How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane could be a source of frustration. It can also be an opportunity to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows, and enjoy benefits such as more comfort, higher potential for resales, and less bills.

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

Glass

Replace your single-paned windows with tempered or insulated glass to increase energy efficiency, reduce noise, and preserve the original character of your old home. Most homeowners with basic hand tools can Replace Window Pane the window pane. You'll also require an extra window replacement near me pane, glazier's tips, pliers, and latex glaze putty. If you need to, you can use a heating gun to warm the old putty. Before starting, put on gloves and safety glasses as working with broken glass can cause injuries.

Remove any broken glass pieces that remain. This is best done using the help of pliers though using flathead screwdrivers can work in the pinch. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knives to remove any old putty remaining around the frame and window sash. Work slowly and carefully and be careful not to damage the old window sash. It is a good idea to do this on a stable ladder rather than the ground and have someone stand below the sash to help keep it in place.

Once you have removed all of the old putty, it is time to prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane. Take measurements of the width and height of the opening in the sash by subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be taken to a hardware or home center store to have cut a piece of glass stock to the proper size. Alternatively, you can cut the glass yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

After installing the new pane after installing the new pane, put a tiny amount of caulking around the edges to make it weatherproof. Then install a glazier's point on each side of the frame to hold the pane in the right place. The points should not be so tight that they cause friction between the frame and sash however they should not be loose.

Before putting the putty on, work it in a gentle manner until it is smooth and free of lumps. Roll it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip in the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to the next so that it is smooth and even.

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. Knowing how to use these hidden tiny pieces of help is simple and can save you money on professional installation or the cost of new glass.

After the old putty and the glazier's point are gone and the frame is thoroughly cleaned with a utility knife to remove any remaining residue. Lightly sand the wood in the rabbet grooves if needed to smooth rough areas. If you decide to sand the wood, be sure to protect it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Write down the exact dimensions of the frame. Take these dimensions to a hardware store or home center and have the new pane cut slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure that the pane fits perfectly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new window in the frame and push it into place firmly with your hand. Utilize the point of the chisel or the back of the putty blade to tap the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's point should be flush against the top edge of your pane and the raised shoulders should be just below that lip.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the rabbet grooves and edges of the new glass. This will seal and protect the edges. Allow it to dry and cure completely.

Once the glazing compound has dried and the glazing compound is dry, you can install the new window sash. The first step is to coat the wood with a heavy coat of linseed oil. This will prevent the new putty from taking up the moisture and drying out and cracking with time. Apply this coat using a brush or the tip of your putty knife, and then use the chisel, or the back end of the knife to gently hammer in the new sash and glazier's point into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.

Putty

A hurled baseball or a rock that is errant or falling branch could cause a window to break or crack. Luckily, most windows can be easily replaced by simply putting a new piece of glass in its the proper place. The glass is held in place by a small metal clip, also known as a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using an abrasive, pull-type scraper, or a wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while working. You'll need a heating gun in the event that the window is glued into the frame.

If you are planning to replace the original sash, gently remove any molding pieces that hold the old pane in place. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready to receive new caulk. After the sash has been installed 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, or the grooves in the sash that the glass is. If they are hard to chisel, use a hand tool such as a heatgun over them for a few minutes to soften them. If you're using a heated gun, be cautious not to damage the sash or its railings 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 made of glazing compound between your fingers and then make it about 1/2 inch thick. Place it into the rabbets, replace window pane where the glass will be put. The glass must be positioned against the putty on both sides. If necessary gently tap your glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has cracked, you can apply a silicone caulk or a glass glue based on solvents to cover the crack prior to pressing it into the sash. If not, you'll have to apply putty on the crack to form a tight seal and keep water out. Once the putty is dry clean the oily film off the glass and let it dry completely before painting. Paint after the putty has dried completely. It won't form a good seal and could leak or discolor with time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, you might be worried about the expense of replacing it. But the truth is that replacing one glass pane does not have to break the bank If you can do it yourself. Even double-paned windows can be replaced for a fraction of the price it costs a professional.

First, if you are working on a large-sized window, make sure that it is securely fixed to the frame. With the right tools and techniques to complete this task easily and speedy.

When you are ready to start, remove the old window pane. Remove the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are tiny metal triangles that function as "nails" to hold the window within the frame. They are submerged under a bead of glazing putty, which is then cured to form a solid, molded wedge that holds the window firmly in place and hides the window's points.

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

Then, you need to measure the width of the window's opening. It is necessary to measure the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the entire opening as well as the thickness. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure that you get a precise size for the new pane. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Bring these measurements to the 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.