Replace Window Pane's History History Of Replace Window Pane

How to replace window pane Window Panes

A damaged window pane can be a nuisance. It could also be an opportunity to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows, and reap benefits like more comfort, higher resale value and reduced utility bills.

It's a task you can do yourself for only a fraction of the cost of hiring an expert. It requires the right tools and an hour or two of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are outdated damaged, cracked or deteriorating, replacing them with newer glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while preserving the historical integrity of older homes. A majority of homeowners with hand tools can repair a window pane. You will also require an extra window pane, glazier's tips pliers, and latex glazing putty. If you need to you can use a heatgun to warm the old putty. Before beginning, wear gloves and safety glasses as working with broken glass may cause injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. This can be done with pliers, but a flathead screwdriver can also work in a pinch. Then, use a wood chisel or putty knife remove the rest of the old putty from the frame and sash. Be careful not to break the window sash. Be careful and slow. This should be done on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, you should have someone below the sash keep it in place.

Once you've removed all the old putty, prepare the window frame to fit the new pane. Take measurements of the width and height of the sash opening, subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). Bring these measurements to an hardware store or home center and have a piece of stock glass cut to size. You can also cut the glass yourself if have the right tools.

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 too tight that they create friction between the sash and the frame however they shouldn't be loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, you must knead it thoroughly until it becomes soft and free from lumps. Then, roll it into pencil-size strips. Apply the first strip in 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 frames for windows without scratching or damaging the delicate surface. It's easy to learn how to use this nefarious tool and you can save money on the cost of a professional installation.

After the old putty as well as glazier's points are removed, thoroughly clean the frame using a utility knife to get rid of any remaining traces. If necessary you can lightly sand the wood in the grooves of the rabbet to smooth out rough spots. If you sand wood cover it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Take measurements of the empty frame and write down accurate measurements. These measurements can be brought to an hardware or home centers store and the new pane will be cut a bit smaller. This will ensure a snug fit, and allow for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and push it in using your hands. Utilize the point of the chisel, or the back of the putty blade to smudge the glazier's points, as shown in Figure 11. When you're done, they should be in line with the top edge of the pane and the shoulders that are raised of the points should be just below the rabbet's rim groove.

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

Install the new window sash after the glazing compound has dried. First, coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will prevent the new putty from taking up moisture and drying out and cracking with time. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or the tip of the putty blade. Then, use the chisel that is 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 around the frame.

Putty

A baseball hit or a rock thrown in error, or a tree falling could result in a broken or cracked window pane. The majority of windows can be replaced easily by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held in place with small clips made of metal called a glazier's point and putty, also called glazing compound. Before installing a replacement windows prices pane, first remove the old one and clean up the area using a rag and a pull-type paint scraper or an abrasive wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while working. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll need to use a heat gun to soften the adhesive before cutting it loose.

If you're planning to reinstall your original sash, you must remove the molding that holds the old pane. Then you can sand the sash down to make sure it's flat and ready to be re-caulked. After the sash has been re-installed, apply a new caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure that it will not leak or change color as time passes.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash where the glass is located. If they are hard to cut, place the hand tool, such as a heating 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 placing the tool too closely.

Create the bed for your new pane after you have removed the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope with glazing compound between your fingers, and then make it about 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 necessary you want to tap your glass lightly 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 cover the crack before pressing it in the sash. In other cases, you'll need to putty over the crack to form an impervious seal to keep water out. Once the putty is dry remove the oily film off of the glass and let it dry completely before you paint. If you paint before the putty has completely dry, it won't form a strong seal and may be leaking or discoloring in time.

Paint

If you've had a broken window pane, then you may be worried about the expense of a new one. It's true that replacing a single pane of glass doesn't have to be expensive when you do it on your own. In fact even windows with double panes can be replaced at only a fraction of the cost of an expert.

If you are working with large glass windows first ensure it is securely attached to the frame. This job is relatively easy and fast with the proper tools and techniques.

When you are ready to begin taking down the old window pane. Remove the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. They are basically tiny metal triangles that function as "nails" which hold the window in place within the frame of wood. They are placed under a bead or replace window pane glazing putty which hardens into an unbreakable wedge that holds the frame firmly in position and hides the points.

After taking off the old pane clean the frame and wood. Scrape off any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points used to be. These should be sanded to bare wood to allow you to paint them the same color as the rest the frame. After sanding the wood you can apply a layer flax oil. This will help prolong the life of the frame.

The next step is to determine the width of the window opening. It is necessary to take horizontal and vertical measurements of the entire opening, and also the thickness of the old pane. To determine the exact size of the new pane, subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Take these dimensions to a hardware or home improvement store, and they will 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.