How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane can be an issue. This could be an opportunity to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones, and reap benefits such as improved comfort, higher resale value and reduced utility bills.

You can do it yourself for only a fraction of the cost it would cost to employ an expert. It requires the right tools and only an hour or two of your time.

Glass

If your single pane windows are old damaged, cracked or deteriorating, replacing them with newer glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the historical integrity of older homes. The process of replacing Replacements Windows is easy and can be completed by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. In addition to a windowpane replacement pane, the following tools are needed: latex glazing putty; pliers, glazier's points and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty, if needed. Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to beginning. Working with broken glass can cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. This is best accomplished with pliers, but a flathead screwdriver can also work in the pinch. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knives, to take away any remaining old putty around the frame and window sash. Take your time and work slowly making sure not to break the existing window sash. It is recommended to work on a sturdy ladder rather than the ground and to have someone stand below the sash to help hold it in place.

Prepare the window frame to accept the new pane once you have removed the old glue. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction by subtracting 1/8 inch from the measurements of the width and height. Take these measurements to a hardware store or home center and find a piece glass cut to size. Alternately, you can cut the glass yourself if have the right tools.

After putting in the new glass, apply a small amount of caulking around the edge. 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 so tight that they cause friction between the frame and the sash However, they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, knead thoroughly until it becomes soft and free from lumps. Then you can roll it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be glued to the corner of the frame. Work from one corner to the next and ensure that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's facets are small triangular pieces of metal which help to secure glass into frames for windows without scratching or damaging the fragile surface. It's simple to learn how to use this nefarious tool, and you'll save money on the cost of an installation by a professional.

After the old putty as well as the glazier's point are gone and the frame is thoroughly cleaned using a utility knife to get rid of any remaining traces. Lightly sand the frame in the rabbet grooves if needed to smooth out rough areas. If you decide to sand the wood, be sure to protect it with painter's tack to avoid accidental damage.

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

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

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

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

Putty

A hurled baseball or a rock that is errant or a fallen branch can cause a window pane to break or crack. Fortunately, windows can be repaired by simply placing a new piece of glass in its place. The glass is held in place by a small metal clip, called the 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 wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves when you work. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll need to make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive prior to taking it off.

If you are planning to replace the original sash, take off the molding that supports the old pane. Then sand the sash to ensure it's smooth and ready to be re-caulked. After the sash has been re-installed and sanded, apply a fresh caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure it will not leak or change color in time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash, which is where the glass is located. If they're difficult to chisel, use a hand tool like a heat gun over them to allow them to soften before. If you're using a heat gun, make sure not to cause damage to the railings of the sash or the sash itself by using the tool too closely.

After the old glazing points and putty have been removed make a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your fingers, and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Then, push it into the rabbets in which the glass will sit. It's important that the glass rests against the putty in all places on both sides So if you have to tap it, gently press the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is damaged, you can use a silicone caulk or glass glue that is based on solvents to fill in the crack before pressing it in the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you will need to use putty to 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 create a strong seal and may leak or discolor over time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a broken pane of glass. But the truth is that replacing a single glass pane doesn't have to break the bank if you do it yourself. Even a double-paned window can be replaced for a fraction of the price it will cost an expert.

If you are working with large glass windows first, ensure that it is securely fixed to the frame. With the right tools and techniques to make this task relatively easy and fast.

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

After you have removed the old pane removed, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any old paint and sand the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were placed. Sand them down to bare wooden surfaces, allowing you to paint the frames the same color. After sanding, apply a coat of flax oil on the wood's surface to extend the life of the frame.

Then, you need to measure the width of the window opening. You will need 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. Take these dimensions to a 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.