How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window is an inconvenience. It could be a chance to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones and enjoy benefits like increased comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility costs.

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

Glass

Replace your old single-paned windows using tempered or insulation glass to improve energy efficiency, reduce noise, and maintain the historic integrity of your older home. Most homeowners with basic hand tools can replace the window pane. You'll also require a replacement glass for windows window pane, glazier's tips, pliers, and latex glaze putty. If needed, you can use a heatgun to warm the old putty. Before starting, put on gloves and safety goggles as working with broken glass can cause injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. This is best accomplished with pliers, however, flathead screwdrivers can be effective in the pinch. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knives, to take away any old putty that remains around the frame and window sash. Be careful to not scratch the window sash. Take your time and work slowly. It is best to work on a stable ladder instead of the ground and have someone stand below the sash to help hold it steady.

Once you have removed all the old putty, you can prepare the window frame for glazier the new pane. Take measurements of the width and height of the sash opening, subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be sent to an hardware or home centers store to have a piece cut of glass that is in stock to the correct size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you possess the appropriate tools.

After installing the glass, apply some caulking on the edges. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then install a glazier's point on the frame's opposite side to hold the pane in its place. The points shouldn't be so tight that they cause friction between the frame and sash but they shouldn't be loose.

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

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular metal pieces that allow glass to be secured to the frame without damaging the delicate surface. It's simple to learn how to use this nefarious tool, and you'll be able to save money on the cost of a professional installation.

After removing the old putty, glazier points and any residue, clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. If needed it is necessary to lightly sand the wood along the grooves of the rabbet to smooth out rough spots. If you decide to sand the wood, be sure to protect it with painter's tack to avoid accidental damage.

Take measurements of the empty frame and note down precise measurements. These measurements can be brought to an hardware or home centers store, and the new frame will be cut slightly smaller. This will ensure that the pane fits snugly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and press it into the frame by using your hands. Utilize the chisel's point or sash Window Replacement the back of the putty knife to tap the glazier's points, as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's point should be flush against the top edge of the pane and the shoulders raised should be just below the lip.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the rabbet grooves as well as the edges of the new glass. This will seal and protect the edges. Let it dry and cure completely.

After the glazing compound dries, you're ready to install the new window sash. The first step is to coat the wood with a heavy coat of linseed oil. This will prevent the new putty from drying out and cracking due to the moisture it absorbs. Use a brush to apply this coat, or even the tip of the blade. Then, use the chisel that is on the back of the putty tool or the back of the handle to gently hammer the new sash or glazier's point into rabbet grooves. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown at you or an unintentional rock, or falling branch could cause a window to crack or break. Most windows can be replaced easily by installing a new piece. The glass is held in position by a small metal clip, referred to as the glazier's point, and putty. This compound is also called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using the rag, a scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses when you work. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll need make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive prior to prying it free.

If you're planning to replace your original sash, you must remove the mold that holds the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready for new caulk. Once the sash is installed then, you can apply a silicone caulk on the glass. This will ensure that it won't get soiled or discolor 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 cut out, try holding the hand tool, such as a heat gun over them to soften them first. When using a heating tool, be careful to not damage the sash's railings and sash.

After the old points of glazing and putty are removed, make a bed for the new pane. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, and form it into a 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 necessary gently tap your glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane has cracked, glazier you can use the silicone caulk or glass glue that is based on solvents to fill in the crack prior to pressing it in the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you'll need to use putty to keep the water out. After the putty has dried remove the oily film off of the glass and let it dry completely before you paint. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it won't create a strong seal and may be leaking or discoloring over time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a broken pane of glass. The truth is, replacing a single pane glass doesn't have to be expensive when you do it on your own. In fact even windows with double panes can be replaced at a fraction of the cost of a professional.

If you are working with large glass windows, first make sure it is securely fixed to the frame. Using the proper tools and techniques you can make this task relatively easy and quick.

Once you're ready to begin, begin by removing the old window pane by prying out the glazing points of metal that are attached to it. These are tiny metal triangles that function as "nails" to hold the window in place. They are placed under a bead of glazing putty that is then cured to form a solid, moulded wedge which holds the window in place and hides the window's points.

After removing the old pane, clean the frame and wood. Scrape away any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were. These should be sanded to bare wood so that you can paint them the same shade as the rest of the frame. After sanding, apply a coat of flax oil to the bare wood to extend the life of the frame.

Next, measure the size of the window's opening. You'll need to determine 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 allow for seasonal changes in the glass. 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.