Everything You Need To Learn About Replace Window Pane

How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window can be a source of frustration. It could be a chance to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones, and reap advantages like improved comfort, increased resale values and lower utility costs.

It's a task you can do 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 damaged, cracked or deteriorating replacing them with more modern glass that is tempered or insulated will increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while preserving the original character of older homes. The procedure of replacing the window pane is easy and can be accomplished by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. You will also require a replacement window pane, glazier's suggestions, pliers, and latex glazing putty. If you need to, you can make use of a heat gun to warm the old putty. Before starting, wear gloves and safety goggles as working with broken glass may cause injuries.

Take out any broken glass pieces that remain. It is best to use pliers for this however, a flathead may work as well. After that, use a wood chisel, or putty knife, to remove the remaining old putty from the frame and sash. Be careful not to break the window sash. Be careful and slow. It is a good idea to work on a sturdy ladder instead of the ground and to have someone stand below the sash to help keep it in place.

Prepare the window frame to accept the new pane after you have removed the old putty. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction by subtracting 1/8 inch from the measurements of width and height. Bring these measurements to a hardware store or home center and find a piece glass cut to size. You can also cut the glass yourself if you have the right tools.

After putting the new pane in place After installing the new pane, apply a small amount of caulking along the edge to seal it against weather. Then install a glazier's point on each side of the frame to secure the pane into place. The points should not be too tight that they cause friction between the frame and the sash However, they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, you must knead it 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 to ensure it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are tiny triangular pieces of steel that help secure glass into frames for windows without scratching or damaging the delicate surface. Learning how to use these tiny pieces of help is simple and can save you money on a professional installation or the cost of buying new glass.

After the old putty as well as glazier's points are removed and the frame is thoroughly cleaned with a knife to get rid of any remaining residue. Lightly sand the wood into the rabbet grooves if needed to smooth rough areas. If you decide to sand wood, protect it with painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Take measurements of the empty frame and note down precise measurements. These measurements can be brought to the hardware or home center store, and the new frame will be cut slightly smaller. This will ensure that the pane fits snugly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Insert the new pane into the frame and push it in with your hands. Utilize the point of the chisel, or the back of the putty knife to tap the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's point should be in line with the top edge of your pane, and the raised shoulders should be just below that lip.

Apply a thin layer glazing compound on the rabbet grooves and edges of the glass. This will seal and protect the edges. Allow it to dry and cure completely.

Install the new window sash once the glazing compound has dried. The first step is to coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will keep the new putty from sucking in the moisture and deteriorating and cracking with time. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or the point of the putty blade. Then use the chisel that is on the back of the tool or the back of the handle to gently hammer the new sash or glazier's tip into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown at you or a rock that is errant or a falling branch can cause a window pane to break or crack. Fortunately, windows can be easily replaced by simply placing a new piece of glass in its place. The glass is held in position by a small metal clip, referred to as a glazier's point and putty. This compound is also called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with the rag, a scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while you do this work. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll need to make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive prior to prying it free.

If you plan to reinstall the original sash in the future, take care to remove any molding pieces that secure the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready to receive new caulk. After the sash has been re-installed, apply a new caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure it doesn't swell or fade over time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, which is where the glass is. If they're difficult to chisel, use an instrument such as a heatgun over them to soften first. When using a heat tool, be careful to not damage the sash or its railings.

Create a bed for your new pane after you have removed the old glaze and putty. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your fingers and make it around 1/2 inch thick. Then, push it into the rabbets, where the glass will sit. It's important that the glass is positioned against the putty in all places on each side, so if you need to tap it, gently press the glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can cover it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk prior to pressing it into the sash. If not, you'll have to apply putty on the crack to create an airtight seal and keep water out. After the putty has dried clean the oily film from the Glass replacement for Window and allow it to dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it won't form a strong seal and may discolor or leak over time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a damaged piece of glass. In reality, replacing a single pane glass doesn't have to be expensive when you do it on your own. In fact, even a double-pane window can be replaced for only a fraction of the cost of a professional.

If you are working on a large-sized window, ensure that it is securely fastened to the frame. By using the correct tools and techniques you can make this task relatively easy and quick.

When you are ready to begin taking down the old window glass replacement pane. Pry out the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are small metal triangles that act as "nails" that hold the window in the frame. They are submerged under a bead of glazing putty that is then cured to form a solid, formed wedge that secures the window in place and conceals the edges.

Once you have the old pane taken away clean the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape away any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points were. These should be sanded 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 prolong the life of the frame.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of the window's opening. You'll need to determine the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the entire opening as well as the thickness. To determine the exact size of the new pane, subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasonal change. You can bring these measurements to a hardware or home improvement shop and have 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.