How to Replace Window Pane Window Panes

A cracked window pane can be a nuisance. It could also be an opportunity to upgrade your glass to energy-efficient or insulated windows to enjoy benefits such as greater comfort, a higher resale value and reduced utility costs.

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

Glass

If your single pane windows are old, deteriorating or broken replacing them with more modern glass that is tempered or insulated will increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while also preserving the historical integrity of older homes. The procedure of replacing windows is easy and can be accomplished by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. You will also require an extra window pane, glazier's suggestions, pliers, and latex glazing putty. If you need to, you can make use of a heat gun to warm the old putty. Wear safety goggles and gloves before you begin. Working with broken glass can cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. This can be done with a pair of pliers, but a flathead screwdriver may be used in the pinch. Then, use a wood chisel, or putty knife, Replace Window Pane to take the remainder of the old putty from around the frame and sash. Be careful not to break the window sash. Be careful and slow. This should be done on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, you should have someone on the ground to ensure it is held steady.

Once you have removed all of the old putty, prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction by subtracting 1/8 inch from the measurements of width and height. Bring these measurements to a hardware store or home center, and find a piece glass cut to size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you possess the right tools.

After installing the glass, apply a small amount of caulking on the edges. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then install a glazier's point on the frame's opposite side to secure the pane into place. The points should not be so tight that they create friction between the frame and sash however they should not be loose.

Before putting the putty on, knead it thoroughly until it is soft and free of lumps. Then make it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be glued to the corner of the frame. Work from one corner to another, making sure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier’s points are small triangular metal pieces that allow glass to be secured to the frame without damaging the delicate surface. Understanding how to use these tiny pieces of help is simple and could save you money on professional installation or the cost of new glass.

After the old putty and the glazier's points have been removed, thoroughly clean the frame using a utility knife to get rid of any remaining traces. Lightly sand the wood in the rabbet grooves if needed to smooth out rough areas. If you do sand the wood, be sure to protect it with painter's tack to avoid accidental damage.

Write down the exact dimensions of the frame. Bring these measurements to a hardware store or home center and request that the new pane cut slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a tight fit and will allow room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new window in the frame and push it in place using your hand. Then, you can use the point of your chisel or the back of the putty knife to make a tap on the glazier's points as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should sit flush against the top edge of the pane and the raised shoulders should be just beneath that lip.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the edges of the glass that has been made and into the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Allow this to dry and cure fully.

After the glazing compound dries 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 new putty from drying out or cracking due to the moisture it absorbs. Apply this coat with a brush or the edge of your putty knife, and then employ the chisel or back end of the putty knife to gently hammer in the new sash and glazier's points into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A baseball that is thrown or an unintentional rock, or a falling branch can cause a window to break or crack. Most windows can be replaced by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held in place by tiny metal clips known as the glazier's pointed and putty, often called glazing compound. Before you install a new pane, first take out the old one and clean the area with an abrasive and the pull-type paint scraper or the wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves when you work. If the window replacement panes is secured to the frame, you'll need to make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive before cutting it loose.

If you are planning to replace your original sash, remove the molding that supports the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready for new caulk. Once the sash is put back in place it is possible to apply a silicone caulk on the glass. This will ensure that it won't leak over time or discolor.

Remove the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash, where the glass is located. If they're difficult to work out, try placing the hand tool, such as a heat gun over them to soften them first. When using a heated tool, be careful to not scratch the sash or its railings.

Once the old points of glazing and putty have been removed, make a bed for the new pane. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, shaping it into a 1/2-inch thick. Then, you can press it into the rabbets in which the glass will be. It is essential that the glass sits on the putty in all places on each side If you have to do so, gently tap the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack, you can cover it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk prior to pressing it into the sash. Otherwise, you'll need to putty over the crack to create an impervious seal to keep water out. After the putty has dried, wipe the oily film off of the glass and let it dry completely before you paint. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it won't create a solid seal and could be leaking or discoloring in time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, then you may be worried about the expense of replacing it. However, replacing a single glass pane doesn't need to cost a fortune if you do it yourself. Even a double-paned window could be replaced for a fraction of what it costs for a professional.

If you're working with a large glass replacement upvc window handles first ensure it is securely fixed to the frame. With the right tools and techniques, you can make this task relatively easy and quick.

Once you're ready to begin with the removal of the old window pane by removing the glazing points of metal that are attached to it. These are essentially small metal triangles that function as "nails" that keep the window in in the wood frame. They are submerged under a bead of glazing putty that transforms into a solid molded wedge that secures the window in place and conceals the points.

Once you have the old pane taken away, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were. Sand them down to clean wooden surfaces so you can paint the frames the same color. After sanding the wood you can apply a layer flax oil. This will help to prolong the life of the frame.

The next step is to determine the size of the window's opening. You'll need to determine the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the entire opening as well as the thickness. To determine the exact size of the new pane subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. You can take these measurements to a hardware or home improvement shop and get 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.