Ten Replace Window Panes That Really Improve Your Life

How to Replace Window Pane Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window can cause a lot of trouble. This could be an opportunity to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones to enjoy advantages like improved comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility bills.

It's a project you can do yourself for only a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional. You only need the appropriate tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

If your single pane windows are old damaged, cracked or deteriorating replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated will increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while maintaining the historical integrity of older homes. Most homeowners with basic hand tools can replace window glass near me the window pane. In addition to a replacement pane, the following components are needed such as latex glazing putty; Glazier's points; pliers and a heat gun for warming the old putty, if necessary. Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to starting. Working with broken glass can cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. This can be done with a pair of pliers, though using flathead screwdrivers can work in a pinch. Use a wood chisel, or putty knives, to take away any old putty remaining around the frame and window sash. Be careful and slow making sure not to damage the old window sash. This should be done on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, you should have someone lower to keep it in place.

Once you have removed all of the old putty, it is time to prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction and contraction, subtract 1/8 inch from the measurements of width and height. These measurements can be sent to an hardware or home centers store to have cut a piece of stock glass to the right size. You can also cut the glass yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

After putting the new pane in place, run a small bead of caulking around the edges to make it weatherproof. Then, place a glazier's tip on each side of the frame to secure the pane in the right place. The points should not be so tight that they create friction between the sash and frame, but they also shouldn't be loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, you must knead it thoroughly until it is soft and free from lumps. Then you can roll it into pencil-sized strips. Place the first strip to the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to another to ensure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are the small triangular pieces of metal which help to secure glass into the frame of a window without scratching or damaging the delicate surface. It's easy to understand how to use this hidden tool, and you'll save money on the expense of an expert installation.

After taking off the old putty, glazier points as well as any remaining residue, clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. Lightly sand the wood into the rabbet grooves if needed to smooth out rough areas. If you sand wood protect it with painter’s tape to avoid accidental damage.

Measure the empty frame's dimensions and write down accurate measurements. These dimensions can be taken to an hardware or home centers store and the new pane will be cut a bit smaller. This will ensure a snug fit and leave room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and press it into place firmly by using your hands. Make use of the point of the chisel, or the back of the putty blade to tap the glazier's points as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should be in line with the top edge of your pane and the shoulders raised should be just below the lip.

Apply a small amount of glazing compound on the edges of the new glass and in the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Allow it to dry and cure completely.

Install the new window sash when the glazing compound has dried. First, coat the wood with a heavy coat of linseed oil. This will prevent the new putty drying out or cracking as it absorbs moisture. Use a brush to apply this coat, or the tip of the blade. Then use the chisel that is on the back of the putty tool or the back of the putty handle to gently smash the new sash or glazier's tip into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process every 10 inches around the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A hurled baseball, an errant rock or a falling branch can cause a window to break or crack. Fortunately, windows can be easily replaced by simply putting a new piece of glass in its the proper place. The glass is held into position by a small metal clip, called a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also referred to as 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 working. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll need to make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive prior to cutting it loose.

If you're planning to install your original sash, you must remove the molding that holds the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready for new caulk. After the sash has been reinstalled it is possible to apply a silicone caulk over the glass. This will ensure that it won't get soiled or discolor over time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash where the glass is located. If they're difficult to work out, you can try holding a hand tool like a heat gun to soften them before you do. When using a heated tool, be sure to not damage the sash or its railings.

Prepare a bed for your new pane after removing the old glaze and putty. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your fingers and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Then, Replace window Pane push it into the rabbets, where the glass will be. The glass must rest against the putty on both sides. If you need to gently tap your glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is damaged, you can use the silicone caulk or glass glue made from solvents to cover the crack prior to pressing it in the sash. Otherwise, you'll need to apply putty over the crack to create an airtight seal and keep water out. After the putty has dried, clean the oily film off the glass using a rag and allow it to dry completely prior to painting. If you paint before the putty has completely dry, it will not form a solid seal and could discolor or leak over time.

Paint

If you've had a broken window pane, you may be worried about the expense of a new one. The truth is, replacing a single piece of glass doesn't have to be costly even if you do it your own. Even double-paned windows can be replaced at a fraction of the cost it would cost an expert.

If you're working with a large glass window first, ensure that it is securely attached to the frame. By using the correct tools and techniques you can complete this task easily and quick.

If you're ready to begin, begin by removing the old window pane replacement by prying out the glazing points made of metal that are connected to it. These are essentially small metal triangles that act as "nails" that hold the window in place within the frame of wood. They are placed under a bead or glazing putty that hardens to an unbreakable wedge that holds the frame securely in place and hides the sharp edges.

Once you have the old pane taken away Clean up the frame and wood. Scrape off any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points were. These should be sanded down to bare wood, to allow you to paint them the same color as the rest the frame. After sanding the wood you can apply a layer flax oil. This will help to extend its life.

The next step is to determine the size of the window opening. You will need to measure the vertical and horizontal 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 allow for seasonal changes in the glass. You can bring these measurements to a hardware store 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.