Ten Myths About Replace Window Pane That Aren't Always True

How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window can be a source of frustration. It can also be an opportunity to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows and enjoy benefits such as more comfort, higher the value of resales and lower utility costs.

You can do it yourself at only a fraction of the cost it would cost to employ an expert. You only need the proper tools and a few minutes of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are old, deteriorating or broken, replacing them with newer insulated or tempered glass can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the original character of older homes. The majority of homeowners with basic hand tools can replace windows with ease. You'll also require an extra window sash replacement pane, glazier's tips pliers, and latex glazing putty. If you need to you can make use of a heat gun to warm the old putty. Before starting, put on protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass could cause injuries.

Take out any broken glass pieces that remain. This can be done with pliers, but a flathead screwdriver can also work in a pinch. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knives, to take away any remaining old putty around the frame and the window sash. Work slowly and carefully making sure not to damage the old window sash. It is recommended to work on a sturdy ladder rather than on the ground and to place someone on the sash to help keep it in place.

Prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane after you have removed the old putty. Take measurements of the width and height of the sash opening by 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 cut a piece of glass stock to the proper size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you possess the right tools.

After installing the glass After installing the glass, apply a small amount of caulking around the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Install a glazier's pointing on both sides of the frame. This will help secure the pane. The points should not be so tight that they cause friction between the frame and sash However, Broken they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, knead thoroughly until it is smooth and free from lumps. Then you can roll it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be glued to the corner of the frame. Work from one corner to the next, making sure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are tiny triangular pieces of steel that allow glass to be secured into a window frame without scratching or damaging the delicate surface. Learning how to use these tiny helpers is simple and could save you money on professional installation or the cost of purchasing new glass.

After the old putty and the glazier's point are gone and the frame is thoroughly cleaned using a utility knife to eliminate any remaining residue. Lightly sand the wood in the rabbet grooves, if necessary, to smooth out rough areas. If you do sand your wood, be sure to protect it by using painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Take measurements of the empty frame and record precise measurements. These measurements can be brought to a home center or hardware store, and the new frame will be cut slightly 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 using your hands. Then, use the tip of your chisel or back of the putty knife to make a tap on the glazier's facets, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should sit flush against the top edge of the pane and the raised shoulders should be just below that lip.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the rabbet grooves and Broken edges of the new glass. This will protect and seal the edges. Let it 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 thick coat of Linseed oil. This will prevent the new putty from drying out and cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or the point 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 hammer the new sash or glazier's tip into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches along the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball hit or a rock thrown by error, or a fallen tree can result in a cracked or cracked window. Fortunately, windows can be easily replaced by simply putting a new piece of glass in its the proper place. The glass is held in place by a small metal clip, referred to as a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also referred to as glazing compound. Before installing a replacement double glazing windows pane, first remove the old one and clean the area using an abrasive and a pull-type paint scraper or a wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses while you do this work. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll have to make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive before prying it free.

If you plan to reinstall the original sash, gently remove any pieces of molding that secure the old pane. Then, sand the sash to make sure it's flat and ready for new caulk. After the sash has been reinstalled, you can apply a silicone caulk over the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't leak over time or discolor.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets, the grooves in the sash where the glass sits. If they are hard to chisel, hold an instrument such as a heating gun over them to allow them to soften before. If you're using a heated gun, make sure not to damage the sash or its railings by using the tool too close.

Once the old glaze points and putty have been removed, make a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your fingers and then make it about 1/2 inch thick. Then, push it into the rabbets where the glass will rest. The glass must rest 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 made from solvents to seal the crack prior to pressing it into the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you will require putty to keep water out. After the putty has dried and the film is oily, wipe it off the glass with an abrasive and allow it to dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it will not form a strong seal and may discolor or leak in time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a broken pane of glass. The truth is, replacing a single pane glass doesn't need to be expensive if you do it on your own. In fact even windows with double panes can be replaced for less than the cost of an expert.

First, if you are working on a large window, make sure it is securely attached to the frame. This job can be made relatively simple and fast using the proper tools and techniques.

When you're ready to start, begin by removing the old window by prying out the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are basically small metal triangles that act as "nails" that hold the window in in the wood frame. They are placed under a bead or glazing putty that hardens to solid wedge that holds the frame firmly in position and hides the points.

Once you have the old pane removed, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were. These should be sanded to the point of being bare, so that you can paint them the same color as the rest of the frame. After sanding the wood then apply a layer of flax oil. This will help to prolong the life of the frame.

Then, take measurements of the dimensions of the window opening. It is necessary to take horizontal and vertical measurements of the entire opening as well as the thickness of the old pane. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure that you get the exact measurement for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass in times of seasonal change. Take these dimensions 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.