How to Replace window Pane Window Panes

A cracked window pane is an inconvenience. This could be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones and enjoy benefits such as improved comfort, higher resale value and reduced utility costs.

You can do it yourself for 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, deteriorating or broken, replacing them with newer insulated or tempered glass can increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while maintaining the historical integrity of older homes. The process of replacing a window pane is relatively easy and can be accomplished by most homeowners who possess 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. Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin. Working with broken glass can cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. This is best done using pliers, however, flathead screwdrivers can be used in the pinch. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knives to remove any old putty that remains around the frame and the window sash. Be careful and slow making sure not to damage the old window sash. This should be done on a ladder, not the ground. Also, replace Window pane ensure that someone below the sash ensure it is held steady.

Prepare the window frame to receive the new pane when you have removed the old putty. Find the width and the height of the opening for the sash, subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be sent to an hardware or home centers store to get an item cut from glass that is in stock to the correct size. Alternatively, you can cut the glass yourself if you have the tools you need.

After installing the glass, 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 into its place. The points shouldn't be so tight that they create friction between the sash and the frame but they should not be too loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, gently knead it until it becomes soft and free of lumps. Make it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be glued to the frame's corner. Work from corner to corner, making sure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces which help to secure glass into a window frame without scratching or damaging the fragile surface. Learning how to use these hidden little helpers is easy and can save you money on professional installation or the cost of buying new glass.

After taking off the old putty, glazier points as well as any remaining residue clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. Lightly sand the frame in the rabbet grooves to smooth out rough areas. If you do sand the wood, be sure to protect it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Take measurements of the empty frame and note down precise measurements. These measurements can be brought to the hardware or home center store, and the new pane will be cut a bit smaller. This will ensure a tight fit and leave room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and push it into place firmly with your hand. Use the chisel's point or the back of the putty blade to tap in the glazier's points, as shown in Figure 11. After you're done, the points should be level with the top edge of the pane. the shoulders that are raised of the points should be below the lip of the rabbet groove.

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

Install the new window sash once the glazing compound has dried. First, coat the wood with a thick coat of Linseed oil. This will prevent the new putty from taking up the moisture and drying out and cracking with time. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or the tip of the blade. Then use the chisel that is on the back of the putty tool or the back of the putty handle to gently hammer the new sash or glazier's point into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches along the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball hit or a rock thrown in error, or a tree falling can cause a broken or cracked window seal replacement pane. The majority of windows can be replaced easily by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held in place using small clips made of metal called a glazier's point and putty, often called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using an abrasive, pull-type scraper or wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses while working. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll need use a heat gun to soften the adhesive prior to prying it free.

If you're planning to install the original sash, gently remove any molding pieces that hold the old pane in place. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready to receive new caulk. After the sash has been 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 in the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, which is where the glass is. If they're hard to chisel out, try placing the hand tool, such as a heat gun over them to soften them first. When using a heat tool, make sure to avoid damaging the sash and its railings.

After the old glaze points and putty are removed, prepare a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your fingers and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Then, you can press it into the rabbets, where the glass will be. The glass must be positioned against the putty on both sides. If needed you want to tap your glass lightly into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can apply a silicone caulk or glass glue that is based on solvents to fill in the crack prior to pressing it in the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you will need to use putty to keep water from getting in. Once the putty is dry clean the oily film off of the glass and allow it to dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it won't form a strong seal and may discolor or leak over time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a broken piece of glass. However, replacing a single glass pane doesn't have to break the bank if you do it yourself. Even a double glazing replacement window-paned window can be replaced for a fraction of what it will cost for 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 you can accomplish this task fairly easily and quick.

When you are ready to begin taking down the old window pane. Pry out the metal glazing points that are attached to it. They are basically tiny metal triangles that function as "nails" that keep the window in place in the wood frame. They are placed beneath a layer of glazing putty, which transforms into a solid molded wedge that secures the window in place and conceals the edges.

After removing the old pane, clean the frame and the wood. Scrape off any old paint and sand the rabbet grooves that the glazing points were. Sand them to bare wooden surfaces, allowing you to paint the frames the same shade. After sanding the wood, apply a layer of flax oil. This will help to prolong the life of the frame.

The next step is to measure 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 determine the exact size of the new pane subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Take these measurements to the hardware or home improvement store and ask them to cut you 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.