How to Replace Window Pane Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window can cause a lot of trouble. This can be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones and enjoy advantages like improved comfort, higher resale value and reduced utility bills.

You can do it yourself for a less than what it would cost to employ an expert. You only need 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 modern glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while maintaining the historical integrity of older homes. The replacement of the window pane is simple and can be done by homeowners with basic hand tools. In addition to a replacement pane, the following tools are required such as latex glazing putty; Glazier's points; pliers and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty, if necessary. Before starting, put on protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass could cause injuries.

Take away any broken glass pieces remaining. It is best to use pliers for this however a flathead could work as well. Use a wood chisel, or putty knives, to take away any remaining old putty around the frame and window sash. Be careful to not break the window sash. Take your time and work slowly. It is best to do this using a sturdy ladder instead of the ground and to have someone standing below the sash in order to help hold it steady.

Prepare the window frame to receive the new pane when you have removed the old glue. 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). Take these measurements to an hardware store or home center, and find a piece glass cut to size. You can also cut the glass yourself if you have the tools you need.

After putting in the new glass Apply caulking around the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then install a glazier's point on each side of the frame to secure the pane in the right place. The points should not be so tight that they create friction between the sash and frame, but they also shouldn't be too loose.

Before applying the putty knead it thoroughly until it is smooth and free of lumps. Roll it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to the next so that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

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

After the old putty as well as glazier's points are removed, thoroughly clean the frame with a utility knife to eliminate any remaining residue. If necessary, lightly sand the wood along the grooves of the rabbets to smooth rough spots. If you decide to sand the wood, be sure to protect it with painter's tack to avoid accidental damage.

Note down the exact dimensions of the frame. Bring these measurements to a hardware store or home center, and have the new pane made slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure that the pane fits comfortably and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new window in the frame and press it in place by using your hands. Make use of the point of the chisel or the back of the putty blade to tap the glaziers' points as illustrated in Figure 11. When you're done, they should be in line with the top edge of the pane and the shoulders that are raised of the points should be below the rabbet's rim groove.

Apply a small amount of glazing compound over the edges of the new glass and in the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Allow it to dry and cure completely.

When the glazing compound is dry, you're ready to install the new window sash. The first step is to coat the wood with a thick coat of linseed oil. This will prevent the newly-created putty drying out or cracking as it absorbs moisture. Use a brush to apply this coat, or the point of the blade. Then use the chisel on the back of the putty tool or the back of the handle to gently hit the new sash, or glazier's point into rabbet grooves. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches along the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball hit, a rock thrown in error or a branch falling can result in a cracked or cracked window. Fortunately, the majority of windows can be easily replaced by simply putting a new piece of glass in its place. The glass is held into the position with a tiny metal clip, also known as a glazier's point and putty. This compound is also referred to as glazing compound. Before installing a replacement pane, first get rid of the old one and clean up the area using a rag and the pull-type paint scraper or Replace window Pane the wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves when working. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll need employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive before cutting it loose.

If you're planning to reinstall your original sash, remove the molding that supports the old pane. Then, sand the sash to ensure it's smooth and ready for new caulk. Once the sash is re-installed then, apply a new silicone caulk to the glass to ensure it doesn't swell or fade over time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets and the grooves in the sash that the glass sits. If they're difficult to work out, try placing the hand tool, such as a heat gun over them to soften them before you do. When using a heat tool, make sure to avoid damaging the sash and its railings.

Once the old glazing points and putty have been removed, make 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. Place it into the rabbets where the glass will be placed. The glass must rest against the putty on both sides. If needed gently tap your glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack then you can seal it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk prior to pressing it into the sash. If not, you'll have to apply putty on the crack to form an impervious seal to keep water out. After the putty has dried clean the oily film from the glass and let it dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it will not form an effective seal and could discolor or leak over time.

Paint

If you've had a broken window pane, you might be concerned about the expense of replacing it. But the truth is that replacing a single glass pane doesn't require a huge amount of money if you do it yourself. In fact even windows with double panes can be replaced at only a fraction of the cost of a professional.

If you are working on a large-sized window, make sure that it is securely fixed to the frame. This job can be done relatively easy and quick with the appropriate tools and techniques.

If you're ready to begin taking off the old window by removing the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. They are basically tiny metal triangles that act as "nails" that hold the window in in the wood frame. They are buried beneath a bead or glazing putty that sets to form an unbreakable wedge that holds the frame securely in place and hides the points.

After removal of the old pane clean the frame and wood. Scrape off any paint that has been used, and sand the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were. Sand them to bare wood surfaces, so that you can paint the frames with the same shade. After sanding the wood you can apply a layer flax oil. This will help extend its life.

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 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 changes. You can take these measurements to a hardware store or home improvement shop and have 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 window replacement 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.