How to Replace Window Panes

A cracked window pane is an inconvenience. It could be a chance to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones and enjoy advantages like improved comfort, higher resale value and reduced utility costs.

You can do it yourself for less than what it would cost to hire an expert. It requires the right tools and only an hour or two of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are outdated damaged, cracked or deteriorating replacing them with more modern insulated or tempered glass can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the historic integrity of older homes. The procedure of replacing windows is easy and can be completed by anyone with basic hand tools. In addition to a replacement double glazed windows pane, the following items are needed: latex glazing putty; pliers, glazier's points and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty if required. Before beginning, wear gloves and safety glasses as working with broken glass can cause injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. It is recommended to use pliers however a flathead could be used as well. After that, use a wood chisel or putty knife take the remainder of the old putty from around the frame and the sash. Be careful not to damage the window sash. Be careful and slow. It is best to do this using a sturdy ladder instead of the ground and have someone stand below the sash to help keep it steady.

Make sure that the window frame is ready to accept the new pane after you have removed the old glue. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction and contraction, subtract 1/8 inch from the measurements of the width and height. These measurements can be sent to a home center or hardware store to have cut a piece of stock glass to the right size. You can also cut the glass yourself, if you have the tools you need.

After installing the new glass, apply a small amount of caulking around the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then, place a glazier's tip on each side of the frame to secure the pane in its place. The points shouldn't be so tight as to cause friction between the sash and the frame however they shouldn't be too loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, gently knead it until it becomes soft and free from lumps. Cut it into pencil-sized pieces. The first strip should be placed to the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to another to ensure it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are the small triangular pieces that help secure glass into frames for windows 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 expense of an installation by a professional.

After taking off the old putty, glazier points and any remnants clean the frame thoroughly with an utility knife. If needed it is necessary to lightly sand the wood in the rabbet grooves to smooth out rough areas. If you decide to sand wood, In my area protect it with painter's tape to protect it from damage caused by accidental sanding.

Take the dimensions of the frame and note down precise measurements. These measurements can be taken to the hardware or home center store and the new pane will be cut a bit smaller. This will ensure a tight fit and leave room for expansion and contraction.

Insert the new pane into the frame and press it down with your hands. Then use the point of your chisel or back end of the putty knife to make a tap on the glazier's points as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should be flush against the top edge of your pane, and the shoulders should be just below the lip.

Apply a thin bead of glazing compound over the edges of the new glass and in the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Let it dry and cure completely.

After the glazing compound dries it's time to put in the new window sash. 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 use the chisel, or the back end of the knife to gently hammer in the new sash and glazier's points into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process In My Area intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown at you or a rock that is errant or a falling branch can cause a window pane to break or crack. Most windows can be replaced easily by installing a new piece. The glass is held in place with small clips made of metal called the glazier's pointed and putty, often called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using the rag, a scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while working. You'll need a heat gun when the window is fixed into the frame.

If you plan to reinstall the original sash in the future, take care to remove the molding pieces that hold the old pane in place. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready to receive new caulk. Once the sash is reinstalled, you can apply a silicone caulk to the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't be leaking or fade over time.

Take out the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, where the glass is. If they're difficult to cut, place an instrument such as a heating gun over them to soften first. When using a heated tool, make sure to avoid damaging the sash's railings and sash.

Once the old glaze points and putty have been removed, make a bed for the new pane. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, and form it into a 1/2-inch thick. Press it into the rabbets, where the glass will be put. It is crucial that the glass is positioned against the putty on each side So if you have to tap it, gently press the glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can cover it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk before pressing it into the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you will need to apply putty to keep water out. After the putty is dry and the film is oily, wipe it off the glass using a rag and allow it to completely dry before painting. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it will not form a solid seal and could discolor or In my area leak over time.

Paint

If you've had a broken window pane, you might be concerned about the expense of a new one. However, replacing a single glass pane doesn't need to cost a fortune when you do it yourself. In fact windows with double panes can be replaced for a fraction of the cost of a professional.

First, if you are working on a large window, ensure that it is securely attached to the frame. Using the proper tools and techniques, you can make this task relatively easy and quick.

When you are ready to begin, remove the old window pane. Take out the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are basically small metal triangles that function as "nails" that keep the window pane replacement in in the wood frame. They are placed beneath a layer of glazing putty that hardens into a solid, formed wedge which holds the window in place and conceals the window's points.

After you have removed the old pane removed, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any paint that has been used and sand the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were placed. These should be sanded down to the point of being bare, so that you can paint them the same shade as the rest of the frame. After sanding, apply a layer of flax oil on the wood's surface to extend the life of the frame.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of the window's opening. You will need to measure the vertical and horizontal 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 also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass in times of seasonal changes. Take these measurements to your local hardware or home improvement store, and they will have a piece 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.