How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane can be an inconvenience. It could be a chance to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones and enjoy benefits like increased comfort, increased resale values and lower utility costs.

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

Glass

If your single pane windows are old damaged, cracked or deteriorating, replacing them with newer glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the historic integrity of older homes. The process of replacing the window pane is easy and can be accomplished by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. You will also require an extra window pane, glazier's suggestions, pliers, and latex glazing putty. If you need to you may use a heatgun to warm the old putty. Before starting, wear protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass could cause injuries.

Take away any broken glass pieces remaining. This is best accomplished with pliers, but flathead screwdrivers can work in a pinch. Then, use a wood chisel, or putty knife, to remove the rest of the old putty from the frame and sash. Take your time and work slowly making sure not to damage the old window sash. It is recommended to work on a sturdy ladder instead of the ground and to have someone stand below the sash to help keep it steady.

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

After putting in the new glass After installing the glass, apply caulking around the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Install a glazier's point on both sides of the frame. This will help secure the pane. The points should not be so tight that they create friction between the frame and sash however they shouldn't be loose.

Before applying the putty, knead it thoroughly until it is soft and free of lumps. Make it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the frame's corner. Work from one corner to another to ensure it's even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are tiny triangular pieces of steel that allow glass to be secured into a window frame without damaging or scratching the delicate surface. It's easy to understand how to use this secret tool and you can save money on the expense of an installation by a professional.

Once the old putty and the glazier's points have been removed Clean the frame thoroughly with a utility knife to remove any remaining traces. If necessary, lightly sand the wood in the rabbet grooves to smooth out rough spots. If you decide to sand the wood, make sure to protect it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Measure the empty frame's dimensions and note down precise measurements. These measurements can be brought to the hardware or home center store, and the new pane will be cut to a smaller size. This will ensure that the pane fits perfectly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and push it in with your hands. Make use of the chisel's point, or the edge of the putty blade to tap in the glazier's points as shown in Figure 11. When you're done taping, replace window Pane they should be flush with the top edge of the pane, and the shoulders that are raised of the points should be just below the rabbet's lip. groove.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the edges of the new glass and in the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Allow this to dry and cure completely.

Install the new window sash window replacement once the glazing compound has dried. First, coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will stop the new putty from drying out and cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or the tip of the putty blade. Then use the chisel on the back of the tool or the back of the handle to gently smash the new sash or glazier's point into rabbet grooves. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball hit, a rock thrown in error, or a fallen tree can cause a broken or cracked window. Fortunately, windows can be easily replaced by simply putting a brand new piece in the right place. The glass is held in the position with a tiny metal clip, called a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is 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 you do this work. You'll need a heat gun when the window is fixed into the frame.

If you are planning to Replace window pane the original sash, take off the mold that holds the old pane. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready to receive new caulk. Once the sash is installed and sanded, apply a fresh silicone caulk to the glass to ensure that it doesn't swell or fade in time.

Take out the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, where the glass is located. If they're difficult to cut, place a hand tool like a heat gun over them to allow them to soften before. If you're using a heat gun, make sure not to scratch the railings of the sash or the sash itself by holding the tool too tightly.

Once the old glaze points and putty have been removed, make a bed for the new pane. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, shaping it into a 1/2-inch thick. Then, push it into the rabbets where the glass will rest. It is essential that the glass is positioned against the putty in all places on both sides So if you have to tap it, gently press the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack then you can seal it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk prior pressing it into the sash. If not, you'll have to apply putty on the crack to create an impervious seal to keep water out. Once the putty is dry, wipe the oily film off of the glass and allow it to dry completely before painting. Paint after the putty has completely dried. It won't form a good seal and could be leaking or discoloring over time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, you might be worried about the expense of replacing it. The truth is, replacing a single piece of glass doesn't have to be costly when you do it on your own. In fact even windows with double panes can be replaced for only a fraction of the cost of a professional.

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

When you are ready to begin, remove the old window pane. Pry out the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are tiny triangles of metal that function as "nails" that hold the window glass replacement near me in the frame. They are submerged beneath a bead or glazing glue that hardens to a solid wedge that holds the frame in place and hides the sharp edges.

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

The next step is to determine the width of the window's opening. You will need to take vertical and horizontal measurements of the entire opening as well as the thickness of the old pane. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure you get the exact measurement for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass in times of seasonal changes. Bring these measurements to a 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.