How to replace window pane Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window can be a source of frustration. This could be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones, Replace window pane and reap advantages like improved comfort, increased resale values and reduced utility bills.

You can do it yourself for only a fraction of the cost it would cost to employ an expert. It requires the right tools and an hour or two 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 will improve energy efficiency and reduce noise while maintaining the historical integrity of older homes. The replacement sash windows of a window pane is relatively easy and can be accomplished by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. In addition to a new pane, the following tools are needed such as latex glazing putty; glazier's points; pliers; and a heat gun for warming the old putty if required. Before starting, put on protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass could cause injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. This can be done with a pair of pliers, though using a flathead screwdriver may work in a pinch. After that, use a wood chisel, or putty knife, to remove the rest of the old putty from around the frame and the sash. Be careful and slow and be careful not to break the current window sash. It is a good idea to work using a sturdy ladder instead of the ground, and to have someone standing below the sash in order to help hold it in place.

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

After installing the new glass Apply some caulking on the edges. This will make the glass weatherproof. Install a glazier’s point on both sides of the frame. This will secure the pane. The points shouldn't be so tight that they cause friction between the sash and the frame however they shouldn't be too loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, gently knead it until it is soft and free of lumps. Then you can roll it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the frame's corner. Work from one corner to the next, making sure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier’s points are small triangular metal pieces that allow glass to be secured into the window frame without damaging the delicate surface. It's easy to learn how to use this secret tool and you can save money on the cost of a professional installation.

After taking off the old putty, glazier points and any remnants, clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. Lightly sand the wood in the rabbet grooves to smooth out rough areas. If you do sand the wood, be sure to protect it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Take measurements of the empty frame and note down precise measurements. These measurements can be taken to a home center or hardware store and the new pane will be cut slightly smaller. This will ensure a secure fit and will allow room for expansion and contraction.

Insert the new pane into the frame and push it in with your hands. Use the point of the chisel or the back of the putty blade to tap in the glazier's points as shown in Figure 11. When you're done taping, they should be flush with the top edge of the pane, and the raised shoulders of the points should be just 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. Let it dry and cure fully.

After the glazing compound dries and the glazing compound is dry, you can install the new window sash. First, coat the wood with a thick coat of linseed oil. This will stop the new putty drying out or cracking when it absorbs moisture. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or the point of the blade. Then, use the chisel that is on the back of the putty tool or the back of the handle to gently hit the new sash, or glazier's point into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches along the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball thrown, a rock thrown in error, or a fallen tree can cause a broken or cracked window. Fortunately, windows can be repaired by simply putting a brand new piece of glass in its the right place. The glass is held in place using tiny metal clips known as a glazier's point, and putty, which is often called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with an abrasive, pull-type scraper, or a wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while working. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll need use a heat gun to soften the adhesive before prying it free.

If you're planning to install the original sash, gently remove any pieces of molding that are used to secure the old pane. Then sand the sash to ensure it's level and ready for a new caulk. After the sash has been put back in place, you can apply a silicone caulk to the glass. This will ensure that it won't get soiled or discolor over time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets and the grooves in the sash that the glass is. If they're hard to chisel, hold the hand tool, such as a heatgun over them for a few minutes to soften them. If you're using a heat gun, be careful not to cause damage to the railings or sash by placing the tool too closely.

Prepare a bed for your new pane after you have removed the old glaze and putty. Roll a rope made of glazing compound between your fingers and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Then, press it into the rabbets in which the glass will rest. It is essential that the glass rests against the putty on both sides If you have to do so, gently tap the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack you can fill it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk prior to pressing it into the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you will need to use putty to keep water from getting in. When the putty dries and the film is oily, wipe it off the glass using an abrasive and allow it to completely dry before painting. If you paint before the putty has completely dry, it won't form an effective seal and could leak or discolor in time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a damaged piece of glass. However, replacing one glass pane does not have to break the bank when you do it yourself. In fact windows with double panes can be replaced for only a fraction of the cost of a professional.

If you are working with large glass windows first ensure it is securely fixed to the frame. With the right tools and techniques you can complete this task easily and fast.

When you are ready to begin with the removal of the window pane. Remove the metal glazing points attached to it. These are small metal triangles which act as "nails" that hold the window within the frame. They are placed under a bead or glazing putty which hardens into an unbreakable wedge which holds the wood frame firmly in position and hides the sharp edges.

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

Next, measure the dimensions of the window handles replacement's opening. You will need to measure the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the entire opening as well as the thickness. To get the exact size of the new pane subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Bring these measurements to your local hardware or home improvement store and have a piece 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.