10 Quick Tips To Replace Window Pane

How to replace window Pane Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window can cause a lot of trouble. It could also be an opportunity to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows and benefit from more comfort, higher resale value and reduced utility costs.

You can do it yourself for a less than what it would cost to hire an expert. It requires the right tools and an hour or two 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 decrease noise while maintaining the historic integrity of older homes. The procedure of replacing windows is easy and can be completed by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. In addition to a replacement pane, the following components are required: latex glazing putty; glazier's points; pliers; and an electric heater to warm the old putty if required. 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 may be useful as well. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knives to remove any old putty that remains around the frame and window sash. Work slowly and carefully making sure not to break the current window sash. It is a good idea to work on a stable ladder rather than on the ground and place someone on the sash to help hold it in place.

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

After putting the new pane in place after installing the new pane, put a tiny amount of caulking along the edge to make it weatherproof. Then install a glazier's point on each side of the frame to secure the pane into place. The points shouldn't be too tight that they cause friction between the frame and sash However, they should not be loose.

Before putting the putty on, knead it thoroughly until it's soft and free of lumps. Then, roll it into pencil-size 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 facets are small triangular pieces that help secure glass into the frame of a window without scratching or damaging the delicate surface. Understanding how to use these hidden tiny pieces of help is simple and could save you money on professional installation or the cost of new glass.

Once the old putty and the glazier's point are gone and the frame is thoroughly cleaned with a knife to eliminate any remaining traces. If necessary you can lightly sand the wood in the grooves of the rabbet to smooth out rough spots. If you decide to sand the wood, make sure to protect it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

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

Insert the new pane into the frame and press it down using your hands. Then, you can use the point of your chisel or back of the putty knife to pierce 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 raised shoulders should be just below the lip.

Apply a thin bead of glazing compound on the edges of the new glass and into the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Allow it to dry and cure completely.

Install the new upvc window handle replacement sash once the glazing compound has dried. First, you need to coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will keep the new putty from sucking in the moisture and drying out and cracking with time. Apply this coat with a brush or the tip of your putty knife, and then use the chisel, or replace Window pane the back end of the putty knife to gently hammer the new sash and glazier's tips into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches along the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball hit or a rock thrown by error, or a fallen tree could result in a broken or cracked window. Fortunately, windows can be repaired by simply placing a new piece in place. The glass is held in place by tiny metal clips known as a glazier's point, and putty, also called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using a rag, a pull-type scraper, or a wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves when working. If the window is glued to the frame, replace Window pane you'll need to make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive prior to taking it off.

If you plan to reinstall the original sash, gently remove any pieces of molding that are used to secure the old pane. Sand the sash window replacement until it's flat and ready to receive new caulk. After the sash has been re-installed then, apply a new silicone caulk around the glass to ensure it won't leak or discolor in time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets, or the grooves in the sash, where the glass sits. If they're hard to chisel out, try holding an instrument like a heat gun over them to soften them up first. If you're using a heated gun, be cautious not to scratch the sash or its railings by holding the tool too closely.

Once the old points of glazing and putty have been removed prepare a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, shaping it to be about 1/2-inch thick. Then, push it into the rabbets in which the glass will rest. The glass should rest against the putty on both sides. If you need to you want to tap your glass lightly into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack, 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'll need to apply putty to keep water out. Once the putty is dry, wipe the oily film off the glass and let it dry completely before you paint. Paint after the putty has dried completely. It will not create a solid seal and may leak or discolor with time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a broken pane of glass. In reality, replacing a single piece of glass doesn't need to be expensive even if you do it 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, ensure that it is securely attached to the frame. By using the correct tools and techniques you can make this task relatively easy and speedy.

Once you're ready to begin with the removal of the old window by prying out the glazing points made of metal that are connected to it. These are basically small metal triangles which function as "nails" that keep the window in within the frame of wood. They are submerged beneath a bead or glazing putty that sets to form a solid wedge that holds the frame in place and hides the sharp edges.

After you have removed the old pane taken away, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any paint that has been used, and sand the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were. Sand them down to bare wooden surfaces so you can paint the frames with the same shade. After sanding the wood then apply a layer of flax oil. This will help to prolong the life of the frame.

Then, you need to measure the width of the window opening. You'll need to determine the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the entire opening, as well as the thickness. 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 during seasonal changes. You can bring these measurements to a hardware or home improvement shop 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.