It is necessary to take horizontal and vertical measurements of the entire opening as well as the thickness of the old pane. To get the exact size of the new pane subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Bring these measurements to the hardware or home improvement store and 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.