How to replace window pane Window Panes

A damaged window pane could be a nuisance. It could also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy-efficient or insulated windows and benefit from greater comfort, a higher the value of resales and lower utility costs.

This is a project you could do yourself for less than the cost of hiring an expert. It requires the right tools and an hour or two of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are outdated, deteriorating or broken replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving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

Take away any broken glass pieces remaining. This is best accomplished with pliers, however, flathead screwdrivers can be used in a pinch. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knife to get rid of any old putty that remains around the frame and window sash. Work slowly and carefully, taking care not to damage the old replace window handle sash. It is best to do this on a sturdy ladder rather than on the ground and have someone stand below the sash to help keep it in place.

Prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane when you have removed the old glue. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction, subtract 1/8 inch each from the measurements of the width and height. These measurements can be sent to an hardware or home centers store to have a piece cut of stock glass to the right size. Alternately, you can cut the glass yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

After installing the glass Apply some caulking to the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then, place a glazier's tip on each side of the frame to secure the pane into place. The points shouldn't be so tight that they create friction between the frame and the sash however they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty work it in a gentle manner until it is soft and free of lumps. Cut it into pencil-sized pieces. 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 tiny triangular pieces of steel which help to secure the glass to the frame without damaging the delicate surface. It's easy to understand how to use this hidden tool and you can save money on the cost of an installation by a professional.

After getting rid of the old putty glazier points and any leftovers clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife. If necessary you can lightly sand the wood along the grooves of the rabbets to smooth rough spots. If you sand wood, protect it with painter's tape to protect it from damage caused by accidental sanding.

Measure the empty frame's dimensions and write down accurate measurements. Bring these measurements to an hardware store or home center and request that the new pane cut smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure that the pane fits comfortably and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new window in the frame and press it into place firmly with your hand. Make use of the chisel's point or the back of the putty knife to smudge the glazier's points as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's points should sit aligned with the top edge of your pane and the shoulders raised should be just below the lip.

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

Install the new window sash when the glazing compound has dried. The first step is to coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will stop the new putty from taking up moisture and drying out and cracking with time. Apply this coat using a brush or the tip of your knife, then employ the chisel or back end of the knife to gently press the new sash and glazier's points into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.

Putty

A baseball that is thrown or an unintentional rock, replace window pane or a fallen branch can cause a window to break or crack. Luckily, most windows can be repaired by simply putting a brand new piece in place. The glass is held into the position with a tiny metal clip, referred to as the glazier's point, and putty. This compound is also called glazing compound. Before you install a new pane, first remove the old one and clean the area using the help of a rag, an abrasive scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses when working. You'll need a heat gun if the window is glued to the frame.

If you are planning to reinstall your original sash, you must remove the molding that holds the old pane. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready to receive new caulk. After the sash has been reinstalled, you can apply a silicone caulk over the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't get soiled or discolor over time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets, the grooves in the sash where the glass is. If they are hard to cut, place the hand tool, like a heat gun over them for a few minutes to soften them. If you're using a heating gun, make sure not to cause damage to the railings of the sash or the sash itself by placing the tool too tightly.

Prepare the bed for your new pane after removing the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope made of glazing compound between your fingers and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Press it into the rabbets, where the glass will be placed. The glass must rest against the putty on both sides. If you need to, lightly tap your glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked then you can seal it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk prior pressing it into the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you'll need to use putty to keep water from getting in. After the putty has dried then clean the oily film off the glass using the help of a rag. Allow it to dry completely prior to painting. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it won't form an effective seal and could leak or discolor over time.

Paint

If you've suffered a break in a window pane, you might be worried about the cost of a new one. In reality, replacing a single pane of glass doesn't need to be costly when you do it on your own. Even double-paned windows can be replaced at a fraction of the cost it will cost for a professional.

If you're working with a large glass window first, ensure that it is securely attached to the frame. With the right tools and techniques you can make this task relatively easy and speedy.

When you are ready to begin with the removal of the window pane. Remove the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are basically small metal triangles which function as "nails" that keep the window in place within the frame of wood. They are buried beneath a glaze putty or bead that hardens to a solid wedge which holds the wood frame firmly in position and hides the 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, 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 prolong its life.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of the window'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 ask them to cut you 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.