How to replace window pane Window Panes

A damaged window pane can be an inconvenience. This could be an opportunity to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones to enjoy benefits such as improved comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility costs.

This is a project you could take on yourself for less than the cost of hiring an expert. It requires the right tools and Replace Window Pane only an hour or two of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are outdated broken, deteriorating or damaged replacing them with more modern glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while maintaining the original character of older homes. The process of replacing the window pane is simple and can be done by homeowners with basic hand tools. You will also require an additional window pane, glazier's tips pliers, and latex glaze putty. If needed you may use a heating gun to warm the old putty. Before starting, wear protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass may cause injuries.

Take away any broken glass pieces that remain. This is best done using the help of pliers however, a flathead screwdriver may be effective in the pinch. Make use of a wood chisel or putty knife to get rid of any remaining old putty around the frame and window sash. Be careful not to break the window sash. Be careful and slow. This should be done on an elevated ladder, not on the ground. Also, you should have someone below the sash keep it in place.

Make sure that the window frame is ready to accept the new pane when you have removed the old putty. Take measurements of the width and height of the opening for the sash, subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be sent to an hardware or home centers store to have an item cut from glass stock to the proper size. Alternatively, you can cut the glass yourself if have the appropriate tools.

After installing the new glass Apply caulking on the edges. This will make the glass weatherproof. Install a glazier's pointing on both sides of the frame. This will ensure the pane. The points should not be too tight that they cause friction between the frame and sash However, they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty, knead it thoroughly until it is soft and free of lumps. Make it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the corner of the frame, working from one corner to the next so that it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's facets are small triangular pieces of metal that allow glass to be secured into frames for windows without scratching or damaging the fragile surface. It's easy to understand how to use this secret tool, and you'll be able to save money on the expense of a professional installation.

After getting rid of the old putty glazier points, and any other leftovers, clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. If needed you can lightly sand the wood in the rabbet grooves to smooth out rough areas. If you decide to sand wood, protect it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Take the dimensions of the frame and record precise measurements. Bring these measurements to an hardware store or home center, and have the new pane made slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure that the pane fits snugly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and push it in using your hands. Then, use the tip of your chisel, or the back of the putty knife to make a tap on the glazier's points as shown in Figure 11. When you're done, they should be in line with the top edge of the pane. the raised shoulders of the points should be below the rabbet's rim groove.

Apply a thin bead of glazing compound over the edges of the new glass and in the rabbet grooves, to seal and protect them. Allow this to dry and cure completely.

Install the new window sash when the glazing compound has dried. The first step is to coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will prevent the newly-created putty drying out or cracking due to the moisture it absorbs. Apply this coat with a brush or the tip of your knife, and then use the chisel or the back end of the knife to gently hammer in the new sash and glazier's tips into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball thrown or a rock thrown in error, or a tree falling could result in a broken or cracked window pane. Most windows can be repaired easily by installing a new piece. The glass is held into position by a small metal clip, called the glazier's point, and putty. This compound is also referred to as glazing compound. Before you install a new pane, first remove the old one and clean the area using the help of a rag, a pull-type paint scraper or the wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while you do this work. If the window is attached to the frame, you'll need to use a heat gun to soften the adhesive prior to prying it free.

If you're planning to install the original sash, gently remove the molding pieces that are used to secure the old pane. Then sand the sash to ensure it's level and ready to be re-caulked. After the sash has been reinstalled it is possible to apply a silicone caulk over the glass. This will ensure that it won't get soiled or discolor over time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, which is where the glass is located. If they're difficult to cut, place a hand tool such as a heatgun over them to soften first. When using a heating tool, make sure to not scratch the sash and its railings.

Prepare the bed for your new pane after removing the old glaze points and putty. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your fingers, and then make it about 1/2 inch thick. Press it into the rabbets, where the glass will be put. It's important that the glass is positioned against the putty on each side So if you have to, lightly tap the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked you can fill it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk before pressing it into the sash. If not, you'll have to putty over the crack to form a tight seal and keep water out. Once the putty is dry remove 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 form a solid seal and could leak or discolor over time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a broken piece of glass. The truth is, replacing a single piece of glass doesn't have to be costly when you do it on your own. Even a replacement double glazed windows-paned window can be replaced for a fraction of what it costs for a professional.

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

When you are ready to start taking down the old window pane. Remove the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are small metal triangles that act as "nails" to hold the window in place. They are placed beneath a layer of glazing putty that transforms into a solid moulded wedge which holds the window in place and conceals the edges.

After you have removed the old pane removed clean the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points were. These should be sanded to bare wood, so that you can paint them the same color replace window pane as the rest of the frame. After sanding the wood then apply a layer of flax oil. This will help prolong the life of the frame.

Next, measure the dimensions of the window opening. It is necessary to take horizontal and vertical 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 also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasons of change. You can bring these measurements to a hardware store or home improvement shop and get the glass replacement windows 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.