This Story Behind Replace Window Pane Will Haunt You For The Rest Of Y…

How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane can be an issue. It could also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows, and benefit from greater comfort, a higher the value of resales and lower utility bills.

This is a project you could take on yourself for a fraction of the cost of hiring an expert. You only need the proper tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

Replace your single-paned windows with tempered insulated glass to increase the efficiency of your energy, reduce noise, and protect the historical integrity of your older home. The procedure of replacing the window sash replacement pane is easy and can be accomplished by homeowners with basic hand glazier tools. Alongside a replacement pane, the following tools are needed such as latex glazing putty; Glazier's points; pliers and an electric heater to warm the old putty, if necessary. Before starting, put on protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass can cause injuries.

Remove any broken glass pieces remaining. This can be done with the help of pliers though using a flathead screwdriver can also work in a pinch. Then, use a wood chisel, or putty knife, to take the remainder of the old putty from the frame and the sash. Take your time and work slowly making sure not to damage the old window sash. It is a good idea to do this on a sturdy ladder rather than on the ground and to have someone standing below the sash to help hold it in place.

After you've removed all the old putty, prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane. Measure the width and height of the opening in the sash, subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be taken to an hardware or home centers store to have an item cut from stock glass to the right size. You can cut the glass yourself if you possess the appropriate tools.

After putting in the new glass, apply some caulking around the edge. This will make the glass 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 so tight that they create friction between the sash and frame however they should not be too loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, gently knead it until it is smooth and free of lumps. Then you can roll it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be placed in the corner of the frame, working from one corner to another so that it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's facets are tiny triangular pieces of steel which help to secure glass into the frame of a window without scratching or damaging the fragile surface. It's easy to understand how to use this hidden tool, and you'll save money on the expense of a professional installation.

After taking off the old putty, glazier points, and any other remnants clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife. If needed, lightly sand the wood along the rabbet grooves to smooth out rough spots. If you sand wood protect it with painter’s tape to prevent accidental damage.

Measure the empty frame's dimensions and note down precise measurements. These measurements can be brought to an hardware or home centers store, and the new frame will be cut slightly smaller. This will ensure that the pane fits snugly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Insert the new pane into the frame and press it down using your hands. Utilize the chisel's point or the edge of the putty blade to tap in the glazier's points, as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's points should sit in line with the top edge of your pane, and the shoulders raised should be just below that lip.

Apply a thin bead of glazing compound over the edges of the glass that has been made and into the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Allow it to dry completely and cure.

After the glazing compound dries and the glazing compound is dry, you can install the new window sash. First, saturate the wood with a heavy coat of linseed oil. This will prevent the new putty drying out or cracking due to the moisture it absorbs. Apply this coat using a brush or the tip of your knife, then use the chisel or the back end from the putty knife to gently hammer in the new sash and glazier's tips into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball that is thrown, an errant rock or a falling branch can cause a window pane to break or crack. Most windows can be repaired easily by installing a new piece. The glass is held in position by a small metal clip, referred to as 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 scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves when working. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll need to employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive before prying it free.

If you plan to reinstall the original sash, remove any molding pieces that secure the old pane. Then sand the sash to ensure it's smooth and ready to be re-caulked. Once the sash is re-installed and sanded, apply a fresh caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure it doesn't swell or fade in time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets, or the grooves in the sash that the glass is. If they're hard to chisel, use a hand tool like a heat gun over them to soften first. When using a heating tool, be careful to not damage the sash and its railings.

Create a bed for your new pane after you have removed the old glaze and putty. Roll a rope with glazing compound between your fingers and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Then, push it into the rabbets, where the glass will sit. The glass must rest against the putty on both sides. If necessary, lightly tap your glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can apply a silicone caulk or glass glue made from solvents to cover the crack prior to pressing it into the sash. Otherwise, you'll need to putty over the crack to form a tight seal and keep water out. After the putty has dried, wipe the oily film from the glass and allow it to dry completely before painting. Paint before the putty has completely dried. It won't form a good seal and may be leaking or discoloring over time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a broken pane of glass. The truth is, replacing a single pane glass doesn't need to be expensive when you do it on your own. Even a double-paned window can be replaced for a fraction of what it will cost for a professional.

If you are working with large glass windows, first make sure it is securely fixed to the frame. This task is relatively easy and quick with the right tools and techniques.

Once you're ready to begin with the removal of the old window pane by prying out the glazing points made of metal that are connected to it. These are tiny metal triangles which act as "nails" to hold the window within the frame. They are placed under a glaze putty or bead which hardens into an unbreakable wedge which holds the wood frame in place and hides the points.

After taking off the old pane clean the frame and the wood. Scrape off any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves in which the glazing points were placed. Sand them down to clean wooden surfaces, allowing you to paint the frames the same color. After the sanding process, apply a coat of flax oil on the wood's surface to help extend its lifespan.

Next, measure the size of the window sash replacement opening. You will need to measure the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the entire opening, as well as the thickness. To determine the exact dimensions 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 change. You can bring these measurements to a hardware or home improvement shop and get 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.