How to replace window pane Window Panes

A damaged window pane can be an inconvenience. It could also be an opportunity to upgrade your glass to energy-efficient or insulated windows, and reap benefits like improved comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility costs.

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

Glass

If your single-pane windows are old, deteriorating or Replace window Pane broken replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated will increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the original character of older homes. The process of replacing windows is easy and can be accomplished by anyone with basic hand tools. Alongside a replacement pane, the following components are required: latex glazing putty; pliers, glazier's points and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty, if necessary. Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to starting. Working with broken glass could result in serious injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. It is best to use pliers for this however a flathead could be used as well. Then, use a wooden chisel, or putty knife, to remove the remaining old putty around the frame and sash. Be careful and slow, 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 to have someone stand below the sash to help keep it in place.

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

After installing the new glass, apply a small amount of caulking to the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Install a glazier's pointing on both sides of the frame. This will secure the pane. The points shouldn't be tight enough to create friction between the frame and the sash however they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, knead thoroughly until it is soft and free of lumps. Roll it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be glued to the corner of the frame. Work from corner to corner to ensure it's even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are tiny triangular pieces of steel that help secure glass into the frame of a window without damaging or scratching the delicate surface. It's easy to learn how to use this hidden tool and you can save money on the expense of a professional installation.

After taking off the old putty, glazier points as well as any remaining residue, clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. If necessary you can lightly sand the wood along the grooves of the rabbets to smooth rough spots. If you sand wood, protect it with painter's tape to protect it from damage caused by accidental sanding.

Write down the dimensions of the frame. Take these dimensions to a hardware store or a 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 pane into the frame and push it in with your hands. Then, you can use the point of your chisel or back of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's points as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should sit flush against the top edge of your pane, and the shoulders raised should be just below the lip.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the edges of the new glass and in the rabbet grooves, to seal and protect them. Let it dry and cure fully.

Install the new window sash once the glazing compound has dried. First, saturate the wood with a thick coat of Linseed oil. This will prevent the newly-created putty drying out or cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or the tip of the blade. Then, use the chisel on the back of the putty tool or the back of the putty handle to gently smash the new sash or glazier's point into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown or a rock thrown in error, or a tree falling can cause a broken or cracked window pane. The majority of windows can be repaired easily by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held in place by a small metal clip, called a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also referred to as glazing compound. Before installing a new pane, first get rid of the old one and clean the area using an abrasive and a pull-type paint scraper or an abrasive wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while doing this work. You'll need a heating gun when the window is fixed to the frame.

If you're planning to reinstall the original sash, take off the molding that supports the old pane. Then, sand the sash to ensure it's smooth and ready for a 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 from the rabbets, the grooves in the sash that the glass is. If they're hard to cut, place the hand tool, such as a heatgun over them for a few minutes to soften them. If you're using a heated gun, be careful not to cause damage to the sash or its railings by using the tool too close.

Make a bed for your new pane after you have removed the old glaze points and putty. Roll a rope made of glazing compound between your fingers, and make it around 1/2 inch thick. Place it into the rabbets, where the glass will be put. The glass should rest against the putty on both sides. If needed, lightly tap your glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane has cracked, you can apply a silicone caulk or glass glue made from solvents to cover the crack prior to pressing it in the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you will need to apply putty to keep water from getting in. After the putty has dried remove the oily film from the glass and let it dry completely before you paint. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it won't create a strong seal and may discolor or leak in time.

Paint

If you've had a broken window pane, you might be worried about the expense of a new one. In reality, replacing a single pane glass doesn't need to be expensive if you do it on your own. Even double-paned windows can be replaced for a fraction of what it costs a professional.

First, if you're working on a large window, ensure that it is securely attached to the frame. With the right tools and techniques you can accomplish this task fairly easily and replace window pane fast.

When you're ready to start taking off the old window by prying out the glazing points of metal that are connected to it. These are basically small metal triangles which function as "nails" that hold the window in within the frame of wood. They are submerged beneath a layer of glazing putty that hardens into a solid, moulded wedge that holds the window firmly in place and hides the edges.

After removal of the old pane clean the frame and the wood. Scrape away any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points were. They should be sanded to bare wood, so that you can paint them the same shade as the rest of the frame. After the sanding process, apply a coat of flax oil on the wood's surface to extend the life of the frame.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of the window's opening. You will need to measure the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the entire opening as well as the thickness. To get the exact size of the new pane subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasons of changes. Take these dimensions to a hardware or home improvement store, and they will have a piece 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.