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How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane can be an issue. It can also be an opportunity to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows and enjoy benefits such as more comfort, higher resale value and reduced utility costs.

It's a task you can take on yourself for less than the cost of hiring a professional. You'll need only the right tools and a few minutes of your time.

Glass

If your single pane windows are old broken, deteriorating or damaged replacing them with more modern glass that is tempered or insulated will improve energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the historical integrity of older homes. The process of replacing windows is easy and can be completed by anyone with basic hand tools. Alongside a replacement of window glass pane, the following components are needed such as latex glazing putty; glazier's points; pliers; and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty, if necessary. Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to starting. Working with broken glass could cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. This can be done with the help of pliers but flathead screwdrivers can work in a pinch. Use a wood chisel, or putty knife to get rid of any old putty remaining around the frame and window sash. Be careful to not scratch the window sash. Be careful and slow. It is a good idea to do this on a sturdy ladder rather than on the ground and to have someone stand below the sash in order to help hold it steady.

Once you have removed all of the old putty, prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane. Take measurements of the width and height of the sash opening by subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be sent to a hardware or home center store to have a piece cut of glass stock to the proper size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you have the right 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 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 knead it thoroughly until it is soft and free of lumps. Then, roll it into pencil-size strips. The first strip should be placed in the corner of the frame, working from one corner to another so that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are tiny triangular metal pieces which help to secure the glass to the frame without causing damage to the delicate surface. Knowing how to use these hidden little helpers is easy and could save you money on a professional installation or the cost of new glass.

After removing the old putty, glazier points and any residue clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife. Lightly sand the wood into the rabbet grooves, if necessary, to smooth rough areas. If you do sand the wood, ensure you protect it with painter's tack to avoid accidental damage.

Note down the exact dimensions of the frame. Take these dimensions to a hardware store or a home center and have the new pane cut slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a tight fit and leave room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and push it into the frame with your hand. Use the chisel's point, or the back of the putty blade to tap in 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 beneath that lip.

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

Install the new window sash when the glazing compound has dried. First, coat the wood with a thick coat of Linseed oil. This will prevent the new putty drying out or cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or the point of the blade. Then use the chisel on the back of the tool or the back of the putty handle to gently hit the new sash, or glazier's tip into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.

Putty

A hurled baseball or an unintentional rock, or a fallen branch can cause a window pane to break or crack. Fortunately, the majority of windows can be repaired by simply placing a new piece in the proper place. The glass is held in position by a small metal clip, also known as a glazier's point and putty. This compound is also referred to as glazing compound. Before installing a new pane, first take out the old one and clean up the area with the help of a rag, a pull-type paint scraper or the wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses when you work. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll need to employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive prior to prying it free.

If you're planning to reinstall the original sash, take off the mold that holds the old pane. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready for new caulk. After the sash has been re-installed, apply a new silicone caulk around the glass to ensure it won't leak or discolor as time passes.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets, or the grooves in the sash that the glass is. If they are hard to chisel, hold the hand tool, like a heat gun over them to soften first. When using a heat tool, make sure to not scratch the sash's railings and sash.

Make a bed for your new pane by removing the old glaze and putty. Roll a rope with glazing compound between your fingers and make it around 1/2 inch thick. Press it into the rabbets where the glass will be put. It's important that the glass is positioned against the putty on both sides If you have to do so, gently tap the glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is damaged, you can use a silicone caulk or glass glue made from solvents to cover the crack before pressing it in the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you will need to apply putty to keep water from getting in. Once the putty is dry remove the oily film off the glass and let it dry completely before painting. Paint before 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 damaged piece of glass. However, replacing a single glass pane doesn't need to cost a fortune if you do it yourself. In fact windows with double panes can be replaced at less than the cost of a professional.

If you are working with large glass windows, first make sure it is securely attached to the frame. With the right tools and techniques you can accomplish this task fairly easily and fast.

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" to hold the window within the frame. They are buried beneath a bead or glazing glue which hardens into solid wedge that holds the frame securely in place and hides the sharp edges.

After removal of the old pane clean the frame and the wood. Scrape off any old paint, and sand the rabbet grooves in which the glazing points were. Sand them to bare wooden surfaces, allowing you to paint the frames the same shade. After the sanding process, apply a coat of flax oil on the wood's surface to help extend its lifespan.

Next, measure the dimensions of the window replacements near me (what google did to me)'s opening. You will need to take vertical and horizontal measurements of the entire opening, and also 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 also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasons of changes. You can take 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.