How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane can be an inconvenience. This can be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones and enjoy benefits such as improved comfort, increased resale value and lower utility costs.

You can do it yourself for less than what it would cost to employ an expert. You'll need only the proper tools and a few minutes of your time.

Glass

Replace window pane your old single-paned windows replacement using tempered or insulate glass to improve the efficiency of your energy, reduce noise, and preserve the original character of your home's older. The replacement windows prices of a window pane is relatively simple and can be done by homeowners with basic hand tools. You will also need an additional window pane, glazier's tips, pliers, replace window pane and latex glazing putty. If needed you can use a heatgun to warm the old putty. Wear safety goggles and gloves before you begin. Working with broken glass could result in serious injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. This is best done using pliers, however, flathead screwdrivers can work in the pinch. Use a wood chisel, replace window Pane or putty knives, to take away any old putty remaining around the frame and the window sash. Be careful and slow, taking care not to damage the old window sash. This is best done on a ladder, not the ground. Also, ensure that someone below the sash hold it steady.

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

After putting the new pane in place after installing the new pane, put a tiny amount of caulking around the edges to ensure it is weatherproof. Install a glazier's pointing on both sides of the frame. This will ensure the pane. The points shouldn't be so tight that they cause friction between the frame and sash However, they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, you must knead it thoroughly until it is smooth and free from lumps. Then make it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be glued to the frame's corner. Work from corner to corner to ensure it's even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces of metal that help secure the glass to the frame without causing damage to the delicate surface. Learning how to use these hidden tiny pieces of help is simple and could save you money on professional installation or the cost of buying new glass.

After the old putty and glazier's points are removed Clean the frame thoroughly with a knife to get rid of any remaining traces. If needed, lightly sand the wood along the grooves of the rabbets to smooth rough spots. If you do sand your wood, ensure you protect it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Measure the empty frame's dimensions and record precise measurements. Take these measurements to a hardware store or home center and have the new pane cut smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure that the pane fits perfectly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and push firmly using your hands. Then, you can use the point of your chisel or the back of the putty knife to make a tap on 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 rabbet grooves and edges of new glass. This will protect and seal the edges. Allow it to dry and cure completely.

When the glazing compound is dry it's time to put in the new window sash. The first step is to coat the wood with a heavy coat of Linseed oil. This will prevent the newly-created putty from drying out or cracking as it absorbs moisture. Use a brush to apply this coat, or even the tip of the putty blade. Then use the chisel on the back of the putty tool or the back of the handle to gently hit the new sash, or glazier's point into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches along the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A hurled baseball or an unintentional rock, or a falling branch can cause a window to crack or break. Most windows can be replaced easily by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held in position by a small metal clip, referred to as a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also referred to as glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with a rag, a pull-type scraper or wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves when you work. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll need use a heat gun to soften the adhesive before cutting it loose.

If you plan to reinstall the original sash, remove the molding pieces that are used to secure the old pane. Then, sand the sash to ensure it's level and ready for a new caulk. Once the sash is installed and sanded, apply a fresh silicone caulk around the glass to ensure that it won't leak or discolor over time.

Take out the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash, which is where the glass is located. If they are hard to cut, place a hand tool like a heat gun over them to soften first. When using a heat tool, make sure to not scratch the sash or its railings.

Create the bed for your new pane by removing the old glaze and putty. 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 where the glass will be. It is essential that the glass sits on the putty in all places on both sides, so if you need to do so, gently tap the glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane has damaged, you can use a silicone caulk or glass glue made from solvents to seal the crack before pressing it into the sash. If not, you'll have to apply putty on the crack to create an airtight seal and keep water out. After the putty has dried clean the oily film from the glass and let it dry completely before you paint. If you paint before the putty has completely dry, it won't form a solid seal and could leak or discolor over time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, then you may be concerned about the expense of replacing it. However, replacing a single glass pane doesn't have to break the bank If you can do it yourself. Even a double-paned window could be replaced for a fraction of the price it will cost a professional.

If you're working with a large glass window, first make sure it is securely fixed to the frame. By using the correct tools and techniques you can accomplish this task fairly easily and fast.

When you are ready to start taking down the old window pane. Take out the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are small metal triangles that act as "nails" that hold the window within the frame. They are placed beneath a layer of glazing putty that hardens into a solid, formed wedge that secures the window in place and hides the edges.

After taking off 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 to bare wood so that you can paint them the same color as the rest of the frame. After sanding the wood, apply a layer of flax oil. This will help to extend its life.

The next step is to determine the width of the window opening. It is necessary to measure the vertical and horizontal 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 also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass in times of seasonal change. You can take these measurements to a hardware or home improvement shop 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.