How to Replace Window Panes

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

You can do it yourself for a only a fraction of the cost it would cost to employ an expert. It requires the right tools and an hour or two of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are outdated damaged, cracked or deteriorating replacing them with more modern glass that is tempered or insulated will increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while preserving the original character of older homes. The process of replacing a window pane is relatively easy and can be accomplished by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. Alongside a replacement pane, the following components are needed such as latex glazing putty; Glazier's points; pliers and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty if required. Before starting, wear gloves and safety glasses as working with broken glass could cause injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. It is recommended to use pliers however, a flathead may be used equally. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knives, to take away any old putty that remains around the frame and the window sash. Work slowly and carefully making sure not to break the current window sash. It is a good idea to do this on a sturdy ladder rather than on the ground, and to have someone standing below the sash to help keep it steady.

Make sure that the window frame is ready to accept the new pane once you have removed the old putty. Take measurements of the width and height of the opening in the sash by subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). Bring these measurements to a 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 new glass Apply caulking around the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then, you can install a glazier's pointing on the frame's opposite side to secure the pane into place. The points should not be so tight as to cause friction between the sash and frame, but they also should not be too loose.

Before applying the putty knead it thoroughly until it is soft and local free of lumps. Then you can roll it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the corner of the frame, working from one corner to another to ensure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces of steel which help to secure the glass into the window frame without causing damage to the delicate surface. It's simple to learn how to use this nefarious tool, and you'll save money on the expense of an expert installation.

After the old putty and the glazier's points have been removed and the frame is thoroughly cleaned using a utility knife to eliminate any remaining traces. Lightly sand the wood in the rabbet grooves, if necessary, to smooth rough areas. If you sand wood cover it with painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Note down the dimensions of the frame. These measurements can be brought to the hardware or home center store, and the new frame will be cut a bit smaller. This will ensure that the pane fits perfectly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and press it into the frame by using your hands. Then, use the tip of your chisel, or the back end of the putty knife to pierce the glazier's facets, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's point should be flush against the top edge of the pane and the shoulders raised should be just below the lip.

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

After the glazing compound dries and the glazing compound is dry, you can install the new window sash. The first step is to coat the wood with a heavy coat of Linseed oil. This will keep the new putty from taking up moisture and drying out and cracking over time. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or even the tip of the putty blade. Then use the chisel on the back of the putty tool or the back of the handle to gently smash the new sash or glazier's point into grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball that is thrown or an unintentional rock, or a fallen branch can cause a window to break or crack. Most windows can be replaced by installing a new piece. The glass is held into position by a small metal clip, referred to as a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also referred to as glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with an abrasive, pull-type scraper, or a wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while doing this work. You'll require a heat gun if the window is glued to the frame.

If you plan to reinstall the original sash, gently remove any molding pieces that secure the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready to receive new caulk. After the sash has been put back in place 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, the grooves in the sash, where the glass is. If they're difficult to work out, try holding an instrument like a heat gun to soften them before you do. When using a heating tool, be sure to not damage the sash or its railings.

Create a bed for your new pane by removing the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope with glazing compound between your fingers and make it around 1/2 inch thick. Press 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 use the silicone caulk or glass glue that is based on solvents to seal the crack prior to pressing it into the sash. In other cases, you'll need to putty over the crack to form an airtight seal and keep water out. Once the putty is dry clean the oily film off the glass and let it dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty has completely dry, it won't create a strong seal and may leak or discolor over time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a damaged piece of glass. It's true that replacing a single pane of glass doesn't need to be expensive even if you do it your own. In fact windows with double panes can be replaced at a fraction of the cost of a professional.

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

When you are ready to start with the removal of the window handles replacement pane. Remove the metal glazing points attached to it. These are basically small metal triangles that function as "nails" that hold the window in in the wood frame. They are submerged under a bead of glazing putty, which is then cured to form a solid, moulded wedge that secures the window in place and hides the window's points.

After you have the old pane removed Clean up the frame and wood. Scrape off any old paint and sand the rabbet grooves in which the glazing points were. Sand them down to bare wooden surfaces so you can paint the frames the same color. After sanding, apply a layer of flax oil to the bare wood to extend the life of the frame.

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, as well as 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 allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Take these measurements to your local hardware or home improvement store, and they will have cut the glass 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.