How to Replace Window pane Window Panes

A damaged window pane can be an inconvenience. It could be a chance to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones, and reap benefits like increased comfort, increased resale values and reduced utility bills.

You can do it yourself for a a fraction of what it would cost to employ an expert. You'll need only the right tools and a few minutes of your time.

Glass

If your single pane windows are old, deteriorating or broken replacing them with more modern insulated or tempered glass can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while maintaining the historic integrity of older homes. The majority of homeowners with basic hand tools can replace a window pane. In addition to a replacement sash windows pane, the following items are needed: latex glazing putty; glazier's points; pliers; and a heat gun for warming the old putty if required. Before beginning, wear protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass could cause injuries.

Remove any broken glass pieces that remain. It is best to use pliers for this however a flathead could be used as well. After that, use a wood chisel, or putty knife, to take the remainder of the old putty from around the frame and the sash. Be careful not to damage the window sash. Take your time and work slowly. It is a good idea to do this on a sturdy ladder instead of the ground, and to have someone standing below the sash in order to help hold it steady.

After you have removed all the old putty, you can prepare the window frame for the new pane. Find the width and the height of the opening for the sash by subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be taken to an hardware or home centers store to have a piece cut of stock glass to the right size. You can cut the glass yourself if you have the right tools.

After installing the new pane After installing the new pane, apply a small amount of caulking around the edge to seal it against weather. Install a glazier’s point on both sides of the frame. This will help secure the pane. The points should not be so tight as to cause friction between the sash and frame but they shouldn't be loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, knead thoroughly until it is smooth and free of lumps. Then make it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip in the corner of the frame, working from one corner to the other to ensure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces of metal that allow glass to be secured into a window frame without scratching or damaging the delicate surface. Understanding how to use these hidden little helpers is easy and can save you money on professional installation or the cost of buying new glass.

After taking off the old putty, glazier points, and any other leftovers clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. Lightly sand the frame in the rabbet grooves if needed to smooth rough areas. If you do sand the wood, ensure you protect it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Write down the exact dimensions of the frame. 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 of the putty knife to make a tap on the glazier's facets, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should be in line with the top edge of your pane, and the shoulders should be just below that lip.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the rabbet grooves as well as the edges of the glass. This will protect and seal the edges. Let it dry completely and cure.

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

Putty

A baseball hit, a rock thrown in error, or a fallen tree can cause a broken or cracked window pane. The majority of windows can be replaced by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held into the position with a tiny metal clip, replace window pane referred to as a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also known as glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with an abrasive, scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves when you work. If the window is attached to the frame, you'll need employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive before prying it free.

If you are planning to install your original sash, remove the mold that holds the old pane. Then you can sand the sash down to ensure it's smooth and ready to be re-caulked. After the sash has been installed then, you can apply a silicone caulk over the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't be leaking or fade over time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets, or the grooves in the sash, where the glass sits. If they're difficult to chisel, hold a hand tool such as a heating gun over them to allow them to soften before. If you're using a heated gun, be cautious not to cause damage to the railings of the sash or the sash itself by placing the tool too closely.

After the old glaze points and putty are removed, make a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, shaping it into a 1/2-inch thick. Then, push it into the rabbets, where the glass will be. 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 is cracked, you can use the silicone caulk or glass glue that is based on solvents to cover the crack prior to pressing it in the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you will need to use putty to keep water from getting in. When the putty dries then clean the oily film off the glass with an abrasive and allow it to dry completely prior to painting. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it will not form a solid seal and could be leaking or discoloring over time.

Paint

If you've suffered a break in a window pane, you may be concerned about the expense of a new one. The truth is, replacing a single pane glass doesn't have to be expensive when you do it on your own. In fact, Replace Window Pane even a double-pane window can be replaced for only a fraction of the cost of a professional.

First, if you are working on a large window, make sure it is securely fixed to the frame. By using the correct tools and techniques, you can complete this task easily and fast.

When you are ready to start taking down the old window pane. Remove the metal glazing points attached to it. These are small metal triangles that function as "nails", holding the window within the frame. They are placed under a bead or glazing putty which hardens into a solid wedge that holds the frame in place and hides the points.

After you have the old pane taken away clean the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape away any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points used to be. Sand them down to clean wood surfaces, so that you can paint the frames the same color. After sanding, apply a layer of flax oil to the wood that is not sanded down to prolong its life.

The next step is to determine the size of the window's opening. You will need to take vertical and horizontal 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. You can bring these measurements to a hardware or home improvement shop 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.