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How to Replace Window Pane Window Panes

A cracked window pane can be a source of frustration. This could be an opportunity to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones, and reap advantages like improved comfort, increased resale values and reduced utility bills.

It's a project you can take on yourself for less than the cost of hiring a professional. It requires the right tools and an hour or two of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are outdated broken, deteriorating or damaged, replacing them with newer glass that is tempered or insulated will increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while maintaining the original character of older homes. A majority of homeowners with hand tools can replace windows with ease. Alongside a replacement sash windows pane, the following components are needed: latex glazing putty; Glazier's points; pliers and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty, if necessary. Before starting, 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, but a flathead can be useful as well. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knives to remove any old putty that remains around the frame and window sash. Be careful not to break the window sash. Be careful and slow. It is a good idea to work on a sturdy ladder rather than the ground, and to place someone on the sash to help keep it steady.

Make sure the window frame is ready to receive the new pane when you have removed the old glue. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction, subtract 1/8 inch each from the measurements of the 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 by yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

After installing the glass, apply some caulking on the edges. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then, place a glazier's tip on each side of the frame to hold the pane in place. The points shouldn't be too tight that they cause friction between the sash and frame but they shouldn't be loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, gently knead it until it becomes soft and free of lumps. Then make it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be glued to the corner of the frame. Work from one corner to another, making sure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier’s points are small triangular metal pieces that help secure the glass to the frame without causing damage to the delicate surface. It's easy to understand how to use this nefarious tool, and you'll save money on the expense of a professional installation.

After the old putty as well as the glazier's points have been removed and the frame is thoroughly cleaned with a knife to get rid of any remaining residue. If necessary you can lightly sand the wood along the grooves of the rabbet to smooth out rough spots. If you do sand the wood, be sure to protect it with painter's tack to avoid accidental damage.

Note down the exact dimensions of the frame. Take these dimensions to a hardware store or a home center and have the new pane cut smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a secure fit, and allow for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and press it in place with your hand. Then, use the tip of your chisel or back end of the putty knife to pierce the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's point should be in line with the top edge of your pane and the raised shoulders should be just beneath that lip.

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

Install the new window sash once the glazing compound has dried. The first step is to coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will stop the new putty drying out or cracking as it absorbs moisture. Use a brush to apply this coat, or even the tip of the blade. Then use the chisel on the back of the putty tool or the back of the putty handle to gently hit the new sash, or glazier's point into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown or a rock thrown by error or Replace Window Pane a branch falling can result in a cracked or cracked window. The majority of windows can be repaired easily by putting in a new piece. The glass is held into position by a small metal clip, called a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with a rag, a pull-type scraper or wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while working. You'll need a heating gun if the window is glued into the frame.

If you are planning to reinstall the original sash, take off the molding that supports the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready to receive new caulk. Once the sash is installed it is possible to apply a silicone caulk to the glass. This will ensure that it won't get soiled or discolor over time.

Take out the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash where the glass is. If they're difficult to chisel, hold a hand tool such as a heating gun over them for a few minutes to soften them. If you're using a heated gun, be cautious not to scratch the railings of the sash or the sash itself by using the tool too close.

After the old points of glazing and putty have been removed prepare a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope with glazing compound between your fingers and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Place it into the rabbets where the glass will be put. The glass must be positioned against the putty on both sides. If you need to gently tap your glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is damaged, you can use the silicone caulk or glass glue made from solvents to fill in the crack before pressing it in the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you will require putty to keep water from getting in. Once the putty is dry clean the oily film from the glass and allow it to dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it won't form an effective seal and could 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 glass doesn't need to be expensive when you do it on your own. In fact even windows with double panes can be replaced for a fraction of the cost of a professional.

If you're working with a large glass window sash replacement first, ensure that it is securely fixed to the frame. With the right tools and techniques to accomplish this task fairly easily and speedy.

When you are ready to begin with the removal of the window pane. Pry out the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are essentially small metal triangles which function as "nails" which hold the window in place within the frame of wood. They are placed beneath a layer of glazing putty that transforms into a solid formed wedge which holds the window in place and hides the edges.

After you have the old pane taken away, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape away any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points used to be. They should be sanded to bare wood to allow you to paint them the same color as the rest the frame. After sanding, apply a layer of flax oil on the bare wood to extend the life of the frame.

The next step is to determine the size of the window opening. You will need to measure the horizontal and vertical 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 glass during seasons of change. Take these dimensions to a 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.