How to Replace Window Panes

A cracked window pane can be a source of frustration. It could also be an opportunity to upgrade your glass to energy-efficient or insulated windows and reap benefits like improved comfort, increased the value of resales and lower utility costs.

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

Glass

If your single-pane windows are old broken, deteriorating or damaged, replacing them with newer insulated or tempered glass can improve energy efficiency and windowpane replacement replacement windows and doors (related) reduce noise while maintaining the original character of older homes. The procedure of replacing windows is simple and can be done by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. You'll also require an extra window pane, glazier's suggestions, pliers, and latex glaze putty. If you need to you can make use of a heat gun to warm the old putty. Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to beginning. Working with broken glass could result in serious injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. It is recommended to use pliers for this however a flathead could be useful as well. Then, use a wooden chisel, or putty knife, to take the remainder of the old putty from the frame and the sash. Be careful not to scratch the window sash. Be careful and slow. It is best to work on a sturdy ladder rather than the ground and have someone standing below the sash in order to help hold it steady.

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

After installing the glass After installing the glass replacement on windows, apply a small amount of caulking on the edges. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then, place a glazier's tip on each side of the frame to secure the pane in place. The points should not be tight enough to cause friction between the frame and the sash, but they should also not be loose.

Before putting the putty on, work it in a gentle manner until it is smooth and free of lumps. Then make it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be placed to the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to another so that it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are the small triangular pieces which help to secure glass into a replacement window locks frame without damaging or scratching the delicate surface. It's simple to learn how to use this hidden tool and you can save money on the expense of an expert installation.

After getting rid of the old putty glazier points as well as any remaining residue Clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife. Lightly sand the wood into the rabbet grooves, if necessary, to smooth rough areas. If you decide to sand wood, protect it with painter’s tape to protect it from damage caused by accidental sanding.

Note down the dimensions of the frame. These dimensions can be taken to the hardware or home center store, and the new frame will be cut slightly smaller. This will ensure that the pane fits comfortably and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and push firmly using your hands. Use the point of the chisel, or the back of the putty knife to tap the glazier's points, as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's points should sit flush against the top edge of your pane and the shoulders should be just below the 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 and cure completely.

After the glazing compound dries it's time to put in the new window sash. The first step is to coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will stop the new putty from drying out or cracking due to the moisture it absorbs. Apply the coat using a brush or the tip of your knife, and then use the chisel, or the back end of the knife to gently hammer 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 baseball that is thrown or a rock that is errant or falling branch could cause a window to crack or break. Fortunately, the majority of windows can be easily replaced by simply placing a new piece of glass in its the proper place. The glass is held in the position with a tiny metal clip, also known as a glazier's point and putty. This compound is also referred to as glazing compound. Before installing a new pane, first take out the old one and clean the area with the help of a rag, the pull-type paint scraper or an abrasive wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses when working. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll need make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive before prying it free.

If you plan to reinstall the original sash, remove the molding pieces that hold the old pane in place. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready to receive new caulk. Once the sash is re-installed and sanded, apply a fresh silicone caulk to the glass to ensure that it doesn't swell or fade in time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets and the grooves in the sash where the glass sits. If they're difficult to chisel, hold the hand tool, like a heat gun over them to soften first. When using a heated tool, make sure to not damage the sash and its railings.

Once the old glaze points and putty have been removed, prepare a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your fingers and then make it about 1/2 inch thick. Then, press it into the rabbets where the glass will rest. The glass must rest against the putty on both sides. If you need to you want to tap your glass lightly into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has cracked, you can apply a silicone caulk or glass glue made from solvents to fill in the crack before pressing it into the sash. Otherwise, you'll need to apply putty on the crack to create an impervious seal to keep water out. Once the putty is dry remove the oily film off the glass and let it dry completely before you paint. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it won't form a solid seal and could be leaking or discoloring in time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a broken pane of glass. In reality, replacing a single pane glass doesn't have to be expensive even if you do it your own. In fact windows with double panes can be replaced for a fraction of the cost of an expert.

If you are working with a large glass window first ensure it is securely attached to the frame. This is relatively easy and fast using the right tools and techniques.

When you are ready to begin taking down the old window pane. Take out the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. They are basically tiny metal triangles that function as "nails" that hold the window in place in the wood frame. They are submerged beneath a layer of glazing putty that transforms into a solid molded wedge that secures the window in place and conceals the window's points.

After removal of the old pane clean the frame and wood. Scrape away any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points used to be. These should be sanded to the point of being bare, to allow you to paint them the same color as the rest the frame. After sanding, apply a layer of flax oil on the bare wood to extend the life of the frame.

The next step is to determine the size of the window's opening. You will need to measure 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 take these measurements to a hardware store 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.