Question: How Much Do You Know About Replace Window Pane

How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane can be an inconvenience. This can be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones, and reap advantages like improved comfort, increased resale values and reduced utility bills.

You can do it yourself for only a fraction of the cost 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 old, deteriorating or broken replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated will improve energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the original character of older homes. The majority of homeowners with basic hand tools can replace a window pane. In addition to a new pane, the following components are required: latex glazing putty; pliers, glazier's points and a heat gun for warming the old putty, if needed. Before beginning, wear gloves and safety glasses as working with broken glass can cause injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. It is best to use pliers for this however, a flathead may be useful as well. Then, use a wood chisel, or putty knife, to remove the rest of the old putty from the frame and the sash. Be careful to not scratch the window sash. Work slowly and carefully. This can be done best on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, ensure that someone below the sash hold it steady.

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

After putting in the new glass Apply caulking to the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then install a glazier's point on each side of the frame to secure the pane in the right place. The points should not be too tight that they cause friction between the frame and sash, but they should also not be loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, you must knead it thoroughly until it becomes soft and free from lumps. Make it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the corner of the frame. Work from corner to corner to ensure it's even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier’s points are small triangular pieces of metal that allow glass to be secured to the frame without causing any damage to the fragile surface. Learning how to use these hidden little helpers is easy and can save you money on a professional installation or the cost of buying new glass.

After taking off the old putty, glazier points, and any other leftovers Clean the frame thoroughly with an utility knife. Lightly sand the wood into the rabbet grooves to smooth out rough areas. If you do sand your wood, be sure to protect it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Measure the empty frame's dimensions and note down precise measurements. Take these dimensions to an hardware store or home center and request that the new pane cut smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure that the pane fits snugly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and push it into place firmly with your hand. Then, you can use the point of your chisel or the back end of the putty knife to make a tap on the glazier's points as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's points should be aligned with the top edge of your pane and the shoulders should be just below that lip.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the rabbet grooves as well as the edges of the new glass. This will protect and seal the edges. Allow it to dry and cure fully.

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 prevent the new putty from taking up the moisture and drying out and cracking over time. Use a brush to apply this coat, or even the tip of the putty blade. Then use the chisel that is on the back of the tool or the back of the handle to gently smash the new sash or glazier's point into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown or a rock thrown in error, or a fallen tree can result in a cracked or cracked window pane. Fortunately, replacement windows and doors can be easily replaced by simply placing a new piece in the proper place. The glass for window replacement is held in the position with a tiny metal clip, called 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 wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves when working. You'll need a heat gun in the event that the window is glued to the frame.

If you plan to reinstall the original sash, gently remove the molding pieces that secure the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready for new caulk. After the sash has been re-installed then, apply a new caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure it doesn't swell or fade 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, use a hand tool like a heat gun over them for a few minutes to soften them. If you're using a heated gun, make sure not to damage the railings or sash by using the tool too closely.

After the old points of glazing and putty are removed, prepare a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your fingers and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Press it into the rabbets where the glass replacement on windows will be put. The glass must be positioned against the putty on both sides. If necessary gently tap your glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can use a silicone caulk or glass glue made from solvents to fill in the crack prior to pressing it into the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you will require putty to keep water out. Once the putty is dry remove the oily film off the glass and let it dry completely before painting. Paint after the putty has dried completely. It won't create a solid seal and could leak or discolor with time.

Paint

If you've suffered a break in a window handle replacement pane, then you may be worried about the expense of a new one. It's true that replacing a single pane glass doesn't have to be costly if you do it on your own. In fact, even a double-pane window glass replacements can be replaced for less than the cost of an expert.

If you are working with large glass windows first, ensure that it is securely fixed to the frame. This task can be made relatively simple and quick with the right tools and techniques.

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

After you have the old pane removed clean the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any old paint, and sand the rabbet grooves in which the glazing points were placed. Sand them to bare wood surfaces, so that you can paint the frames with the same color. After sanding the wood, apply a layer of flax oil. This will help to extend its life.

Then, you need to measure the size of the window's opening. You will need to measure the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the entire opening, as well as the thickness. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure that you get the exact measurement for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasons of changes. Take these dimensions to the hardware or home improvement store and 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.