How to replace Window pane Window Panes
A damaged window pane could cause a lot of trouble. This can be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones to enjoy benefits like increased comfort, increased resale values and reduced utility costs.
You can do it yourself at a fraction of what it would cost to hire an expert. You only need the proper tools and a few minutes of your time.
Glass
Replace your single-paned windows with tempered or insulated glass to increase energy efficiency, cut down on noise, and maintain the historical integrity of your old home. A majority of homeowners with hand tools can repair the window pane. In addition to a replacement window glass pane, the following components are required: latex glazing putty; pliers, glazier’s points and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty, if necessary. Before starting, replace Window pane wear gloves and safety goggles as working with broken glass could cause injuries.
Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. This is best done using the help of pliers however, a flathead screwdriver may work in the pinch. After that, use a wood chisel or putty knife to remove the rest of the old putty around the frame and sash. Work slowly and carefully and be careful not to damage the old window sash. This is best done on an elevated ladder, not on the ground. Also, have someone lower to hold it steady.
Once you have removed all the old putty, you can prepare the window frame to fit the new pane. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction by subtracting 1/8 inch from the measurements of the width and height. Take these measurements to the nearest hardware store or home center and get a piece of stock glass cut to size. You can cut the glass yourself if you have the appropriate tools.
After putting in the new 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 secure the pane. The points shouldn’t be so tight that they create friction between the frame and the sash However, they should not 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 placed to the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to the other to ensure it is smooth and even.
Glazier’s Points
The glazier’s facets are small triangular pieces which help to secure glass into the frame of a window without scratching or damaging the delicate surface. Understanding how to use these hidden tiny pieces of help is simple and can save you money on professional installation or the cost of purchasing new glass.
Once the old putty and the glazier’s points have been removed, thoroughly clean the frame with a knife to eliminate any remaining residue. Lightly sand the wood into the rabbet grooves to smooth rough areas. If you do sand your wood, make sure to protect it with painter’s tack to avoid accidental damage.
Write down the dimensions of the frame. Bring these measurements to a hardware store or home center and have the new pane made slightly smaller than the frame’s opening. This will ensure a tight fit, and allow for expansion and contraction.
Place the new window in the frame and push it into place firmly with your hand. Then, you can use the point of your chisel or back end of the putty knife to pierce the glazier’s 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 beneath 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. Allow it to dry and cure completely.
Install the new window sash once the glazing compound has dried. First, coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will prevent the new putty from drying out and cracking when it absorbs moisture. Use a brush to apply this coat, or even the tip of the blade. Then use the chisel on the back of the tool or the back of the handle to gently hammer the new sash or glazier’s tip into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.
Putty
A baseball hit or a rock thrown in error, or a fallen tree could result in a broken or cracked window. The majority of windows can be replaced by putting in a new piece. The glass is held in position by a small metal clip, called a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also called glazing compound. Before installing a new pane, first get rid of the old one and clean up the area using a rag and an abrasive scraper that is a pull type or an abrasive wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while working. If the window is glued to the frame, you’ll need employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive prior to prying it free.
If you are planning to replace the original sash, remove any pieces of molding that are used to secure the old pane. Then, sand the sash to make sure it’s flat and ready for new caulk. Once the sash is installed then, apply a new caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure that it will not leak or change color over time.
Take out the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, which is where the glass is. If they are hard to chisel, hold the hand tool, such as a heating gun over them for a few minutes to soften them. When using a heat tool, be sure to not scratch the sash and its railings.
Make the bed for your new pane after removing the old glaze and putty. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, forming it to be about 1/2-inch thick. Place it into the rabbets, where the glass will be put. The glass must be positioned against the putty on both sides. If needed, lightly tap your glass into the rabbet with your thumb.
If the new pane has a crack, you can cover it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk prior pressing it into the sash. In other cases, you’ll need to putty over the crack to form an impervious seal to keep water out. Once the putty is dry remove the oily film off of the glass and allow it to dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty has completely dry, it won’t create an effective seal and could be leaking or discoloring over time.
Paint
You may be concerned about replacing a broken pane of glass. The truth is, replacing a single piece of glass doesn’t need to be expensive when you do it on your own. Even double-paned windows can be replaced at a fraction of the cost it costs a professional.
If you are working with a large glass window first ensure it is securely attached to the frame. This job is relatively easy and fast using the appropriate tools and techniques.
When you’re ready to start, begin by removing the old window by prying out the glazing points made of metal that are connected to it. These are tiny triangles of metal which act as “nails”, holding the replacement window seals in place. They are submerged under a bead of glazing putty, which is then cured to form a solid, molded wedge that holds the window firmly in place and hides the edges.
After you have the old pane taken away clean the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape away any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points were. These should be sanded to the point of being bare, so that you can paint them the same color as the rest the frame. After sanding the wood then apply a layer of flax oil. This will help to extend its life.
The next step is to determine the size of the window’s opening. You will need to measure the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the entire opening as well as the thickness. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure that you get a precise size for the new pane. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Bring these measurements to the 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.