How to replace window pane Window Panes

A damaged window pane could be a source of frustration. It can also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy-efficient or insulated windows to benefit from improved comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility costs.

It's a project you can tackle yourself at a fraction of the cost of hiring an expert. You only need the proper tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

If your single pane windows are old, deteriorating or broken replacing them with more modern glass that is tempered or insulated will increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while preserving the original character of older homes. The procedure of replacing windows is simple and can be done by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. You'll also require a replacement double glazed window window pane, glazier's suggestions, pliers, and latex glaze putty. If necessary, you can make use of a heat gun to warm the old putty. Before starting, wear gloves and safety glasses as working with broken glass can cause injuries.

Take away any broken glass pieces that remain. This can be done with a pair of pliers, though using a flathead screwdriver can also be effective in a pinch. Then, use a wooden chisel or putty knife to remove the rest of the old putty from the frame and sash. Be careful to not scratch the window sash. Be careful and slow. This can be done best on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, have someone lower to keep it in place.

Once you have removed all the old putty, prepare the window frame to fit the new pane. Measure the width and height of the opening for the sash, subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be sent to a hardware or home center store to have an item cut from glass stock to the proper size. Alternately, you can cut the glass yourself if you have the tools you need.

After putting in the new glass After installing the glass, apply caulking on the edges. This will make the glass weatherproof. Install a glazier's point on both sides of the frame. This will ensure the pane. The points should not be tight enough to cause friction between the frame and sash However, they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty, work it in a gentle manner 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 corner to corner and ensure that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's facets are small triangular pieces that allow glass to be secured into frames for windows without scratching or damaging the fragile surface. It's simple to learn how to use this nefarious tool, and you'll be able to save money on the expense of an expert installation.

After removing the old putty, glazier points as well as any remaining remnants, clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife. If necessary it is necessary to lightly sand the wood along grooves of the rabbet to smooth out rough spots. If you decide to sand wood, cover it with painter's tape to protect it from damage caused by accidental sanding.

Note down the exact dimensions of the frame. These dimensions can be taken to the hardware or home center store, and the new frame will be cut slightly smaller. This will ensure a secure fit and leave room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and push it in place using your hand. Use the chisel's point or the back of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should be in line with the top edge of your pane and the shoulders raised should be just below that lip.

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

Install the new window sash once the glazing compound has dried. First, coat the wood with a thick coat of linseed oil. This will keep the new putty from sucking up moisture and drying out and cracking over time. Use a brush to apply this coat, or even the tip of the putty blade. Then use the chisel on the back of the putty tool or the back of the putty handle to gently hammer the new sash or glazier's tip into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown or a rock thrown by error, or a tree falling could result in a broken or cracked window. Luckily, most windows can be easily replaced by simply putting a new piece in the right place. The glass is held into position by a small metal clip, referred to as a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also known as glazing compound. Before you install a new pane, first get rid of the old one and clean up the area using a rag and an abrasive scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves when working. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll need to employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive prior to prying it free.

If you're planning to install the original sash, gently remove any molding pieces that are used to secure the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready to receive new caulk. Once the sash is put back in place, you can apply a silicone caulk to the glass. This will ensure that it won't leak over time or discolor.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, which is where the glass is. If they're difficult to work out, try placing the hand tool, such as a heat gun to soften them first. If you're using a heat gun, make sure not to scratch the sash or its railings by holding the tool too closely.

Once the old glaze points and putty have been removed prepare a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope with glazing compound between your fingers, and make it around 1/2 inch thick. Then, you can press it into the rabbets in which the glass will sit. The glass must be positioned against the putty on both sides. If needed, lightly tap your glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack you can fill it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk before pressing it into the sash. If not, you'll have to putty over the crack to form an airtight seal and keep water out. Once the putty is dry clean the oily film off the glass and let it dry completely before you paint. Paint after the putty has dried completely. It won't create a solid seal and could be leaking or discoloring over time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a broken piece of glass. However, replacing a single glass pane doesn't have to break the bank if you do it yourself. Even double-paned windows can be replaced for a fraction of the price it will cost a professional.

If you are working with a large glass window first, ensure that it is securely attached to the frame. By using the correct tools and techniques, you can accomplish this task fairly easily and quick.

Once you're ready to begin, begin by removing the old window by prying out the metal glazing points that are connected to it. These are tiny metal triangles which act as "nails", holding the window in the frame. They are submerged beneath a glaze putty or bead that sets to form solid wedge that holds the frame in place and Replace Window Pane hides the sharp edges.

After taking off the old pane clean the frame and wood. Scrape away any old 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 color as the rest the frame. After sanding the wood, apply a layer of flax oil. This will help extend its life.

Next, measure the dimensions of the window opening. It is necessary 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 allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Take these measurements to the hardware or home improvement store and have cut the glass 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.