How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window is an inconvenience. This could be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones to enjoy benefits such as improved comfort, higher resale value and lower utility costs.

It's a task you can do yourself for less than the cost of hiring an expert. You'll only require the right tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are old broken, deteriorating or damaged replacing them with modern insulated or replace window pane tempered glass can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the historical integrity of older homes. Most homeowners with basic hand tools can Replace Window Pane the window pane. You will also require an extra window pane, glazier's tips, pliers, and latex glazing putty. If necessary, you can use a heatgun to warm the old putty. Before starting, put on protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass may cause injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. This is best accomplished with a pair of pliers, though using a flathead screwdriver may be effective in the pinch. Then, use a wood chisel or putty knife take the remainder of the old putty from the frame and replace Window Pane sash. Take your time and work slowly, taking care not to damage the old window sash. It is recommended to do this on a stable ladder rather than on the ground and have someone stand below the sash to help hold it steady.

After you have removed all of the old putty, prepare the window frame for the new pane. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction, subtract 1/8 inch each from the measurements of the width and height. Take these measurements to a hardware store or home center, and get 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, put a tiny amount of caulking around the edges to seal it against weather. Install a glazier's point on both sides of the frame. This will ensure the pane. The points shouldn't be so tight that they cause friction between the frame and sash, but they also should not be too loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, knead thoroughly until it is smooth and free of lumps. Then you can roll it into pencil-sized strips. Place the first strip in the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to another to ensure it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces that help secure glass into a upvc window handle replacement frame without damaging or scratching the delicate surface. Knowing how to use these little helpers is easy and can save you money on a professional installation or the cost of purchasing new glass.

After taking off the old putty, glazier points and any residue clean the frame thoroughly with an utility knife. Lightly sand the frame in the rabbet grooves if needed to smooth out rough areas. If you sand wood protect it with painter's tape to protect it from damage caused by accidental sanding.

Take the dimensions of the frame and note down precise measurements. These measurements can be brought to a home center or hardware store and the new pane will be cut slightly smaller. This will ensure that the pane fits comfortably and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and push firmly with your hands. Then, use the tip of your chisel or back end of the putty knife to make a tap on 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 should be just beneath 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 this to dry and cure completely.

Install the new window sash once the glazing compound has dried. The first step is to coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will prevent the newly-created putty from drying out or cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or even the tip of the blade. Then, use the chisel on the back of the putty tool or the back of the handle to gently smash the new sash or glazier's point into grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball that is thrown or an unintentional rock, or a falling branch can cause a window pane to break or crack. Fortunately, the majority of windows can be replaced by simply placing a new piece in the right place. The glass is held into place by a small metal clip, called a glazier's point and putty. This compound is also referred to as 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 safety glasses and gloves while working. If the window is attached to the frame, you'll need to use a heat gun to soften the adhesive before taking it off.

If you are planning to replace the original sash in the future, take care to remove any molding pieces that are used to secure the old pane. Then, sand the sash to ensure it's level and ready to be re-caulked. After the sash has been reinstalled then, you can apply a silicone caulk on the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't be leaking or fade over time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets and the grooves in the sash where the glass sits. If they're hard to chisel out, try placing the hand tool, such as a heat gun to soften them up first. If you're using a heating gun, make sure not to cause damage to the sash or its railings by placing the tool too close.

Create a bed for your new pane after removing the old glaze points and putty. Roll a rope 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 put. It is essential that the glass rests against the putty on both sides So if you have to tap it, gently press the glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack then you can seal it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk prior 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 from the glass and allow it to dry completely before painting. Paint before the putty is completely dry. It won't form a good seal and could leak or discolor with time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a broken piece of glass. However, replacing one glass pane does not need to cost a fortune if you do it yourself. Even a double-paned window could be replaced for a fraction of what it will cost an expert.

First, if you are working on a large-sized window, ensure that it is securely attached to the frame. By using the correct tools and techniques to accomplish this task fairly easily and fast.

Once you're ready to begin with the removal of the old window by removing the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. They are basically tiny metal triangles that function as "nails" that hold the window in in the wood frame. They are submerged beneath a bead or glazing putty that hardens to a solid wedge which holds the wood frame firmly in position and conceals the edges.

After removal of the old pane clean the frame and wood. Scrape off any paint that has been used and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were placed. Sand them down to bare wooden surfaces so you can paint the frames the same color. After sanding the wood, apply a layer of flax oil. This will help to prolong the life of the frame.

Then, take measurements of the dimensions of the window opening. You will need to take horizontal and vertical measurements of the entire opening, and also the thickness of the old pane. 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. Bring these measurements to your local hardware or home improvement store and 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.