How to replace window Pane Window Panes

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

This is a project you could take on yourself for a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional. It requires the right equipment and an hour or two of your time.

Glass

Replace your old single-paned windows with tempered insulate glass to improve energy efficiency, cut down on noise, and protect the original character of your home’s older. The procedure of replacing windows is easy and can be accomplished by homeowners with basic hand tools. You will also require an additional window pane, glazier’s tips, pliers, and latex glazing putty. If you need to, you can use a heating gun to warm the old putty. Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to beginning. Working with broken glass could cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. It is recommended to use pliers for this however, a flathead may be useful as well. Make use of a wood chisel or putty knife to get rid of any old putty remaining around the frame and the window sash. Be careful and slow and be careful not to break the current window sash. It is recommended to do this on a sturdy ladder rather than the ground, and to place someone on the sash to help hold it in place.

Prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane after you have removed the old glue. Take measurements of the width and height of the opening for the sash by subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be taken to an hardware or home centers store to have an item cut from glass stock to the proper size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

After installing the glass, apply some caulking on the edges. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then, you can install a glazier’s pointing on each side of the frame to hold the pane in place. The points should not be so tight as to cause friction between the frame and sash however they shouldn’t be loose.

Before applying the putty make sure to knead it until it’s soft and free of lumps. Cut it into pencil-sized pieces. Place the first strip in the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to the other so that it is even and smooth.

Glazier’s Points

The glazier’s points are tiny triangular pieces of steel which help to secure glass into a window frame without scratching or damaging the delicate surface. It’s easy to understand how to use this nefarious tool, and you’ll save money on the cost of a professional installation.

After taking off the old putty, glazier points as well as any remaining leftovers Clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. If needed, lightly sand the wood along rabbet grooves to smooth rough spots. If you do sand replace window pane your wood, make sure to protect it by using painter’s tape to prevent accidental damage.

Note down the dimensions of the frame. Take these dimensions to an hardware store or home center, and have the new pane cut slightly smaller than the frame’s opening. This will ensure that the pane fits perfectly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and press it down using your hands. 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. After you’re done, the points should be level with the top edge of the pane, replace Window Pane and the shoulders of the points should be just below the lip of the rabbet groove.

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

Install the new window sash once the glazing compound has dried. First, coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will prevent the new putty drying out or cracking when it absorbs moisture. Apply this coat using a brush or the tip of your putty knife, then use the chisel, or the back end from the putty knife to gently hammer in the new sash and glazier’s point into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A baseball that is thrown or a rock that is errant or falling branch could cause a window pane to break or crack. The majority of windows can be replaced by installing a new piece. The glass is held in place by tiny metal clips known as a glazier’s point, and putty, also called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with an abrasive, pull-type scraper, or a wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses when you work. If the window is glued to the frame, you’ll need use a heat gun to soften the adhesive prior to prying it free.

If you plan to reinstall the original sash in the future, take care to remove the molding pieces that secure the old pane. Then sand the sash to make sure it’s flat and ready for a new caulk. After the sash has been installed, you can apply a silicone caulk over the glass. This will ensure that it won’t get soiled or discolor over time.

Take out the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, where the glass is. If they are hard to cut, place an instrument such as a heating gun over them to allow them to soften before. When using a heat tool, be careful to not damage the sash and its railings.

Once the old points of glazing and putty are removed, make a bed for the new pane. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, forming it to be around 1/2-inch thick. Place it into the rabbets, where the glass will be put. It is essential that the glass sits on the putty on both sides If you have to do so, gently tap the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has damaged, you can use a silicone caulk or a glass glue based on solvents to seal the crack prior to pressing it into the sash window replacement. Otherwise, you’ll need to apply putty on the crack to create a tight seal and keep water out. After the putty has dried, wipe the oily film off of the glass and allow it to dry completely before you paint. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it won’t create an effective seal and could discolor or leak over time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a broken piece of glass. It’s true that replacing a single pane glass doesn’t need to be expensive if you do it on your own. In fact even windows with double panes can be replaced for a fraction of the cost of an expert.

First, if you are working on a large window, make sure it is securely fixed to the frame. With the right tools and techniques, you can complete this task easily and quick.

When you’re ready to start with the removal of the old window by removing the metal glazing points that are connected to it. They are basically tiny metal triangles that act as “nails” that hold the window in place within the frame of wood. They are submerged beneath a bead or glazing glue which hardens into an unbreakable wedge which holds the wood frame firmly in position and conceals the edges.

After removal of the old pane clean the frame and wood. Scrape off any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points were. Sand them down to bare wooden surfaces, allowing you to paint the frames with the same color. After sanding the wood then apply a layer of flax oil. This will help to prolong the life of the frame.

Next, measure the size of the window opening. It is necessary 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.