How to Replace window pane Window Panes

A cracked window pane is a nuisance. It could also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy-efficient or insulated windows to benefit from more comfort, higher potential for resales, and less bills.

You can do it yourself for a only a fraction of the cost it would cost to hire an expert. You only need the right tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are outdated broken, deteriorating or damaged replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while preserving the historical integrity of older homes. The process of replacing the window pane is easy and can be completed by anyone with basic hand tools. In addition to a new pane, the following components are needed for the replacement process: latex glazing putty pliers, glazier's points and a heat gun for warming the old putty, if needed. Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to beginning. Working with broken glass could result in serious injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. This can be done with a pair of pliers, however, a flathead screwdriver can also be effective in the pinch. Then, use a wood chisel or putty knife to take the remainder of the old putty from the frame and sash. Be careful not to scratch the window sash. Take your time and work slowly. It is best to do this using a sturdy ladder rather than on the ground and have someone standing 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 putty. Measure the width and height of the sash opening by subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). Take these measurements to a hardware store or home center and find a piece glass cut to size. Alternatively, you can cut the glass yourself, if you have the tools you need.

After putting in the new pane after installing the new pane, put a tiny amount of caulking around the edge to ensure it is weatherproof. Then, you can install a glazier's pointing on each side of the frame to secure the pane into place. The points shouldn't be so tight that they cause friction between the sash and 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. Then, roll it into pencil-size strips. Apply the first strip in the corner of the frame, working from one corner to another so that it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces of metal that help secure glass into frames for windows without scratching or damaging the delicate surface. Knowing how to use these hidden little helpers is easy and could save you money on a professional installation or the cost of purchasing new glass.

After the old putty and the glazier's points have been removed, thoroughly clean the frame using a utility knife to remove any remaining traces. If needed you can lightly sand the wood in the grooves of the rabbet to smooth rough areas. If you do sand the wood, be sure to protect it with painter's tack to avoid accidental damage.

Take the dimensions of the frame and record precise measurements. These measurements can be taken to the hardware or home center store, and the new pane will be cut to a smaller size. This will ensure a tight fit and will allow room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new window in the frame and push it into place firmly by using your hands. Use the point of the chisel or the back of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's points as shown in Figure 11. When you're done taping, they should be level with the top edge of the pane and the shoulders of the points should be just below the rabbet's lip. groove.

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

After the glazing compound dries and the glazing compound is dry, you can install the new window sash. First, you need to coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will prevent the new putty drying out or cracking when it absorbs moisture. Apply this coat with a brush or the tip of your knife, then employ the chisel or back end of the knife to gently press the new sash and 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, a rock thrown in error, or a fallen tree could result in a broken or cracked window. Fortunately, windows can be repaired by simply placing a new piece in the right place. The glass is held into place by a small metal clip, called a glazier's point and putty. This compound is also known as glazing compound. Before you install a new pane, first remove the old one and clean up the area with a rag and an abrasive scraper that is a pull type or an abrasive wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while you do this work. If the window is attached to the frame, you'll have to use a heat gun to soften the adhesive before cutting it loose.

If you plan to reinstall the original sash, remove any pieces of molding that are used to secure the old pane. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready for new caulk. Once the sash is installed then, you can apply a silicone caulk over the glass. This will ensure that it won't leak over time or discolor.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets and the grooves in the sash where the glass is. If they're difficult to work out, you can try holding a hand tool like a heat gun to soften them before you do. When using a heated tool, be sure to not scratch the sash and its railings.

After the old points of glazing and putty have been removed, prepare a bed for the new pane. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, and form it to be around 1/2-inch thick. Then, press it into the rabbets where the glass will sit. The glass must be positioned against the putty on both sides. If you need to, lightly tap your glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can apply a silicone caulk or Replace Window Pane glass glue made from solvents to seal the crack before pressing it in the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you will need to use putty to keep water out. After the putty is dry and the film is oily, wipe it off the glass using a rag and allow it to dry completely prior to painting. Paint after the putty has dried completely. It won't form a good seal and may leak or discolor with time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a broken pane of glass. It's true that replacing a single pane glass doesn't have to be expensive when you do it on your own. In fact, even a double glazing replacement window-pane window can be replaced for less than the cost of an expert.

If you're working with large glass windows, first make sure it is securely fixed to the frame. This job is relatively easy and fast using the appropriate tools and techniques.

When you're ready to start with the removal of the old window pane by prying out the glazing points made of metal that are connected to it. These are basically small metal triangles that act as "nails" which hold the window in place within the frame of wood. They are submerged beneath a layer of glazing putty that transforms into a solid molded wedge which holds the window in place and hides the points.

After you have the old pane taken away, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape away any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points used to be. Sand them down to clean wooden surfaces so you can paint the frames the same color. After sanding, apply a coat of flax oil to the bare wood to prolong its life.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of the window's opening. You will need to take horizontal and vertical measurements of the entire opening, as well as the thickness of the old pane. 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. You can take 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.