How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window can be a source of frustration. It could be a chance to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones, and reap advantages like improved comfort, higher resale value and reduced utility bills.

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

Glass

If your single-pane windows are outdated damaged, cracked or deteriorating, replacing them with newer glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while preserving the historical integrity of older homes. Most homeowners with basic hand tools can replace window pane (try this site) windows with ease. You will also require a replacement windows window pane, glazier's tips pliers, and latex glaze putty. If needed you may make use of a heat gun to warm the old putty. Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to starting. Working with broken glass can cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. It is best to use pliers however, a flathead may be used equally. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knives to remove any remaining old putty around the frame and the window sash. Be careful to not break the window sash. Work slowly and carefully. This is best done on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, have someone on the ground to ensure it is held steady.

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

After putting in the new glass, apply some caulking on the edges. This will make the glass weatherproof. Install a glazier's point on both sides of the frame. This will help secure the pane. The points should not be so tight that they cause friction between the frame and the sash However, they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, you must knead it thoroughly until it is smooth and free from lumps. Then make it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be glued to the corner of the frame. Work from corner to corner, making sure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are the small triangular pieces of metal which help to secure glass into the frame of a window without scratching or damaging the fragile surface. Learning how to use these hidden tiny helpers is simple and could save you money on a professional installation or the cost of buying new glass.

After getting rid of the old putty glazier points as well as any remaining remnants, clean the frame thoroughly with an utility knife. If necessary you can lightly sand the wood along the grooves of the rabbet to smooth rough areas. If you sand wood cover it with painter's tape to protect it from damage caused by accidental sanding.

Take the dimensions of the frame and write down accurate measurements. Take these dimensions to a hardware store or a home center, and have the new pane made slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a tight fit and will allow room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and press it down with your hands. Utilize the chisel's point or the back of the putty knife to smudge the glazier's points as shown in Figure 11. When you're done, they should be flush with the top edge of the pane, and the shoulders that are raised of the points should be just below the rabbet's rim groove.

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

Install the new window sash after the glazing compound has dried. The first step is to coat the wood with a thick coat of Linseed oil. This will keep the new putty from soaking up moisture and deteriorating and cracking with time. Apply this coat using a brush or the tip of your knife, and then employ the chisel or back end of the putty knife to gently press the new sash and glazier's point into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.

Putty

A baseball that is thrown or a rock that is errant or a falling branch can cause a window to crack or break. Most windows can be repaired easily by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held in place using a small metal clip called a glazier's point and putty, also called glazing compound. Before installing a replacement pane, first take out the old one and clean the area using an abrasive and an abrasive scraper that is a pull type or the wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses while you do this work. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll have to employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive prior to taking it off.

If you're planning to reinstall your original sash, remove the mold that holds the old pane. Then you can sand the sash down to ensure it's smooth and ready for a new caulk. Once the sash is re-installed and sanded, apply a fresh caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure that it will not leak or change color in time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets, or the grooves in the sash, where the glass sits. If they're difficult to chisel, hold the hand tool, such as a heating gun over them for a few minutes to soften them. If you're using a heat gun, be careful not to scratch the sash or its railings by using the tool too closely.

Make a bed for your new pane after you have removed the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, shaping it into a 1/2-inch thick. Place it into the rabbets where the glass will be put. The glass must rest against the putty on both sides. If necessary, lightly tap your glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can apply a silicone caulk or a glass glue made from solvents to fill in the crack prior to pressing it in the sash. If not, you'll have to apply putty over the crack to create an airtight seal and keep water out. Once the putty is dry clean the oily film off of the glass and allow it to dry completely before you paint. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it will not form a solid seal and could leak or discolor in time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, you might be worried about the cost of replacing it. The truth is, replacing a single pane glass doesn't have to be expensive when you do it on your own. In fact windows with double panes can be replaced at a fraction of the cost of a professional.

If you're working with a large glass window first ensure it is securely fixed to the frame. This job can be done relatively easy and fast using the right tools and techniques.

When you are ready to begin taking down the old window pane. Take out the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are tiny metal triangles that act as "nails" that hold the window within the frame. They are placed under a glaze putty or bead that hardens to an unbreakable wedge which holds the wood frame securely in place and hides the sharp edges.

Once you have the old pane removed clean the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape away any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were. Sand them down to bare wooden surfaces so you can paint the frames the same shade. After sanding, apply a coat of flax oil to the bare wood to prolong its life.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of the window's opening. You will need to take horizontal and vertical measurements of the entire opening, and also the thickness of the old pane. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure that you get a precise size for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasonal changes. 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 Replace window pane causing fogging.