How to Replace window pane Window Panes

A cracked window pane is an issue. This could be an opportunity to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones to enjoy benefits such as improved comfort, increased resale values and reduced utility costs.

It's a task you can do yourself for a fraction of the cost of hiring an expert. You'll need only the proper tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are old, deteriorating or broken replacing them with modern insulated or tempered glass can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the historic integrity of older homes. The procedure of replacing the window pane is simple and can be done by anyone with basic hand tools. In addition to a replacement pane, the following components are required for the replacement process: latex glazing putty pliers, glazier's points and an electric heater to warm the old putty, if necessary. Before starting, put on protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass may cause injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. It is best to use pliers however, a flathead may be useful equally. After that, replace window pane use a wood chisel or putty knife to remove the rest of the old putty from the frame and sash. Be careful not to scratch the window sash. Take your time and work slowly. It is recommended to do this on a stable ladder rather than on the ground and to have someone standing below the sash to help hold it in place.

Make sure the window replacement panes frame is ready to receive the new pane after you have removed the old putty. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction and contraction, subtract 1/8 inch from the measurements of the width and height. Take these measurements to a hardware store or home center and have a piece of stock glass cut to size. You can also cut the glass yourself, if you have the appropriate tools.

After putting in the new pane After installing the new pane, apply a small amount of caulking around the edges to seal it against weather. Then, you can install a glazier's pointing 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 sash However, they should not be loose.

Before putting the putty on, make sure to knead it until it's soft and free of lumps. Roll it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be glued to the corner of the frame. Work from one corner to another and ensure that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are tiny triangular pieces of steel which help to secure glass into frames for windows without scratching or damaging the fragile surface. Learning how to use these tiny pieces of help is simple and can save you money on professional installation or the cost of new glass.

After the old putty as well as the glazier's point are gone Clean the frame thoroughly with a knife to remove any remaining traces. Lightly sand the frame in the rabbet grooves, if necessary, to smooth rough areas. If you sand wood protect it with painter’s tape to prevent accidental damage.

Write down the dimensions of the frame. Take these measurements to an hardware store or home center and request that the new pane made slightly 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 press it into the frame with your hand. Then use the point of your chisel, or the back of the putty knife to pierce the glazier's facets, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should be flush against the top edge of your pane and the shoulders should be just below that lip.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the edges of the glass that has been made and into the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Allow it to dry completely and cure.

Install the new window sash when the glazing compound has dried. The first step is to coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will prevent the new putty from taking in the moisture and drying out and cracking with time. Apply this coat using a brush or the tip of your knife, then use the chisel, or the back end from the putty knife to gently hammer in the new sash and glazier's tips into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.

Putty

A hurled baseball, an errant rock or a falling branch can cause a window to crack or break. Most windows can be replaced easily by putting in a new piece. The glass is held in place by tiny metal clips known as a glazier's point, and putty, also called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using the rag, a pull-type scraper, or a wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while doing this work. You'll need a heat gun when the window is fixed to the frame.

If you are planning to replace the original sash, remove the molding pieces that hold the old pane in place. Then, sand the sash to ensure it's smooth and ready to be re-caulked. Once the sash is reinstalled then, you can apply a silicone caulk over the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't be leaking or fade over time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash, where the glass is located. If they're difficult to chisel, hold an instrument like a heat gun over them to soften first. If you're using a heating gun, be cautious not to cause damage to the railings of the sash or the sash itself by using the tool too closely.

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. Then, you can press it into the rabbets where the glass will rest. The glass must rest against the putty on both sides. If necessary you want to tap your glass lightly into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can cover it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk prior pressing it into the sash. Otherwise, you'll need to putty over the crack to create a tight seal and keep water out. After the putty has dried remove the oily film off of the glass and let it dry completely before you paint. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it won't create an effective seal and could be leaking or discoloring over time.

Paint

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

First, if you are working on a large window, make sure that it is securely fixed to the frame. This task can be made relatively simple and quick with the right tools and techniques.

When you're ready to start taking off the old window by prying out the glazing points of metal that are connected to it. These are small metal triangles which act as "nails" to hold the window in the frame. They are submerged beneath a layer of glazing putty that hardens into a solid, formed wedge that holds the window firmly in place and hides the edges.

After taking off the old pane clean the frame and the wood. Scrape off any old paint, and sand the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were placed. Sand them down to bare wooden surfaces, allowing you to paint the frames with the same color. After sanding, apply a layer of flax oil on the wood's surface to prolong its life.

The next step is to determine the size of the window's opening. You'll need to determine the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the entire opening, as well as the thickness. 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. 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.