The Unspoken Secrets Of Replace Window Pane

How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window can cause a lot of trouble. It can also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows replacement and benefit from greater comfort, a higher resale value and reduced utility bills.

This is a project you could do yourself for less than the cost of hiring an expert. It requires the right tools and only an hour or two of your time.

Glass

Replace window pane your old single-paned windows using tempered or insulated glass to increase energy efficiency, cut down on noise, and maintain the original character of your old home. Most homeowners with basic hand tools can replace a window pane. In addition to a new pane, the following items are required for the replacement process: latex glazing putty pliers, glazier's points and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty, if needed. Wear safety goggles and gloves before you begin. Working with broken glass can cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. It is recommended to use pliers for this however a flathead could be useful as well. Then, use a wood chisel or putty knife to remove the rest of the old putty around the frame and sash. Be careful not to scratch the window sash. Work slowly and carefully. It is best to work using a sturdy ladder instead of the ground, and to have someone stand below the sash in order to help hold it steady.

Make sure that the window frame is ready to receive the new pane once you have removed the old putty. 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). These measurements can be sent to an hardware or home centers store to have an item cut from stock glass to the right size. Alternately, you can cut the glass yourself if have the appropriate tools.

After installing the glass Apply a small amount of caulking to the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Install a glazier’s point on both sides of the frame. This will help secure the pane. The points should not be so tight that they create friction between the frame and the sash However, they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, knead thoroughly until it is smooth and free from lumps. Cut it into pencil-sized pieces. Apply the first strip to the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to the next so that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier’s points are small triangular metal pieces that allow glass to be secured into the window frame without causing any damage to the fragile surface. Learning how to use these hidden little helpers is easy and can save you money on a professional installation or the cost of buying new glass.

After the old putty as well as the glazier's point are gone Clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife to get rid of any remaining residue. If needed, lightly sand the wood along the grooves of the rabbet to smooth rough spots. If you do sand your wood, make sure to protect it by using painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Note down the exact dimensions of the frame. Take these dimensions to a hardware store or home center, and have the new pane made slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure that the pane fits perfectly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and push firmly using your hands. Then use the point of your chisel or back of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's points as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's points should sit flush against the top edge of your pane, and the raised shoulders should be just below that lip.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the edges of the new glass and into the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Let it dry and cure completely.

Install the new window sash after the glazing compound has dried. The first step is to coat the wood with a heavy coat of linseed oil. This will prevent the new putty from taking up moisture and deteriorating and cracking over time. Apply the coat using a brush or Replace Window Pane the tip of your putty knife, then use the chisel or the back end of the knife to gently hammer in the new sash and glazier's points into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process every 10 inches around the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball hit, a rock thrown in error or a branch falling can cause a broken or cracked window pane. Most windows can be replaced easily by putting in a new piece. The glass is held in place with small clips made of metal called the glazier's pointed and putty, which is often called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with an abrasive, pull-type scraper, or a wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while you do this work. You'll need a heat gun in the event that the window is glued into the frame.

If you plan to reinstall the original sash, remove any molding pieces that hold the old pane in place. Then, sand the sash to ensure it's smooth and ready for a new caulk. After the sash has been put back in place, you can apply a silicone caulk on the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't be leaking or fade over time.

Remove the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash window replacement where the glass is. If they're difficult to work out, you can try holding an instrument like a heat gun to soften them before you do. When using a heated tool, be sure to not scratch the sash and its railings.

After 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, press it into the rabbets in which the glass will sit. It's important that the glass rests against the putty on each side, so if you need to tap it, gently press the glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane has cracked, you can use the silicone caulk or glass glue that is based on solvents to seal the crack prior to pressing it in the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you'll need to use putty to keep the water out. After the putty has dried, clean the oily film off the glass using the help of a rag. Allow it to dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it won't create an effective seal and could leak or discolor in time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a broken piece of glass. It's true that replacing a single pane of glass doesn't have to be expensive if you do it on your own. In fact even windows with double panes can be replaced at only a fraction of the cost of a professional.

If you are working on a large window, ensure that it is securely attached to the frame. This job is relatively easy and quick with the proper tools and techniques.

When you are ready to begin with the removal of the window pane. Pry out the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are tiny triangles of metal that act as "nails" to hold the window in the frame. They are buried beneath a bead or glazing glue that sets to form solid wedge that holds the wood frame in place and conceals the edges.

After you have the old pane taken away clean the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were. They should be sanded to bare wood to allow you to paint them the same color as the rest the frame. After the sanding process, apply a coat of flax oil on the wood's surface to extend the life of the frame.

The next step is to determine the size of the window opening. You'll need to determine the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the entire opening, as well as the thickness. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure you get a precise size for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasonal change. Bring these measurements to your local hardware or home improvement store and replace Window pane ask them to cut you 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.