How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window can be a nuisance. It could be a chance to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones to enjoy benefits such as improved comfort, higher resale value and reduced utility costs.

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

Glass

replace window Pane your single-paned windows with tempered insulate glass to improve the efficiency of your energy, reduce noise, and maintain the original character of your older home. The procedure of replacing a window pane is relatively simple and can be done by homeowners with basic hand tools. You will also require a replacement window pane, glazier's tips pliers, and latex glazing putty. If needed you can use a heating gun to warm the old putty. Before beginning, wear gloves and safety glasses as working with broken glass could cause injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. This is best done using a pair of pliers, however, a flathead screwdriver can also be used in the pinch. After that, use a wood chisel, or putty knife, to take the remainder of the old putty from the frame and the sash. Be careful to not scratch the window sash. Work slowly and carefully. This can be done best on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, have someone below the sash ensure it is held steady.

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

After putting the new pane in place after installing the new pane, put a tiny amount of caulking along the edge to seal it against weather. Then install a glazier's point on the frame's opposite side to hold the pane in the right place. The points shouldn't be so tight as to cause friction between the sash and the frame but they shouldn't be loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, gently knead it until it becomes soft and free of lumps. Then, roll it into pencil-size strips. The first strip should be glued to the corner of the frame. Work from one corner to the next to ensure it's even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are tiny triangular pieces of steel 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 secret tool, and you'll save money on the cost of replacement windows uk of an expert installation.

Once the old putty and glazier's points are removed Clean the frame thoroughly with a knife to remove any remaining traces. Lightly sand the wood in the rabbet grooves if needed to smooth rough areas. If you sand wood cover it with painter's tape to protect it from damage caused by accidental sanding.

Take measurements of the empty frame and note down precise measurements. Take these measurements to an hardware store or home center and request that the new pane made slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a tight fit and leave room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and press it in place with your hand. Make use of the chisel's point or the back of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's points as shown in Figure 11. When you're done taping, they should be level with the top edge of the pane, and the shoulders that are raised of the points should be below the rabbet's rim groove.

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

When the glazing compound is dry it's time to put in the new window sash. The first step is to coat the wood with a thick coat of Linseed oil. This will prevent the newly-created putty from drying out and cracking due to the moisture it absorbs. Use a brush to apply this coat, or even the tip of the blade. Then, use the chisel that is on the back of the putty tool or the back of the handle to gently hammer the new sash or glazier's point into rabbet grooves. Repeat this process every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball thrown, a rock thrown in error, or a fallen tree can result in a cracked or cracked window pane. Most windows can be replaced by installing a new piece. The glass is held into the position with a tiny metal clip, referred to as a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using a rag, a scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while working. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll need use a heat gun to soften the adhesive before prying it free.

If you're planning to install the original sash, take off the molding that supports the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready to receive new caulk. Once the sash is re-installed and sanded, apply a fresh silicone caulk to the glass to ensure that it won't leak or discolor over time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets, or replace window Pane the grooves in the sash that the glass sits. If they're hard to chisel, hold a hand tool like a heat gun over them for a few minutes to soften them. If you're using a heated gun, make sure not to scratch the railings or sash by using the tool too tightly.

Make a bed for your new pane after removing the old putty and glazing points. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, and form it into a 1/2-inch thick. Then, push it into the rabbets, where the glass will rest. It is crucial that the glass sits on 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 glue or silicone caulk before pressing it into the sash. If not, you'll have to apply putty over the crack to create a tight seal and keep water out. After the putty has dried and the film is oily, wipe it off the glass with a rag and allow it to dry completely before painting. Paint before the putty has dried completely. It won't create a solid seal and may discolor or leak over time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a broken pane of glass. It's true that replacing a single pane glass doesn't need to be costly when you do it on your own. Even double-paned windows can be replaced at a fraction of the cost it costs a professional.

First, if you're working on a large-sized window, ensure that it is securely fixed to the frame. Using the proper tools and techniques you can accomplish this task fairly easily and quick.

When you are ready to begin, remove the old window pane. Take out the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are essentially small metal triangles that act as "nails" that hold the window in place in the wood frame. They are submerged beneath a glaze putty or bead that hardens to solid wedge that holds the frame firmly in position and hides the sharp edges.

After removing the old pane, clean the frame and the wood. Scrape off any paint that has been used, and sand the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were. These should be sanded to the point of being bare, to allow you to paint them the same shade as the rest of the frame. After sanding, apply a layer of flax oil to the bare wood to prolong its life.

Next, measure the dimensions of the window's opening. It is necessary to take horizontal and vertical measurements of the entire opening as well as the thickness of the old pane. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure that you get the exact measurement for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasons of change. 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.