5 Lessons You Can Learn From Replace Window Pane

How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane could be a nuisance. It could be a chance to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones, and reap advantages like improved comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility costs.

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

Glass

If your single pane windows are old, deteriorating or broken replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated will improve energy efficiency and reduce noise while preserving the historical integrity of older homes. The process of replacing the window pane is easy and can be completed by anyone with basic hand tools. Alongside a replacement pane, the following components are needed for the Replacement Windows glass process: latex glazing putty Glazier's points; pliers and an electric heater to warm the old putty, if needed. Before starting, wear protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass can cause injuries.

Take away any broken glass pieces that remain. It is recommended to use pliers, but a flathead can work as well. Then, use a wooden chisel or putty knife remove the remaining old putty from around the frame and the sash. Be careful to not scratch the window sash. Work slowly and carefully. It is a good idea to work using a sturdy ladder instead of the ground and to place someone on the sash to help hold it steady.

Prepare the window frame to accept the new pane once you have removed the old putty. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction, subtract 1/8 inch each from the measurements of width and height. Take these measurements to an hardware store or home center, and have a piece of stock glass cut to size. You can cut the glass yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

After putting in the new pane, run a small bead of caulking around the edges to seal it against weather. Install a glazier's point on both sides of the frame. This will secure the pane. The points shouldn't be tight enough to create friction between the frame and the sash however they should not be loose.

Before putting the putty on, knead it thoroughly until it is smooth and free of lumps. Make it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the corner of the frame. Work from one corner to another, making sure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier’s points are small triangular metal pieces which help to secure the glass into the window frame without damaging the delicate surface. It's easy to learn how to use this hidden tool, and you'll be able to save money on the cost of a professional installation.

After removing the old putty, glazier points as well as any remaining remnants Clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. If needed, lightly sand the wood along the grooves of the rabbets to smooth rough spots. If you sand wood, cover it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Take the dimensions of the frame and record precise measurements. Bring these measurements to a hardware store or a home center, and have the new pane cut 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 it in using your hands. Utilize the point of the chisel, or the back of the putty blade to smudge the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. After you're done, the points should be level with the top edge of the pane, and the shoulders that are raised of the points should be just below the lip of the rabbet groove.

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

When the glazing compound is dry and the glazing compound is dry, you can install the new window sash. The first step is to coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will keep the new putty from taking in the moisture and deteriorating and cracking with time. Apply this coat using a brush or the tip of your knife, then employ the chisel or back end of the putty knife to gently hammer in the new sash and glazier's tips into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown at you or a rock that is errant or falling branch could cause a window to crack or break. Most windows can be repaired easily by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held in the position with a tiny metal clip, called a glazier's point and putty. This compound is also known as glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with the rag, a pull-type scraper or wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses while working. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll need employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive before taking it off.

If you're planning to install your original sash, remove the molding that holds the old pane. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready for new caulk. Once the sash is put back in place then, you can apply a silicone caulk on the glass. This will ensure that it won't get soiled or discolor over time.

Take out the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash, where the Glass window replacements is. If they're difficult to chisel, hold the hand tool, such as a heatgun over them for a few minutes to soften them. If you're using a heating gun, make sure not to cause damage to the railings or sash by holding the tool too closely.

Create a bed for your new pane by removing the old glaze points and putty. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, shaping it into a 1/2-inch thick. Press it into the rabbets where the glass will be placed. The glass should rest against the putty on both sides. If needed gently tap your glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane has damaged, you can use the silicone caulk or glass glue that is based on solvents to cover the crack before pressing it in the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you will need to use putty to keep water out. Once the putty is dry, wipe the oily film off of the glass and let it dry completely before you paint. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it won't form a solid seal and could be leaking or discoloring in time.

Paint

If you've had a broken window pane, then you may be worried about the expense of replacing it. However, replacing a single glass pane doesn't have to break the bank when you do it yourself. In fact, even a double-pane window can be replaced for only a fraction of the cost of a professional.

If you're working with large glass windows, first make sure it is securely attached to the frame. Using the proper tools and techniques to make this task relatively easy and speedy.

When you are ready to begin taking down the old window pane. Pry out the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are small metal triangles which act as "nails" that hold the window in place. They are placed under a glaze putty or bead that hardens to an unbreakable wedge that holds the wood frame in place and conceals the edges.

After taking off the old pane clean the frame and the wood. Scrape off any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were. Sand them down to bare wooden surfaces so you can paint the frames the same color. After sanding the wood then apply a layer of flax oil. This will help prolong the life of the frame.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of the window opening. You will need 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 a precise size for the new pane. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Bring these measurements to the hardware or home improvement store, and they will have cut the glass 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.