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How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane could cause a lot of trouble. It could also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy-efficient or insulated windows and reap benefits like improved comfort, increased the value of resales and lower utility bills.

You can do it yourself for a fraction of what it would cost to hire an expert. It requires the right tools and only an hour or two of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are old damaged, cracked or deteriorating replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated will increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the historic integrity of older homes. The process of replacing windows is simple and can be done by anyone with basic hand tools. You'll also require an extra window pane, glazier's suggestions, pliers, and latex glaze putty. If needed, you can make use of a heat gun to warm the old putty. Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to starting. Working with broken glass could cause serious injuries.

Take away any broken glass pieces that remain. It is recommended to use pliers however a flathead could work as well. Then, use a wood chisel or putty knife to remove the rest of the old putty from the frame and sash. Be careful not to scratch the window sash. Be careful and slow. This is best done on an elevated ladder, not on the ground. Also, have someone on the ground to ensure it is held steady.

Prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane when you have removed the old putty. 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 taken to a hardware or home center store to get a piece cut of stock glass to the right 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 ensure it is weatherproof. Then, place a glazier's tip on the frame's opposite side to secure the pane in its place. The points shouldn't be too tight that they create friction between the sash and frame but they should not be too loose.

Before applying the putty make sure to knead it until it is smooth and free of lumps. Cut it into pencil-sized pieces. Place the first strip in the corner of the frame, working from one corner to another so that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular metal pieces which help to secure the glass into the window frame without causing any damage to the fragile surface. It's easy to understand how to use this hidden tool, and you'll be able to save money on the expense of an expert installation.

Once the old putty and the glazier's point are gone and the frame is thoroughly cleaned using a utility knife to eliminate any remaining traces. If necessary it is necessary to lightly sand the wood along rabbet grooves to smooth rough spots. If you decide to sand wood, cover it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Measure the empty frame's dimensions and write down accurate measurements. Bring these measurements to a hardware store or home center and request that the new pane made slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a snug fit and leave room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and press it in place with your hand. Utilize the point of the chisel or the edge of the putty blade to tap the glaziers' points as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's point should be aligned with the top edge of your pane and the shoulders should be just below that lip.

Apply a small amount of glazing compound on the edges of the glass that has been made and into the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Let it dry and cure completely.

Install the new window sash when the glazing compound has dried. First, you need to coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will prevent the new putty from drying out and cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply the coat using a brush or the tip of your knife, then use the chisel, or the back end of the putty knife to gently hammer in the new sash and glazier's tips into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches along the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball hit, a rock thrown in error, or a fallen tree can cause a broken or cracked window. Fortunately, Replacement Windows Glass can be easily replaced by simply putting a brand new piece in place. The glass is held into place by a small metal clip, also known as a glazier's point and putty. This compound is also referred to as glazing compound. Before you install a new pane, first take out the old one and clean up the area using a rag and a pull-type paint scraper or the wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while doing this work. If the window is attached to the frame, you'll need to employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive before prying it free.

If you are planning to replace the original sash, gently remove the molding pieces that hold the old pane in place. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready for windows glass replacement new caulk. Once the sash is re-installed, apply a new caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure it won't leak or discolor as time passes.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, where the glass is. If they're hard to chisel, hold a hand tool such as a heatgun over them to soften first. If you're using a heating gun, be cautious not to cause damage to the railings or sash by holding the tool too tightly.

After the old points of glazing and putty have been removed, prepare a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, and form it to be around 1/2-inch thick. Then, press it into the rabbets in which the glass will be. The glass must be positioned against the putty on both sides. If needed you want to tap your glass lightly into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can cover it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk prior to pressing it into the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you will need to use putty to keep water from getting in. Once the putty is dry, wipe the oily film off the glass and let it dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty has completely dry, it will not form a strong seal and may leak or discolor in time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, you might be worried about the cost of replacing it. However, replacing one glass pane does not require a huge amount of money when you do it yourself. Even a double-paned window can be replaced at a fraction of the cost it will cost a professional.

If you are working with large glass windows first, ensure that it is securely fixed to the frame. This task is relatively easy and quick with the proper tools and techniques.

When you are ready to start with the removal of the window pane. Remove the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are essentially small metal triangles which function as "nails" that hold the window in place within the frame of wood. They are submerged beneath a bead or glazing glue that hardens to an unbreakable wedge that holds the wood frame in place and hides the sharp edges.

After removal of the old pane clean the frame and the wood. Scrape off any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves in which the glazing points were. These should be sanded to bare wood, to allow you to paint them the same color as the rest of the frame. After the sanding process, apply a coat of flax oil on the wood that is not sanded down to help extend its lifespan.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of the window opening. It is necessary to measure the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the entire opening as well as the thickness. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure that you get the exact measurement for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasonal changes. Take these dimensions to your local hardware or home improvement store, and they will 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.