How to Replace Window Panes

A cracked window pane is an issue. This could be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones, and reap benefits such as improved comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility costs.

It's a project you can do yourself for a fraction of the cost of hiring an expert. You'll need only the proper tools and a few minutes of your time.

Glass

replace window pane your single-paned windows using tempered or insulate glass to improve the efficiency of your energy, reduce noise, and protect the historic integrity of your old home. A majority of homeowners with hand tools can repair a window pane. In addition to a replacement pane, the following components are needed such as latex glazing putty; glazier's points; pliers; and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty if required. Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to beginning. Working with broken glass can cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. This is best done using pliers, however, a flathead screwdriver can also be effective in the pinch. Then, use a wood chisel or putty knife remove the remaining old putty around the frame and sash. Be careful not to damage the window sash. Work slowly and carefully. This is best done on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, have someone below the sash keep it in place.

Once you've removed all the old putty, prepare the window frame for the new pane. Take measurements of the width and height of the opening in the sash and subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). Take these measurements to the nearest hardware store or home center, and have a piece of stock glass cut to size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you possess the appropriate tools.

After putting in the new pane After installing the new pane, apply a small amount of caulking along the edge to ensure it is weatherproof. Then, you can install a glazier's pointing on the frame's opposite side to hold the pane in place. The points shouldn't be so tight that they create friction between the frame and sash, but they should also not be loose.

Before applying the putty make sure to knead it until it's soft and free of lumps. Roll it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be glued 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 facets are tiny triangular pieces of steel that allow glass to be secured into frames for windows without damaging or scratching the delicate surface. It's easy to learn how to use this nefarious tool, and you'll be able to save money on the expense of a professional installation.

After taking off the old putty, glazier points and any leftovers Clean the frame thoroughly with an utility knife. If necessary, lightly sand the wood in the grooves of the rabbet to smooth rough spots. If you sand replace window pane wood cover it with painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Measure the empty frame's dimensions and write down accurate 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 that the pane fits snugly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and press it into the frame with your hand. Then use the point of your chisel or back end of the putty knife to pierce the glazier's facets, as shown in Figure 11. When you're done, 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 thin layer glazing compound on the rabbet grooves and the edges of new glass. This will protect and seal the edges. Allow it to dry and cure completely.

When the glazing compound is dry it's time to put in the new window sash. First, you need to coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will prevent the newly-created putty from drying out and 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 smash the new sash or glazier's tip into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches along the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown at you, an errant rock or falling branch could cause a window to crack or break. Fortunately, windows can be easily replaced by simply putting a new piece in the right place. The glass is held in place by small clips made of metal called a glazier's point and putty, often 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 protective glasses and gloves while working. You'll require a heat gun when the window is fixed to the frame.

If you're planning to reinstall your original sash, you must remove the molding that supports the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready for new caulk. Once the sash is installed then, apply a new caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure it will not leak or change color over time.

Take out the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash where the glass is located. If they're hard to chisel, use an instrument like a heat gun over them to allow them to soften before. When using a heating tool, be careful to avoid damaging the sash and its railings.

Make a bed for your new pane by removing the old glaze and putty. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, shaping it to be around 1/2-inch thick. Place it into the rabbets, where the glass will be put. It is essential that the glass rests against the putty in all places on both sides If you have to tap it, gently press the glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked you can fill it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk before pressing it into the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you'll require putty to keep the water out. After the putty has dried, clean the oily film off the glass using a rag and allow it to dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it won't create a strong seal and may leak or discolor in time.

Paint

If you've had a broken window pane, you might be worried about the expense of a new one. The truth is, replacing a single pane of glass doesn't need to be costly when you do it on your own. Even double glazed replacement windows-paned windows can be replaced for a fraction of the price it will cost for a professional.

First, if you're working on a large-sized window, ensure that it is securely fastened to the frame. This job is relatively easy and quick with the proper tools and techniques.

Once you're ready to begin, begin by removing the old window sash replacement by prying out the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. They are basically tiny metal triangles that act as "nails" which hold the window in place in the wood frame. They are placed under a bead of glazing putty that hardens into a solid, molded wedge that holds the window firmly in place and hides the window's points.

Once you have the old pane taken away Clean up the frame and wood. Scrape away any paint and sand Replace Window Pane down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points used to be. Sand them to bare wooden surfaces so you can paint the frames with the same color. After sanding, apply a layer of flax oil on the wood that is not sanded down to help extend its lifespan.

Next, measure the dimensions of the window's opening. You'll need to take horizontal and vertical measurements of the entire opening, and also the thickness of the old pane. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure you have the exact size for the new pane. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Take these dimensions to the hardware or home improvement store, and they will 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 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.