How to replace window Pane Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window is an inconvenience. It could also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows, and reap benefits like more comfort, higher resale value and reduced utility bills.

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

Glass

If your single pane windows are old broken, deteriorating or damaged replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated will increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while preserving the historical integrity of older homes. Most homeowners with basic hand tools can repair windows with ease. In addition to a replacement pane, the following items are required such as latex glazing putty; Glazier's points; pliers and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty if required. Before beginning, wear protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass may cause injuries.

Take away any broken glass pieces remaining. This is best done using a pair of pliers, but a flathead screwdriver may be effective in a pinch. Make use of a wood chisel or putty knives, to take away any old putty that remains around the frame and window seal replacement sash. Be careful to not damage the window sash. Work slowly and carefully. This is best done on an elevated ladder, not on the ground. Also, ensure that someone below the sash hold it steady.

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

After installing the new glass, apply some caulking around the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then install a glazier's point on the frame's opposite side to secure the pane in its place. The points shouldn't be too tight that they cause friction between the sash and frame but they shouldn't be loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, you must knead it thoroughly until it is soft and free from lumps. Then, roll it into pencil-size strips. Apply the first strip in the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to the next to ensure it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are tiny triangular pieces of steel which help to secure the glass into the window frame without damaging the delicate surface. Knowing how to use these tiny helpers is simple and can save you money on professional installation or the cost of new glass.

After getting rid of the old putty glazier points and any leftovers, clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife. If needed it is necessary to lightly sand the wood along the rabbet grooves to smooth out rough areas. If you decide to sand wood, cover it with painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Write down the exact dimensions of the frame. Take these dimensions to a hardware store or a 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 into the frame and push it into the frame using your hand. Make use of the chisel's point, or the back of the putty knife to tap in the glaziers' points as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's points should be flush against the top edge of your pane and the raised shoulders should be just beneath that lip.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the edges of the new glass and into the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Allow it to dry and cure fully.

Once the glazing compound has dried 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 keep the new putty from sucking up the moisture and deteriorating and cracking over time. Apply this coat using a brush or the tip of your putty knife, and then use the chisel or the back end of the putty knife to gently hammer the new sash and glazier's point into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches along the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball thrown at you or a rock that is errant or falling branch could cause a window pane to crack or break. Most windows can be repaired easily by installing a new piece. The glass is held into place by a small 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 remove the old one and clean up the area using the help of a rag, a pull-type paint scraper or an abrasive wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while doing this work. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll have to use a heat gun to soften the adhesive before prying it free.

If you're planning to reinstall your original sash, remove the molding that holds the old pane. Then, sand the sash to make sure it's flat and ready for a new caulk. Once the sash is reinstalled it is possible to apply a silicone caulk to the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't leak over time or discolor.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, where the glass is. If they're difficult to work out, try placing an instrument like a heat gun over them to soften them up first. If you're using a heating gun, be cautious not to damage the railings of the sash or the sash itself by placing the tool too close.

Prepare the bed for your new pane by removing the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your fingers, and then make it about 1/2 inch thick. Press it into the rabbets where the glass will be put. The glass must rest against the putty on both sides. If necessary, lightly tap your glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane has cracked, you can apply a silicone caulk or a glass glue that is based on solvents to seal the crack prior to pressing it in the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you'll need to apply putty to keep water out. After the putty is dry then clean the oily film off the glass with the help of a rag. Allow it to dry completely prior to painting. Paint before the putty is completely dry. It won't make a strong seal and may discolor or leak over time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, you may be worried about the expense of a new one. It's true that replacing a single piece of glass doesn't need to be expensive even if you do it your own. In fact, even a double-pane window can be replaced for a fraction of the cost of a professional.

First, if you are working on a large-sized window, ensure that it is securely fixed to the frame. Using the proper tools and techniques to complete this task easily and speedy.

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 basically small metal triangles which function as "nails" which hold the window in within the frame of wood. They are submerged beneath a glaze putty or bead that sets to form an unbreakable wedge which holds the wood frame securely in place and hides the points.

After removal of the old pane clean the frame and the wood. Scrape off any old paint and sand the rabbet grooves in which the glazing points were placed. They should be sanded to bare wood so that you can paint them the same shade as the rest of the frame. After sanding, apply a layer of flax oil to the wood's surface to prolong its life.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of the window opening. You'll need to determine the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the entire opening, as well as the thickness. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure that you get the exact measurement for the new pane. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. You can take these measurements to a hardware store 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.