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How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane could be a source of frustration. It could be a chance to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones to enjoy advantages like improved comfort, increased resale value and lower utility costs.

This is a project you could tackle yourself at a fraction of the cost of hiring an expert. It requires the right equipment and an hour or two of your time.

Glass

Replace your old single-paned windows with tempered insulated glass for Window replacement to increase energy efficiency, cut down on noise, and protect the historic integrity of your older home. The majority of homeowners with basic hand tools can repair windows with ease. In addition to a new pane, the following items are required: latex glazing putty; glazier's points; pliers; and an electric heater to warm the old putty, if necessary. Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to beginning. Working with broken glass can cause serious injuries.

Remove any broken glass pieces that remain. It is recommended to use pliers for this however, a flathead may work equally. After that, use a wood chisel, or putty knife, to take the remainder of the old putty around the frame and sash. Be careful not to break the window sash. Work slowly and carefully. This should be done on an elevated ladder, not on the ground. Also, ensure that someone below the sash hold it steady.

Make sure that the window replacement glass near me frame is ready to accommodate the new pane once you have removed the old putty. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction by subtracting 1/8 inch from the measurements of width and height. These measurements can be sent to an hardware or home centers store to get a piece cut of glass that is in stock to the correct size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you possess the appropriate tools.

After putting the new pane in place, run a small bead of caulking around the edge to make it weatherproof. Then, place a glazier's tip on the frame's opposite side to hold the pane in the right place. The points should not be so tight that they create friction between the frame and sash however they should not be loose.

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

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces of steel which help to secure the glass to the frame without damaging the delicate surface. Knowing how to use these tiny pieces of help is simple and could save you money on a professional installation or the cost of new glass.

After getting rid of the old putty glazier points, and any other residue clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife. Lightly sand the frame in the rabbet grooves to smooth rough areas. If you sand wood cover it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Write down the exact dimensions of the frame. Take these measurements to a hardware store or home center and have the new pane cut smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a snug fit and leave room for expansion and contraction.

Insert the new pane into the frame and push it in using your hands. Make use of the point of the chisel or the back of the putty blade to tap the glaziers' points as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's point should be flush against the top edge of the pane and the shoulders should be just below that lip.

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

Install the new window sash after the glazing compound has dried. First, coat the wood with a heavy coat of linseed oil. This will stop the new putty drying out or cracking when it absorbs moisture. Apply the coat using a brush or the tip of your putty knife, and then employ the chisel or back end of the knife to gently hammer in the new sash and glazier's tips into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball hit or a rock thrown by error, or a fallen tree could result in a broken or cracked window. Fortunately, the majority of windows can be repaired by simply putting a brand new piece in place. The glass is held in place using a small metal clip called a glazier's point and putty, often called glazing compound. Before you install a new pane, first remove the old one and clean up the area with an abrasive and the pull-type paint scraper or an abrasive wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while doing this work. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll need employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive prior to taking it off.

If you're planning to reinstall your original sash, you must remove the mold that holds the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready to receive new caulk. Once the sash is installed it is possible to apply a silicone caulk on the glass. This will ensure that it won't be leaking or fade over time.

Remove the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, which is where the glass is located. If they're hard to chisel out, try placing the hand tool, such as a heat gun over them to soften them before you do. If you're using a heating gun, be cautious not to cause damage to the sash or its railings by holding the tool too closely.

After the old glazing points and putty have been removed, prepare a bed for the new pane. 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 you need to you want to tap your glass lightly into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane has cracked, you can apply a silicone caulk or a glass glue that is based on solvents to cover the crack prior to pressing it into the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you will need to apply putty to keep water out. Once the putty is dry remove the oily film from the glass and allow it to dry completely before painting. Paint after the putty is completely dry. It will not make a strong seal and may discolor or leak over time.

Paint

If you've suffered a break in a window pane, you may be worried about the expense of a new one. But the truth is that replacing a single glass pane doesn't need to cost a fortune if you do it yourself. In fact, even a double-pane window can be replaced at only a fraction of the cost of an expert.

If you're working with a large glass window first, ensure that it is securely attached to the frame. This task can be made relatively simple and fast with the proper tools and techniques.

Once you're ready to begin taking off the old window by prying out the metal glazing points that are connected to it. These are essentially small metal triangles which function as "nails" that keep the window in within the frame of wood. They are placed under a bead of glazing putty, which transforms 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 off any old paint, and sand the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were placed. They should be sanded to the point of being bare, so that you can paint them the same color as the rest the frame. After the sanding process, apply a coat of flax oil to the wood's surface to help extend its lifespan.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of the window opening. It is necessary to measure the horizontal and vertical 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 allow for seasonal changes in the glass. You can take these measurements to a hardware or home improvement store and have the glass cut for you.

Now, it's time to bed the new window screen replacement 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.