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 to enjoy benefits such as improved comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility costs.

It's a project you can do yourself for a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional. You'll need only the appropriate tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

Replace your old single-paned windows with tempered insulation glass to improve energy efficiency, cut down on noise, and protect the historical integrity of your old home. The majority of homeowners with basic hand tools can replace windows with ease. You will also need a upvc replacement window handles window pane, glazier's tips pliers, and latex glaze putty. If needed, you can make use of a heat gun to warm the old putty. Before beginning, wear protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass may cause injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. It is recommended to use pliers however, a flathead may be useful as well. After that, use a wood chisel or putty knife to remove the rest of the old putty from around the frame and sash. Be careful to not scratch the window sash. Be careful and slow. This can be done best on an elevated ladder, not on the ground. Also, you should have someone lower to ensure it is held steady.

After you have removed all of the old putty, prepare the window frame to fit the new pane. Find the width and the height of the sash opening and subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be sent to a hardware or home center store to get an item cut from stock glass to the right size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you have the right tools.

After putting the new pane in place After installing the new pane, apply a small amount of caulking around the edges to make it 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 frame and sash however they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty, make sure to knead it until it is soft and free of lumps. Make it into pencil-sized strips. Place the first strip to the corner of the frame, working from one corner to another so that it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular metal pieces that allow glass to be secured into the window frame without causing damage to the delicate surface. Understanding how to use these hidden tiny helpers is simple and can save you money on a professional installation or the cost of purchasing new glass.

After the old putty and the glazier's point are gone, thoroughly clean the frame with a knife to eliminate any remaining residue. If needed it is necessary to lightly sand the wood along the rabbet grooves to smooth rough areas. If you decide to sand the wood, be sure to protect it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

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

Place the new pane in the frame and press it in place by using your hands. Utilize the point of the chisel, or the edge of the putty blade to tap the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should sit aligned with the top edge of the pane and the raised shoulders should be just below the lip.

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 and cure completely.

After the glazing compound dries it's time to put in the new window sash. First, saturate the wood with a thick coat of linseed oil. This will stop the new putty drying out or Replace Window pane cracking as it absorbs moisture. Use a brush to apply this coat, or even the tip of the putty blade. Then, use the chisel that is on the back of the putty tool or the back of the handle to gently hit the new sash, or glazier's point into rabbet grooves. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches along the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A hurled baseball, an errant rock or a fallen branch can cause a window to break or crack. Fortunately, windows can be easily replaced by simply putting a brand new piece of glass in its the right place. The glass is held in position by a small metal clip, also known as the glazier's point, and putty. This compound is also referred to as glazing compound. Before installing a new pane, first remove the old one and clean up the area using an abrasive and a pull-type paint scraper or an abrasive wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while working. You'll need a heat gun when the window is fixed into the frame.

If you're planning to install the original sash in the future, take care to remove the molding pieces that secure 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 silicone caulk around the glass to ensure that it will not leak or change color over time.

Remove the glazing points in 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 over them to soften them first. If you're using a heated gun, make sure not to scratch the railings or sash by using the tool too closely.

Once the old glazing points and putty have been removed prepare a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, forming it to be about 1/2-inch thick. Then, you can press it into the rabbets where the glass will be. The glass should rest against the putty on both sides. If necessary, 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 before pressing it into the sash. In other cases, you'll need to apply putty on the crack to create an airtight seal and keep water out. After the putty has dried then clean the oily film off the glass with a rag and allow it to dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it will not form an effective seal and could be leaking or discoloring in time.

Paint

If you've suffered a break in a window pane, you may be worried about the expense of replacing it. The truth is, replacing a single pane glass doesn't have to be expensive if you do it on your own. Even a double-paned window can be replaced for a fraction of what it costs a professional.

If you are working on a large-sized window, make sure it is securely fixed to the frame. This job is relatively easy and fast with the proper tools and techniques.

If you're ready to begin with the removal of the old window by prying out the metal glazing points that are connected to it. These are tiny metal triangles that act as "nails" that hold the window in place. They are submerged beneath a bead or glazing glue which hardens into a solid wedge which holds the wood frame in place and conceals the edges.

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

Then, you need to measure the size of the window opening. You will need to take horizontal and vertical measurements of the entire opening as well as the thickness of the old pane. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure you get a precise size for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasons of change. You can bring these measurements to a hardware or home improvement shop and get 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.