How to Replace Window Panes

A cracked window pane can cause a lot of trouble. This can be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones and enjoy benefits like increased comfort, higher resale value and lower utility costs.

You can do it yourself for a less than what 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 broken, deteriorating or damaged replacing them with more modern glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while maintaining the historic integrity of older homes. The replacement of windows is simple and can be done by homeowners with basic hand tools. In addition to a replacement windows near me pane, the following components are required: latex glazing putty; glazier's points; pliers; and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty, if needed. Before starting, replace Window pane put on protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass could cause injuries.

Take away any broken glass pieces that remain. This is best done using pliers, though using a flathead screwdriver can also work in a pinch. Make use of a wood chisel or putty knives, to take away any old putty that remains around the frame and replace window Pane window sash. Be careful not to scratch the window sash. Be careful and slow. It is recommended to do this on a sturdy ladder rather than the ground and to have someone stand below the sash to help keep it steady.

Make sure that the window frame is ready to accept the new pane when you have removed the old putty. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction and contraction, subtract 1/8 inch from the measurements of width and height. These measurements can be sent to a hardware or home center store to get an item cut from glass stock to the proper size. You can cut the glass yourself if you possess the right tools.

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

Before applying the putty to the surface, you must knead it thoroughly until it is soft and free of lumps. Then, roll it into pencil-size strips. Apply the first strip to the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to the next so that it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

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

After the old putty as well as glazier's points are removed and the frame is thoroughly cleaned using a utility knife to get rid of any remaining residue. If needed it is necessary to lightly sand the wood along grooves of the rabbet to smooth out rough areas. If you decide to sand wood, cover it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Take the dimensions of the frame and record precise measurements. These dimensions can be taken to a home center or hardware 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 using your hand. Make use of the chisel's point, or the edge of the putty blade to tap the glaziers' points as illustrated in Figure 11. After you're done, the points should be in line with the top edge of the pane. the raised shoulders of the points should be just below the rabbet's rim groove.

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

Install the new window sash after the glazing compound has dried. First, coat the wood with a heavy coat of linseed oil. This will stop the new putty from taking up the moisture and deteriorating and cracking over time. Apply the coat using a brush or the tip of your knife, then use the chisel, or the back end of the knife to gently hammer the new sash and glazier's tips into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown at you or a rock that is errant or a falling branch can cause a window to crack or break. Fortunately, windows can be repaired by simply putting a brand new piece of glass in its the proper place. The glass is held in place with small clips made of metal called a glazier's point and putty, also called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with an abrasive, scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves when working. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll need use a heat gun to soften the adhesive before taking it off.

If you are planning to replace window pane your original sash, you must remove the mold that holds the old pane. Then, sand the sash to ensure it's level and ready for new caulk. Once the sash is installed then, apply a new silicone caulk around the glass to ensure it doesn't swell or fade over time.

Remove the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash where the glass is located. If they're difficult to work out, you can try holding an instrument like a heat gun to soften them before you do. If you're using a heat gun, be careful not to damage the sash or its railings by using the tool too close.

Prepare the bed for your new pane after removing the old glaze points and putty. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your fingers, and then make it about 1/2 inch thick. Place it into the rabbets, where the glass will be placed. It's important that the glass rests against the putty on both sides So if you have to, lightly tap the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is damaged, you can use the silicone caulk or glass glue made from solvents to seal the crack before pressing it in the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you'll need to apply putty to keep water out. Once the putty is dry remove the oily film off the glass and let it dry completely before you paint. Paint after the putty has dried completely. It will not create a solid seal and could discolor or leak over time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a damaged piece of glass. But the truth is that replacing one glass pane does not need to cost a fortune if you do it yourself. In fact even windows with double panes can be replaced for a fraction of the cost of a professional.

First, if you're working on a large window, make sure that it is securely fixed to the frame. This task is relatively easy and fast with the right tools and techniques.

When you are ready to start, remove the old window pane. Remove the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are tiny triangles of metal which act as "nails" that hold the window in the frame. They are submerged beneath a glaze putty or bead that hardens to an unbreakable wedge that holds the frame firmly in position and conceals the edges.

After you have removed the old pane removed, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any old paint, and sand the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were placed. These should be sanded to bare wood to allow you to paint them the same shade as the rest of the frame. After sanding, apply a coat of flax oil on the wood that is not sanded down to extend the life of the frame.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of the window opening. You will need to take horizontal and vertical measurements of the entire opening as well as the thickness of the old pane. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure that you get the exact measurement for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasons of changes. You can take these measurements to a hardware store 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.