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How to Replace Window pane Window Panes

A damaged window pane can be a nuisance. 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.

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

Glass

If your single-pane windows are old broken, deteriorating or damaged replacing them with modern insulated or tempered glass can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while maintaining the historic integrity of older homes. The procedure of replacing the window pane is simple and can be done by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. You will also require an extra window pane, glazier's suggestions, pliers, and latex glaze putty. If needed you can use a heatgun to warm the old putty. Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to beginning. Working with broken glass can cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. This is best done using the help of pliers however, a flathead screwdriver may 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 damage the window sash. Be careful and slow. It is best to do this using a sturdy ladder instead of the ground, and to have someone stand below the sash to help keep it in place.

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

After putting the new pane in place After installing the new pane, apply a small amount of caulking around the edge to make it weatherproof. Then install a glazier's point on the frame's opposite side to secure the pane into its place. The points should not be so tight that they cause friction between the frame and sash however they should not be too loose.

Before applying the putty, work it in a gentle manner until it's soft and free of lumps. Cut it into pencil-sized pieces. Place the first strip to the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to the next to ensure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier’s points are small triangular pieces of steel that allow glass to be secured to the frame without causing any damage to the fragile surface. It's simple to learn how to use this secret tool, and you'll be able to save money on the expense of an installation by a professional.

After taking off the old putty, glazier points and any leftovers clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. Lightly sand the wood in the rabbet grooves, if necessary, to smooth out rough areas. If you do sand your wood, make sure to protect it by using painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Take the dimensions of the frame and note down precise measurements. Bring these measurements to a hardware store or home center, and have the new pane made slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a snug fit and leave room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new window in the frame and push it into the frame with your hand. Use the chisel's point or the back of the putty blade to tap the glazier's points as illustrated in Figure 11. After you're done, the points should be in line with the top edge of the pane and the shoulders that are raised of the points should be below the lip of the rabbet groove.

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

After the glazing compound dries, you're ready to install the new window sash. The first step is to coat the wood with a heavy coat of Linseed oil. This will stop the new putty from soaking in the moisture and deteriorating and cracking over time. Use a brush to apply this coat, or the point of the blade. Then, use the chisel that is on the back of the tool or the back of the putty handle to gently smash the new sash or glazier's tip into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball hit or a rock thrown in error or a branch falling can cause a broken or Replace Window Pane cracked window pane. The majority of windows can be replaced by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held in the position with a tiny metal clip, also known as a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using an abrasive, pull-type scraper or wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses when you work. If the window is attached to the frame, you'll have to use a heat gun to soften the adhesive prior to prying it free.

If you plan to reinstall the original sash, gently remove any pieces of molding that hold the old pane in place. Then you can sand the sash down to make sure it's flat and ready for 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 leak over time or discolor.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, which is where the glass is. If they're hard to cut, place the hand tool, such as a heating gun over them to allow them to soften before. When using a heated tool, be careful to not damage the sash or its railings.

Once the old glazing points and putty have been removed make a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope made of glazing compound between your fingers, and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Then, push it into the rabbets, Replace Window Pane where the glass will rest. It's important that the glass sits on the putty on each side, so if you need to, lightly tap the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can cover it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk prior to pressing it into the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you will need to apply putty to keep water from getting in. After the putty has dried and the film is oily, wipe it off the glass with a rag and allow it to dry completely prior to painting. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it won't form an effective seal and could discolor or leak over time.

Paint

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

First, if you're working on a large-sized window, ensure that it is securely fixed to the frame. Using the proper tools and techniques, you can complete this task easily and quick.

If you're ready to begin taking off the old window pane by removing the metal glazing points that are connected to it. These are essentially small metal triangles that act as "nails" that keep the window in place in the wood frame. They are submerged beneath a layer of glazing putty that is then cured to form a solid, formed wedge which holds the replacement window seals in place and hides the edges.

After removal of 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. They should be sanded to bare wood, so that you can paint them the same color as the rest of the frame. After sanding the wood, apply a layer of flax oil. This will help extend its life.

Then, take measurements of the dimensions of the window's 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 also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass in times of seasonal changes. Take these measurements to the hardware or home improvement store, and they will 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.