Wendi Mansergh

How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window can be a nuisance. It can also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy-efficient or insulated windows and enjoy benefits such as more comfort, higher potential for resales, and less bills.

This is a project you could take on yourself for a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional. You'll only require the proper tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are old, deteriorating or broken replacing them with more modern glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the historic integrity of older homes. The process of replacing the window pane is easy and can be completed by homeowners with basic hand tools. You will also require an extra window pane, glazier's suggestions, pliers, and latex glaze putty. If necessary you may use a heatgun to warm the old putty. Wear safety goggles and gloves before you begin. Working with broken glass could result in serious injuries.

Take away any broken glass pieces remaining. It is recommended to use pliers for this however a flathead could work equally. Make use of a wood chisel or putty knives to remove any remaining old putty around the frame and the window sash. Be careful not to scratch the window replacement sash windows. Be careful and slow. This should be done on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, ensure that someone below the sash ensure it is held steady.

Make sure the window frame is ready to accommodate the new pane when you have removed the old putty. Take measurements of the width and height of the opening in the sash and subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow replacement handles for upvc windows seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be taken to an hardware or home centers store to have a piece cut of replacement glass for windows stock to the proper size. You can cut the glass yourself if you possess the appropriate tools.

After putting the new pane in place, run a small bead of caulking around the edges to make it weatherproof. Then, you can install a glazier's pointing on each side of the frame to hold the pane in its place. The points shouldn't be too tight that they create friction between the frame and sash however they shouldn't be loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, you must knead it thoroughly until it is smooth and free from lumps. Then you can roll it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be placed to the corner of the frame, working from one corner to the other to ensure it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's facets are small triangular pieces that help secure glass into a window frame 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 cost of a professional installation.

After taking off the old putty, glazier points as well as any remaining remnants Clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. Lightly sand the wood in the rabbet grooves, if necessary, to smooth rough areas. If you sand wood cover it with painter's tape to protect it from damage caused by accidental sanding.

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

Insert the new pane into the frame and push it in with your hands. Make use of the chisel's point, or the back of the putty knife to smudge the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. When you're done, they should be flush with the top edge of the pane and the shoulders that are raised of the points should be just below the lip of the rabbet groove.

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

When the glazing compound is dry and the glazing compound is dry, you can install the new window sash. First, coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will keep the new putty from taking up the moisture and drying out and cracking over time. Apply this coat with a brush or the tip of your knife, then use the chisel or the back end from the putty knife to gently press the new sash and glazier's tips into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process every 10 inches around the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown or a rock thrown in error, or a tree falling can result in a cracked or cracked window pane. The majority of windows can be repaired easily by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held into place by a small metal clip, referred to as a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also known as glazing compound. Before installing a new pane, first remove the old one and clean up the area with an abrasive and an abrasive scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses while working. You'll require a heat gun if the window is glued into the frame.

If you're planning to install your original sash, you must remove the molding that holds the old pane. Then sand the sash to make sure it's flat and ready for a new caulk. After the sash has been installed then, you can apply a silicone caulk over the glass. This will ensure that it won't be leaking or fade over time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets and the grooves in the sash where the glass is. If they're difficult to cut, place an instrument such as a heatgun over them to soften first. When using a heating tool, be careful to not damage the replacement sash windows cost's railings and sash.

Create a bed for your new pane by removing the old putty and glazing points. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, shaping it into a 1/2-inch thick. Press it into the rabbets where the glass will be placed. The glass must be positioned against the putty on both sides. If needed you want to tap your glass lightly into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is damaged, you can use a silicone caulk or a glass glue that is based on solvents to cover the crack prior to pressing it into the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you'll require putty to keep water from getting in. When the putty dries and the film is oily, wipe it off the glass with the help of a rag. Allow it to dry completely before painting. Paint after the putty has completely dried. It will not create a solid 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 replacing it. It's true that replacing a single piece of glass doesn't have to be costly if you do it on your own. Even a double-paned window can be replaced at a fraction of the cost it would cost an expert.

If you are working with a large glass window first, ensure that it is securely attached to the frame. By using the correct tools and techniques you can accomplish this task fairly easily and quick.

When you are ready to begin taking down the old window pane. Pry out the metal glazing points attached to it. They are basically tiny metal triangles that function as "nails" that hold the window in within the frame of wood. They are submerged beneath a layer of glazing putty, which hardens into a solid, molded wedge which holds the window in place and hides the edges.

After removal of the old pane clean the frame and wood. Scrape off any old paint, and sand the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were placed. They should be sanded to bare wood so that you can paint them the same color as the rest 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 measure the dimensions of the replacement window opening. It is necessary 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 have the exact size for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasonal change. You can bring these measurements to a hardware store or home improvement store and have 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.