How to Replace Window Panes

A cracked window pane can cause a lot of trouble. It can also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows, and enjoy benefits such as improved comfort, increased the value of resales and lower utility costs.

You can do it yourself for a only a fraction of the cost it would cost to hire 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If your single-pane windows are outdated damaged, cracked or deteriorating replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated will increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while preserving the historical integrity of older homes. The procedure of replacing windows is easy and can be accomplished by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. Alongside a replacement pane, the following tools are needed for the replacement window glass process: latex glazing putty pliers, glazier's points and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty if required. Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to starting. Working with broken glass could result in serious injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. This is best done using pliers, but a flathead screwdriver can also be effective in the pinch. After that, use a wood chisel, or putty knife, to take the remainder of the old putty from around the frame and the sash. Be careful not to break the window sash. Work slowly and carefully. This is best done on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, you should have someone on the ground to hold it steady.

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

After installing the new pane, run a small bead of caulking along the edge to ensure it is weatherproof. Then, you can install a glazier's pointing on each side of the frame to hold the pane in its place. The points should not be so tight that they cause friction between the frame and the sash, but they should also not be loose.

Before applying the putty work it in a gentle manner until it's soft and free of lumps. Cut it into pencil-sized pieces. Apply the first strip to the corner of the frame, working from one corner to the next to ensure it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier’s points are small triangular metal pieces that allow glass to be secured into the window frame without causing damage to the delicate surface. Understanding how to use these tiny pieces of help is simple and could save you money on professional installation or the cost of buying new glass.

After getting rid of the old putty glazier points, and any other leftovers Clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. Lightly sand the wood in the rabbet grooves to smooth rough areas. If you decide to sand the wood, be sure to protect it with painter's tack to avoid accidental damage.

Take the dimensions of the frame and write down accurate measurements. These measurements can be taken to an hardware or home centers store, and the new frame will be cut slightly smaller. This will ensure that the pane fits comfortably and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new window in the frame and push it into place firmly using your hand. Then use the point of your chisel, or the back end of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. When you're done taping, they should be in line with the top edge of the pane. the shoulders that are raised of the points should be just below the rabbet's lip. groove.

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

When the glazing compound is dry it's time to put in the new window sash. First, coat the wood with a thick coat of Linseed oil. This will prevent the new putty from drying out and cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply this coat with a brush or the tip of your putty knife, healthndream.com and then use the chisel, or the back end of the putty knife to gently hammer in the new sash and glazier's point into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball thrown, a rock thrown in error, or a tree falling could result in a broken or cracked window pane. Fortunately, windows can be easily replaced by simply putting a brand new piece in the proper place. The glass is held in place by tiny metal clips known as a glazier's point, and putty, which is often called glazing compound. Before installing a new pane, first get rid of the old one and clean the area using the help of a rag, the pull-type paint scraper or an abrasive wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while you do this work. You'll need a heat gun in the event that the window is glued into the frame.

If you are planning to replace the original sash, remove any molding pieces that are used to secure the old pane. Then sand the sash to ensure it's level and ready to be re-caulked. Once the sash is installed then, you can apply a silicone caulk over the glass. This will ensure that it won't be leaking or fade over time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets and the grooves in the sash, www.repairmywindowsanddoors.Co.uk where the glass sits. If they're difficult to cut out, try holding the hand tool, such as a heat gun to soften them before you do. If you're using a heated gun, be careful not to damage the railings or sash by using the tool too close.

Prepare a bed for your new pane after you have removed the old glaze points and putty. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your fingers, and then make it about 1/2 inch thick. Press it into the rabbets where the glass will be placed. It's important that the glass rests against the putty on both sides So if you have to tap it, gently press the glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack then you can seal it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk prior to pressing it into the sash. In other cases, you'll need to apply putty over the crack to form a tight seal and keep water out. After the putty has dried, wipe the oily film from the glass and allow it to dry completely before painting. Paint before the putty has dried completely. It won't make a strong seal and may leak or discolor with time.

Paint

If you've had a broken window pane, you might be worried about the cost of a new one. But the truth is that replacing a single glass pane doesn't need to cost a fortune If you can do it yourself. In fact, even a double-pane window can be replaced at less than the cost of an expert.

If you are working with large glass windows first ensure it is securely fixed to the frame. Using the proper tools and techniques to complete this task easily and quick.

When you are ready to begin, remove the old window pane. Remove the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are small metal triangles which act as "nails" that hold the window in the frame. They are buried beneath a glaze putty or bead that sets to form solid wedge that holds the wood frame in place and hides the sharp edges.

After removal of the old pane clean the frame and wood. Scrape away any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points used to be. These should be sanded down to bare wood to allow you to paint them the same color as the rest of the frame. After sanding the wood you can apply a layer flax oil. This will help to extend its life.

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. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure that you have the exact 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 store or home improvement shop and get 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.