How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane could be a source of frustration. This can be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones, and reap advantages like improved comfort, increased resale values and lower utility costs.

It's a project you can tackle yourself at a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional. You'll only require the proper tools and a few minutes of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows replacements near me are outdated broken, deteriorating or damaged replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated will increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the historic integrity of older homes. The majority of homeowners with basic hand tools can repair the window pane. You will also need a replacement window pane, glazier's tips, pliers, and latex glazing putty. If you need to, you can make use of a heat gun to warm the old putty. Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to beginning. Working with broken glass can cause serious injuries.

Take away any broken glass pieces that remain. This can be done with the help of pliers but flathead screwdrivers can work in a pinch. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knife to get rid of any remaining old putty around the frame and the window sash. Take your time and work slowly making sure not to damage the old window sash. This is best done on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, ensure that someone below the sash keep it in place.

Make sure that the window frame is ready to receive the new pane once you have removed the old putty. Find the width and the height of the opening for the sash and subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be sent to a home center or hardware store to have cut a piece of stock glass to the right size. You can cut the glass yourself if you possess the right tools.

After putting the new pane in place after installing the new pane, put a tiny amount of caulking around the edges to make it weatherproof. Then install a glazier's point on the frame's opposite side to secure the pane into the right place. The points shouldn't be so tight that they create friction between the frame and sash however they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty make sure to knead it until it is smooth and free of lumps. Roll it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the frame's corner. Work from one corner to the next and ensure that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier’s points are small triangular pieces of metal which help to secure the glass to the frame without causing any damage to the fragile surface. Learning how to use these hidden little helpers is easy and could save you money on professional installation or the cost of new glass.

After taking off the old putty, glazier points and any residue Clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife. Lightly sand the wood into the rabbet grooves to smooth out rough areas. If you do sand windowreplacement the wood, ensure you protect it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Take measurements of the empty frame and write down accurate measurements. Bring these measurements to a hardware store or a home center and request that the new pane cut smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure that the pane fits comfortably and allows for expansion and contraction.

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

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the rabbet grooves and the edges of the glass. This will seal and protect the edges. Allow it to 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 drying out or cracking when it absorbs moisture. Apply this coat with a brush or the edge of your putty knife, and then employ the chisel or back end from the putty knife to gently press the new sash and glazier's points into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball thrown at you or an unintentional rock, or a falling branch can cause a window to break or crack. Fortunately, windows can be easily replaced by simply putting a new piece of glass in its place. The glass is held in place by small clips made of metal called the glazier's pointed and putty, also called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with the rag, a pull-type scraper or wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while you do this work. You'll require a heat gun if the window is glued into the frame.

If you are planning to reinstall the original sash, take off the mold that holds the old pane. Then, sand the sash to make sure it's flat and ready for new caulk. Once the sash is re-installed, apply a new caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure it won't leak or discolor over time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash, where the glass is located. If they are hard to chisel, hold the hand tool, such as a heating gun over them to allow them to soften before. When using a heat tool, be sure to not scratch the sash or its railings.

Prepare a bed for your new pane by removing the old glaze and putty. Roll a rope made 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 be. It's important that the glass is positioned against the putty on each side If you have to tap it, gently press the glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can cover it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk before pressing it into the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you'll need to use putty to keep the water out. After the putty is dry, clean the oily film off the glass using an abrasive and allow it to completely dry before painting. If you paint before the putty has completely dry, it won't form an effective seal and could leak or discolor in time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, you may be concerned 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 windows with double panes can be replaced for a fraction of the cost of an expert.

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

When you are ready to start, remove the old window pane. Pry out the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are basically small metal triangles that act as "nails" that hold the window in place in the wood frame. They are submerged beneath a layer of glazing putty that hardens into a solid, molded wedge which holds the window in place and hides the window's points.

After you have removed the old pane taken away clean the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any paint that has been used and sand down the rabbet grooves in which the glazing points were. Sand them down to clean wood surfaces, so that you can paint the frames with the same shade. After sanding the wood, apply a layer of flax oil. This will help to prolong the life of the frame.

Next, measure the width of the window opening. It is necessary to take vertical and horizontal 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 changes. You can take these measurements to a hardware store or home improvement shop 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.