9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Window Pane Replacement

How to Do Window Pane Replacement

It is essential to replace a broken or cracked window as quickly as is possible. It could lead to a decline in energy efficiency, or allow moisture to accumulate between the two panes.

Replacing a window's pane is cheaper than replacing a whole window and is easily done by the average homeowner. To replace a window, you'll need to remove the window you have already installed clean the frame, then apply new putty.

Remove the Old Pane

The first step in replacing windows glass replacement is to remove the old pane from the window. This can be a dangerous job, so it is essential to wear safety gear such as gloves and a face mask. It is also advisable to work on the ground whenever possible and to use a ladder that can be safely secured to prevent falling. After the old window has been removed, you can start working on the window frame. It's a good idea to lightly sand down the area. After that apply a coat of linseed oil onto the wood frame to help the glazing compound to remain flexible.

If you are ready to begin the actual project, make sure that your workspace is free of any debris and that you have all the tools you'll need. Use a utility blade to remove any old glue on the glass and in the window frame. It may take some effort and time, but this is necessary to ensure that you get a top-quality product.

Once you have removed all the old putty you will have a clean opening for the new window. To make sure that the new window will fit take a measurement of the opening and subtract 1/8" from the width and the length. It is also a good idea to take a shard of the old pane to your local hardware store to match the thickness and type of glass.

Window panes can make your home more efficient by reducing heat losses and noise, as well as glare. Luckily, replacing a single window pane is a simple task that you can do yourself.

After replacing the broken pane you will need caulk and seal the edges of the window to hold it in position. This will not only give your window a an attractive aesthetic but also ensure that your new window is energy efficient and watertight. If you're trying to save money on your electric bills, you could also think about installing a window film that reduces the amount of heat that is lost through windows.

Removal of the Putty

It can be difficult to get rid of the glazing putty that is used to hold glass panes that are tempered in their frames. It hardens when it dries, and this makes it extremely difficult to remove without breaking the glass. To avoid this, it's best to remove the old putty before installing the new one. It is not easy to remove window putty, however, with perseverance and determination it can be done. Wearing leather gloves and eye protection is recommended when working with glass. It could be hazardous.

Remove any nails or spriggs securing the window in place prior to you begin removing the putty. These nails were used prior to when double glazing and upvc came onto the market to keep the glass in place. The majority of these nails are located in the corners of the frame and can be removed with the screwdriver if they're exposed or cut off using a hacksaw. If they are hidden, you'll require a small chisel (or putty chisel) to remove the frame.

Mineral spirits will be needed to take off any old putty left after taking off the nail. This product is available from most hardware stores and is best used in a ventilated area. Apply the oil in short intervals, as overheating wood or paint can cause it to crack or explode.

A heat gun can also be used to soften the putty. This method is more effective with putty which has been sprayed or hardened. Be sure to keep moving when using the heat gun as leaving it in one place for too long can cause burns to the wood and lead to cracked glass.

Steel wool can also be used to take away the putty. However this method is not as efficient and may cause a mess. This should be used only as a last resort and is not recommended for homes with children.

Removal of the Metal Glazing Points

A hurled baseball, or an unruly tree branch can be a disaster on a windowpane. While most people believe that a broken windowpane requires a complete replacement of the frame and the sash it is possible to fix the view and lower costs for energy by only replacing the glass.

The first step in replacing window glass is to remove the steel points that hold the old pane in place. Using a putty knife, scrape as much of the softened glaze as is possible to expose the points. There should be at least four of them, centered on either side of the frame. When you can see the metal, grab each one using needle-nosed pliers and pull them straight out. Do not pull too in a way that is too hard. If the point is inflexible, or breaks, it could cause damage to the frame.

Once the putty and metal glazing points are removed, it is now time to prepare the frame for the new glass. Make sure the grooves are clean and free of dents and cracks. Use a heat gun to help with this process. Be careful and make use of low temperatures to prevent the wood from warping or getting damaged.

If the glass is double-paned you can take a piece of the previous pane to check that the new one will fit properly. Spread a thin layer of silicone sealant over the inside surface of the frame rabbet and press the glass into it. Then, trim any excess sealant using the blade of a razor and apply a coat exterior paint to finish the job.

If you have a single pane of glass that you want to install the next step, you can skip this step and move directly to the next. If the new glass is a different thickness than the original, purchase the appropriate size piece of glass from a local glass cutter. Before installing the new pane, place a glazier's pushpoint in every corner of the frame rabbet (two on each side for a smaller window, more for larger windows). This will add extra support to the pane, and also help keep it from becoming dislodged over time.

Installing the New Pane

Window panes don't simply look nice; they also help to improve energy efficiency, shield your home from pests and rain, as well as improve security. If they're damaged or broken, it's essential to replace them as soon as possible. But, a lot of homeowners aren't aware of how to do this on their own. It's not difficult to repair a damaged window pane. You just need some supplies and simple steps.

Start by removing your old windowpane. Be careful not to cut yourself. Make sure you keep a towel nearby to clean any remaining glass. Keep the fragments in case you require a replacement window. After removing the old glazing, measure the rough opening of the frame using tape. Write these down and subtract 1/8 inch from each side to get the new size of glass. This will guarantee a tight fitting glass and allow for natural expansion and contraction. You can bring the measurements to a local hardware store or a home improvement store and they will cut a new piece of glass for you. If you can, bring a shard from the window that is already in use to match the thickness and style.

Apply a small amount of latex caulk around the edges of the glass after it has been placed. This will create a seal. Glazier's points should be placed into the holes of the frame along the glass edge. You'll need two points per side to make eight points total.

You can also add any wood molding that is left around the frame's edges. Make sure you clean the molding and putty thoroughly before reinstalling them, so they don't interfere with your new pane.

While it's tempting to delay replacing a damaged or broken window, doing so can cause further damage to the glass as well as the surrounding sash. You may also need to replace the whole window in the future. Anyone with a basic tool can repair a single damaged glass pane.