How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window is an inconvenience. It can also be an opportunity to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows, and enjoy benefits such as improved comfort, increased potential for resales, and less costs.

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

Glass

If your single-pane windows seal replacement are old damaged, cracked or deteriorating replacing them with modern insulated or tempered glass can increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while preserving the historical integrity of older homes. The procedure of replacing a window pane is relatively easy and can be accomplished by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. You will also require an extra 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 glasses and gloves prior to starting. Working with broken glass could cause serious injuries.

Take out any broken glass pieces that remain. This is best accomplished with pliers, however, a flathead screwdriver may be effective in the pinch. After that, use a wood chisel or putty knife to remove the rest of the old putty around the frame and sash. Work slowly and carefully making sure not to break the current window sash. This should be done on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, ensure that someone on the ground to hold it steady.

After you have removed all the old putty, it is time to prepare the window frame to fit the new pane. Measure the width and height of the opening in the sash, subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be sent to a home center or hardware store to get a piece cut of glass stock to the proper size. You can cut the glass yourself if you possess the appropriate tools.

After installing the glass After installing the glass, apply caulking on the edges. This will make the glass weatherproof. Install a glazier’s point on both sides of the frame. This will secure the pane. The points shouldn't be so tight that they cause friction between the sash and frame but they shouldn't be too loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, gently knead it until it becomes soft and free from lumps. Then make it into pencil-sized strips. Place the first strip in the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to the other so that it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier’s points are small triangular pieces of steel that allow glass to be secured into the window frame without causing damage to the delicate surface. It's easy to understand how to use this hidden tool, and you'll save money on the expense of an expert installation.

Once the old putty and the glazier's point are gone, thoroughly clean the frame using a utility knife to remove any remaining residue. If needed it is necessary to lightly sand the wood in the grooves of the rabbet to smooth rough spots. If yd chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while working. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll need use a heat gun to soften the adhesive before taking it off.

If you're planning to replace your original sash, you must remove the molding that supports the old pane. Then you can sand the sash down to ensure it's smooth and ready for new caulk. Once the sash is re-installed then, apply a new caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure it won't leak or discolor in time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets, the grooves in the sash, where the glass sits. If they are hard to chisel, use a hand tool like a heat gun over them for a few minutes to soften them. When using a heating tool, be sure to avoid damaging the sash or its railings.

Create the bed for your new pane after removing the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, shaping it into a 1/2-inch thick. Press it into the rabbets where the glass will be put. It's important that the glass rests against the putty on each side So if you have to do so, gently tap the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack then you can seal it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk prior pressing it into the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you will need to apply putty to keep water out. After the putty has dried clean the oily film from the glass and allow it to dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty has completely dry, it will not form an effective seal and could discolor or leak in time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a broken pane of glass. But the truth is that replacing one glass pane does not have to break the bank If you can do it yourself. In fact even windows with double glazed windows replacement panes can be replaced for only a fraction of the cost of a professional.

First, if you're working on a large window, make sure that it is securely attached to the frame. By using the correct tools and techniques you can complete this task easily and fast.

When you are ready to begin with the removal of the window pane. Pry out the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are essentially small metal triangles that act as "nails" that hold the window in in the wood frame. They are submerged beneath a layer of double glazing replacement windows putty that hardens into a solid, formed wedge that holds the window firmly in place and hides the window's points.

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. Sand them down to bare wood surfaces, so that you can paint the frames with the same shade. After sanding the wood you can apply a layer flax oil. This will help prolong the life of the frame.

Next, measure the width of the window's opening. It is necessary to measure the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the entire opening, as well as the thickness. To determine the exact size of the new pane subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the Replacement Glass Windows during seasonal changes. Bring these measurements to a hardware or home improvement store and 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.