How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window replacements pane could be a source of frustration. This could be an opportunity to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones and enjoy benefits like increased comfort, higher resale value and reduced utility costs.

You can do it yourself at a fraction of what it would cost to employ an expert. You'll need only the right tools and a few minutes of your time.

Glass

If your single pane windows are old broken, deteriorating or damaged replacing them with modern insulated or tempered glass can improve energy efficiency and reduce noise while maintaining the historic integrity of older homes. Most homeowners with basic hand tools can repair a window pane. You will also require a replacement window pane, glazier's tips pliers, and latex glaze putty. If you need to you may use a heating gun to warm the old putty. Before beginning, wear gloves and safety goggles as working with broken glass may cause injuries.

Take away any broken glass pieces that remain. It is recommended to use pliers however, a flathead may work equally. Then, use a wooden chisel, or putty knife, to remove the rest of the old putty from the frame and the sash. Be careful and slow making sure not to damage the old window sash. It is recommended to do this on a stable ladder instead of the ground, and to have someone stand below the sash to help keep it in place.

Once you have removed all of 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. Bring these measurements to the nearest hardware store or home center and find a piece glass cut to size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you possess the right tools.

After installing the glass, apply some caulking around the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Install a glazier's point on both sides of the frame. This will ensure the pane. The points should not be so tight that they create friction between the frame and sash, but they should also not be loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, nearest knead thoroughly until it is smooth 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 corner to corner to ensure it's even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are the small triangular pieces that allow glass to be secured into the frame of a window without scratching or damaging the delicate surface. It's simple to learn how to use this hidden tool, and you'll save money on the cost of an expert installation.

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

Note down the dimensions of the frame. Take these dimensions 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 comfortably and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and press it into place firmly with your hand. Then, use the tip of your chisel or back of the putty knife to pierce the glazier's points, as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's point should be flush against the top edge of the pane and the raised shoulders should be just below that lip.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the rabbet grooves as well as the edges of the glass. This will seal and protect the edges. Allow this to dry and cure fully.

After the glazing compound dries and the glazing compound is dry, you can install the new window sash. First, saturate the wood with a heavy coat of Linseed oil. This will stop the new putty from soaking up moisture and drying out and cracking with time. Apply the coat using a brush or the edge of your putty knife, and then use the chisel, or the back end of the putty knife to gently press the new sash and glazier's tips into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown or a rock thrown by error, or a fallen tree can result in a cracked or cracked window pane. The majority of windows can be replaced easily by installing a new piece. The glass is held in place by a small metal clip, also known as the glazier's point, and putty. This compound is also called glazing compound. Before you install a new pane, first take out the old one and clean up the area using an abrasive and the pull-type paint scraper or an abrasive wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses when you work. If the window is attached to the frame, you'll have to use a heat gun to soften the adhesive before prying it free.

If you are planning to replace the original sash, take off the molding that holds the old pane. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready to receive new caulk. Once the sash is installed it is possible to apply a silicone caulk to the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't be leaking or fade over time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, where the glass is located. If they're difficult to work out, try holding an instrument like a heat gun to soften them before you do. When using a heat tool, make sure to avoid damaging the sash or its railings.

Prepare the bed for your new pane by removing the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your fingers and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Then, press it into the rabbets in which the glass will rest. It is essential that the glass rests against the putty on each side If you have to tap it, gently press the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has cracked, you can apply a silicone caulk or glass glue based on solvents to cover the crack before pressing it into the sash. If not, you'll have to apply putty over the crack to form an airtight 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. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it will not form a strong seal and may leak or discolor over time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a broken piece of glass. However, replacing a single glass pane doesn't require a huge amount of money if you do it yourself. In fact windows with double glazed replacement windows panes can be replaced at only a fraction of the cost of an expert.

First, if you are working on a large window, make sure that it is securely fastened to the frame. Using the proper tools and techniques to make this task relatively easy and speedy.

When you are ready to begin, nearest remove the old window pane. Remove the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are essentially small metal triangles that act as "nails" that keep the window in in the wood frame. They are submerged beneath a layer of glazing putty that hardens into a solid, molded wedge that holds the window firmly in place and hides the points.

Once you have the old pane taken away Clean up the frame and wood. Scrape off any old paint, and sand the rabbet grooves in which the glazing points were placed. They should be sanded to bare wood 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 extend the life of the frame.

The next step is to determine the size of the window opening. You'll need to determine the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the entire opening as well as the thickness. To determine the exact dimensions 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 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.