15 Things You Didn't Know About Replace Window Pane

How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane could be a nuisance. This can be an opportunity to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones, and reap advantages like improved comfort, increased resale values and reduced utility bills.

You can do it yourself for a fraction of what it would cost to hire an expert. It requires the right tools and an hour or two 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 increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while maintaining the original character of older homes. The procedure of replacing a window pane is relatively simple and can be done by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. You will also require a replacement window pane, glazier's suggestions, pliers, and latex glaze putty. If necessary you may make use of a heat gun to warm the old putty. Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to starting. Working with broken glass can cause serious injuries.

Remove any broken glass pieces that remain. This can be done with the help of pliers though using flathead screwdrivers can be effective in the pinch. Then, use a wooden chisel or putty knife to take the remainder of the old putty around the frame and sash. Work slowly and carefully and be careful not to damage the old window sash. It is recommended to do this on a stable ladder instead of the ground and have someone stand below the sash to help keep it in place.

Once you've removed all the old putty, it is time to prepare the window frame for the new pane. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction, subtract 1/8 inch each from the measurements of the width and height. Take these measurements to an hardware store or home center and have a piece of stock glass cut to size. Alternatively, you can cut the glass yourself if you have the tools you need.

After putting in the new glass Apply a small amount of caulking around the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Install a glazier's pointing on both sides of the frame. This will help secure the pane. The points should not be so tight that they cause friction between the sash and frame but they should not be too loose.

Before applying the putty work it in a gentle manner until it is soft and free of lumps. Then, roll it into pencil-size strips. Apply the first strip to the corner of the frame, working from one corner to the other to ensure it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces of steel that allow glass to be secured into the window panes replacement frame without causing any damage to the fragile surface. It's easy to learn how to use this hidden tool, and you'll be able to save money on the cost of an expert installation.

After taking off the old putty, glazier points as well as any remaining remnants clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife. Lightly sand the frame in the rabbet grooves to smooth rough areas. If you decide to sand wood, protect it with painter's tape to protect it from damage caused by accidental sanding.

Write down the dimensions of the frame. Take these measurements 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 allow for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and push it in using your hands. Then use the point of your chisel, or the back of the putty knife to make a tap on the glazier's points as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should sit flush against the top edge of the pane and the shoulders raised should be just beneath that lip.

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.

Install the new window sash once the glazing compound has dried. First, you need to coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will stop the new putty drying out or cracking when it absorbs moisture. Apply this coat with a brush or the tip of your knife, and then use the chisel or the back end of the putty knife to gently press the new sash and glazier's points into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown at you, an errant rock or falling branch could cause a window pane to crack or break. Most windows can be repaired easily by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held into position by a small metal clip, called the glazier's point, and putty. This compound is also referred to as glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with an abrasive, pull-type scraper or wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while working. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll need to make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive before cutting it loose.

If you are planning to replace the original sash, gently remove the molding pieces that hold the old pane in place. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready to receive new caulk. After the sash has been installed, you can apply a silicone caulk on the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't leak over time or discolor.

Take out the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, which is where the glass is. If they're difficult to work out, you can try holding an instrument like a heat gun to soften them first. When using a heating tool, make sure to not damage the sash's railings and sash.

After the old points of glazing and putty have been removed, make a bed for the new pane. 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 placed. The glass must be positioned against the putty on both sides. If necessary you want to tap your glass lightly into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is damaged, you can use the 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 will need to use putty to keep water out. When the putty dries and the film is oily, wipe it off the glass using an abrasive and allow it to completely dry before painting. Paint after the putty has dried completely. It won't create a solid seal and could leak or discolor with time.

Paint

If you've had a broken window pane, you may be worried about the cost of replacing it. However, replacing a single glass pane doesn't need to cost a fortune If you can do it yourself. In fact, even a double-pane window can be replaced for less than the cost of a professional.

First, if you're working on a large-sized window, make sure that it is securely fastened to the frame. By using the correct tools and techniques to accomplish this task fairly easily and speedy.

When you're ready to start taking off the old window by prying out the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are basically small metal triangles which function as "nails" which hold the window in place within the frame of wood. They are buried under a bead of glazing putty, which is then cured to form a solid, moulded wedge that secures the window in place and conceals the window replacements near me's points.

After removing the old pane, clean the frame and wood. Scrape away any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were. These should be sanded down to bare wood to allow you to paint them the same shade as the rest of the frame. After sanding the wood then apply a layer of flax oil. This will help prolong the life of the frame.

Then, you need to measure the size of the window opening. It is necessary to measure the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the entire opening, as well as the thickness. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure that you get the exact measurement for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasonal change. 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.