How to replace Window Pane Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window can be a source of frustration. It could also be an opportunity to upgrade your glass to energy-efficient or insulated windows, and enjoy benefits such as greater comfort, a higher potential for resales, and less costs.

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

Glass

If your single-pane windows are old broken, deteriorating or damaged replacing them with more modern glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while also preserving the historic integrity of older homes. The process of replacing windows is simple and can be done by homeowners with basic hand tools. Alongside a replacement window seals pane, the following components are required such as latex glazing putty; pliers, glazier's points and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty, if needed. Wear safety goggles and gloves before you begin. Working with broken glass could cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. This is best accomplished with the help of pliers but flathead screwdrivers can be effective in the pinch. Use a wood chisel, or putty knives to remove any remaining old putty around the frame and the window sash. Be careful to not scratch the window sash. Be careful and slow. This is best done on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, have someone on the ground to hold it steady.

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

After putting in the new pane After installing the new pane, apply a small amount of caulking around the edge to seal it against weather. Then install a glazier's point on the frame's opposite side to hold the pane in its place. The points should not be so tight as to cause friction between the sash and frame however they should not be too loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, knead thoroughly until it is soft and free from lumps. Then make it into pencil-sized strips. Place the first strip to the corner of the frame, working from one corner to another to ensure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are tiny triangular metal pieces which help to secure the glass into the window frame without causing damage to the delicate surface. Understanding how to use these little helpers is easy and can save you money on professional installation or the cost of new glass.

After taking off 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 out rough areas. If you sand wood cover it with painter's tape to protect it from damage caused by accidental sanding.

Take the dimensions of the frame and note down precise measurements. These measurements can be brought to an hardware or home centers store, and the new frame will be cut to a smaller size. This will ensure a tight fit, and allow for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and press it into place firmly using your hand. Then use the point of your chisel or back end of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should sit in line with the top edge of your pane, and the raised shoulders should be just beneath that lip.

Apply a thin layer glazing compound on the rabbet grooves as well as the edges of the new glass. This will seal and protect the edges. Allow it to dry completely and cure.

Install the new window sash when the glazing compound has dried. First, saturate the wood with a heavy coat of linseed oil. This will prevent the new putty drying out or cracking as it absorbs moisture. Use a brush to apply this coat, or the tip of the blade. Then use the chisel on the back of the putty tool or the back of the putty handle to gently hit the new sash, or glazier's tip into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process every 10 inches around the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown or a rock thrown in error, or a fallen tree could result in a broken or cracked window. Luckily, most windows can be replaced by simply placing a new piece in place. The glass is held in place using a small metal clip called a glazier's point, and putty, also called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with a rag, a scraper that is a pull type or Replace Window Pane a wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses while doing this work. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll need employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive prior to taking it off.

If you're planning to install the original sash, take off the mold that holds the old pane. Then, sand the sash to ensure it's level and ready to be re-caulked. Once the sash is installed it is possible to apply a silicone caulk over the glass. This will ensure that it won't leak over time or discolor.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets, the grooves in the sash, where the glass is. If they are hard to cut, place an instrument such as a heatgun over them for a few minutes to soften them. When using a heating tool, be sure to avoid damaging the sash or its railings.

Make a bed for your new pane by removing the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, and form it to be around 1/2-inch thick. Then, push it into the rabbets, where the glass will rest. The glass must be positioned against the putty on both sides. If you need to gently tap your glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked you can fill it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk prior pressing it into the sash. In other cases, you'll need to putty over the crack to create an airtight seal and keep water out. After the putty is dry, clean the oily film off the glass using a rag and allow it to dry completely before painting. Paint before the putty has dried completely. It will not create a solid seal and could discolor or leak over time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, then you may be worried about the cost of a new one. However, replacing a single glass pane doesn't require a huge amount of money if you do it yourself. In fact, even a double-pane window can be replaced for less than the cost of a professional.

First, if you're working on a large-sized window, make sure it is securely fastened to the frame. This task can be made relatively simple and quick with the proper tools and techniques.

If you're ready to begin with the removal of the old window pane by prying out the metal glazing points that are attached to it. They are basically tiny metal triangles that function as "nails" which hold the window in in the wood frame. They are submerged beneath a bead or glazing glue which hardens into an unbreakable wedge that holds the wood frame firmly in position and hides the points.

After you have removed the old pane taken away Clean up the frame and wood. Scrape off any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were. These should be sanded to bare wood, to allow you to paint them the same shade as the rest of the frame. After sanding the wood then apply a layer of flax oil. This will help to extend its life.

Then, take measurements of the dimensions 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 also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasons of changes. Bring these measurements to a hardware or home improvement store and ask them to cut you a piece 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.