5 Clarifications On Replace Window Pane
How to Replace Window Panes
A cracked window pane can be a source of frustration. It could be a chance to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones to enjoy benefits such as improved comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility costs.
It's a project you can tackle yourself at only a fraction of the cost of hiring an expert. You only need the appropriate tools and a few minutes of your time.
Glass
Replace your old single-paned windows using tempered or insulate glass to improve the efficiency of your energy, reduce noise, and protect the original character of your old home. A majority of homeowners with hand tools can replace the window pane. In addition to a new pane, the following items are needed for the Replacement glass in windows process: latex glazing putty pliers, glazier's points and an electric heater to warm the old putty, if needed. Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to beginning. Working with broken glass can cause serious injuries.
Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. This is best accomplished with the help of pliers though using a flathead screwdriver can also work in a pinch. After that, use a wood chisel or putty knife remove the rest of the old putty from around the frame and the sash. Take your time and work slowly making sure not to break the current window sash. This is best done on a ladder, not the ground. Also, have someone below the sash ensure it is held steady.
After you have removed all the old putty, prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane. Find the width and the height of the opening for the sash and subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). Take these measurements to an hardware store or home center, and get a piece of stock glass cut to size. Alternately, you can cut the glass yourself, if you have the right tools.
After putting in the new glass, apply caulking to the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Install a glazier's point on both sides of the frame. This will secure the pane. The points shouldn't be too tight that they create friction between the frame and sash but they shouldn't be too loose.
Before applying the putty on the surface, gently knead it until it becomes soft and free from lumps. Make it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be glued to the frame's corner. Work from corner to corner and ensure that it is even and smooth.
Glazier's Points
The glazier's points are the small triangular pieces of metal that help secure glass into a window frame without damaging or scratching the delicate surface. It's easy to understand how to use this nefarious tool and you can save money on the expense of a professional installation.
After taking off the old putty, glazier points as well as any remaining remnants, clean the frame thoroughly with an utility knife. If needed, lightly sand the wood along rabbet grooves to smooth out rough areas. If you do sand the wood, ensure you protect it by using painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.
Write down the dimensions of the frame. 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 tight fit and will allow room for expansion and contraction.
Place the new pane in the frame and push it in using your hands. Then, you can use the point of your chisel or the back end of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's points as shown in Figure 11. When you're done, they should be flush with the top edge of the pane and the raised shoulders of the points should be just below the lip of the rabbet groove.
Apply a small amount 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 fully.
When the glazing compound is dry it's time to put in the new window sash. First, you need to coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will prevent the new putty from taking up moisture and drying out and cracking over time. Use a brush to apply this coat, or even the tip of the putty blade. Then, use the chisel that is on the back of the putty tool or the back of the handle to gently hammer the new sash or glazier's point into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.
Putty
A baseball thrown or a rock thrown by error, or a tree falling could result in a broken or cracked window pane. Most windows can be repaired easily by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held in place by small clips made of metal called a glazier's point, and putty, often called glazing compound. Before installing a new pane, first remove the old one and clean the area with the help of a rag, the pull-type paint scraper or an abrasive wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses while doing this work. You'll need a heat gun in the event that the window is glued to the frame.
If you're planning to reinstall your original sash, remove the molding that supports the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready to receive new caulk. After the sash has been re-installed then, apply a new silicone caulk to the glass to ensure that it won't leak or discolor over time.
Remove the glazing points from the rabbets and the grooves in the sash where the glass sits. If they're difficult to work out, try placing a hand tool like a heat gun over them to soften them before you do. If you're using a heat gun, be careful not to damage the railings or sash by using the tool too close.
After the old glazing points and putty have been removed make a bed for the new pane. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, shaping it to be around 1/2-inch thick. Press it into the rabbets, where the glass will be placed. It is essential that the glass rests against the putty on each side, so if you need to do so, gently tap the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.
If the new pane has cracked, you can apply a silicone caulk or glass glue made from solvents to fill in the crack before pressing it into the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you'll need to apply putty to keep water from getting in. Once the putty is dry, wipe the oily film from the glass and let it dry completely before painting. Paint after the putty has completely dried. It will not make a strong seal and could be leaking or discoloring over time.
Paint
You might be worried about replacing a broken piece of glass. The truth is, replacing a single pane glass doesn't have to be expensive even if you do it your own. Even a double-paned window could be replaced for a fraction of what it would cost an expert.
If you are working on a large-sized window, make sure it is securely attached to the frame. Using the proper tools and techniques you can accomplish this task fairly easily and speedy.
When you are ready to start, remove the old window pane. Pry out the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are tiny triangles of metal that act as "nails" that hold the replacement window seals in place. They are placed under a bead of glazing putty that hardens into a solid, formed wedge that secures the window in place and conceals the points.
After you have the old pane removed clean the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any paint that has been used, and sand the rabbet grooves in which the glazing points were placed. These should be sanded to bare wood so that you can paint them the same shade as the rest of the frame. After sanding, apply a layer of flax oil on the wood's surface to extend the life of the frame.
Next, measure the dimensions of the window's opening. You'll need to take horizontal and vertical measurements of the entire opening as well as the thickness of the old pane. To determine the exact size of the new pane, subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. You can take these measurements to a hardware 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.