How to Replace window pane Window Panes

A damaged window pane could be a nuisance. This can be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones to enjoy advantages like improved comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility costs.

It's a task you can tackle yourself at less than the cost of hiring an expert. You'll only require the appropriate tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

If your single pane windows are old, deteriorating or broken replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated will increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while maintaining the historical integrity of older homes. The process of replacing a window pane is relatively easy and can be accomplished by anyone with basic hand tools. In addition to a replacement pane, the following tools are required: latex glazing putty; pliers, glazier's points and an electric heater to warm the old putty, if necessary. Before starting, wear protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass may cause injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. This is best done using a pair of pliers, however, a flathead screwdriver may work in a pinch. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knives, to take away any old putty that remains around the frame and window sash. Work slowly and carefully making sure not to break the current window sash. It is recommended to work on a stable ladder rather than on the ground and place someone on the sash to help keep it in place.

After you've removed all the old putty, it is time to prepare the window frame for the new pane. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction by subtracting 1/8 inch from the measurements of width and height. These measurements can be taken to a home center or hardware store to get a piece cut of stock glass to the right size. You can cut the glass yourself if you have the right tools.

After installing the new glass, apply caulking to the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then, place a glazier's tip on each side of the frame to secure the pane in its place. The points shouldn't be so tight that they cause friction between the sash and frame however they should not be too loose.

Before applying the putty knead it thoroughly until it's soft and free of lumps. Then, roll it into pencil-size strips. The first strip should be glued to the corner of the frame. Work from corner to corner and ensure that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

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

Once the old putty and glazier's points are removed and the frame is thoroughly cleaned with a utility knife to get rid of any remaining traces. Lightly sand the frame in the rabbet grooves, if necessary, to smooth rough areas. If you sand wood protect it with painter’s tape to prevent accidental damage.

Measure the empty frame's dimensions and note down precise measurements. These dimensions can be taken to the hardware or home center store, and the new frame will be cut a bit smaller. This will ensure a tight fit, and allow for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and push firmly with your hands. Use the point of the chisel or the back of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. After you're done, the points should be flush with the top edge of the pane, and the shoulders of the points should be below the lip of the rabbet groove.

Apply a thin bead of glazing compound over 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.

Install the new window sash after 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 this coat using a brush or the tip of your putty knife, then use the chisel, or the back end of the knife to gently hammer in the new sash and glazier's tips into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A hurled baseball or an unintentional rock, or a falling branch can cause a window to break or crack. Most windows can be replaced by installing a new piece. The glass is held into the position with a tiny metal clip, referred to as a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also known as glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using a rag, a scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while doing this work. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll need to use a heat gun to soften the adhesive prior to cutting it loose.

If you're planning to install the original sash, gently remove the molding pieces that are used to secure the old pane. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready to receive new caulk. Once the sash is re-installed, apply a new caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure it will not leak or change color over time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets and the grooves in the sash that the glass is. If they are hard to chisel, use the hand tool, like a heat gun over them for a few minutes to soften them. If you're using a heating gun, make sure not to scratch the railings of the sash or Replace Window pane the sash itself by placing the tool too closely.

Once the old glaze points and putty have been removed, make a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope made 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 needed, lightly tap your glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack, you can cover it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk prior to pressing it into the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you will need to use putty to keep the water out. After the putty has dried, Replace Window pane clean the oily film off the glass with a rag and allow it to dry completely before painting. Paint before the putty has dried completely. It won't form a good seal and may be leaking or discoloring over time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, then you may be worried about the cost of a new one. The truth is, replacing a single piece of glass doesn't have to be costly if you do it on your own. In fact windows with double glazing window replacement panes can be replaced at a fraction of the cost of a professional.

If you are working with a large glass window, first make sure it is securely fixed to the frame. This can be made relatively simple and quick with the appropriate tools and techniques.

When you are ready to begin, remove the old window pane. Pry 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 placed under a glaze putty or bead that sets to form an unbreakable wedge that holds the frame in place and hides the sharp edges.

After you have removed the old pane taken away, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any paint that has been used and sand the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were placed. Sand them down to bare wooden surfaces, allowing you to paint the frames with the same shade. After sanding, apply a coat of flax oil to the wood that is not sanded down to help extend its lifespan.

The next step is to determine the width of the window's opening. You will need to measure the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the entire opening as well as the thickness. To determine the exact dimensions of the new pane subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass in times of seasonal change. You can bring these measurements to a hardware 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.