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How to Replace Window Panes

A cracked window pane can be a source of frustration. It could also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows, and reap benefits like more comfort, higher potential for resales, and less bills.

You can do it yourself for a less than what it would cost to hire an expert. You'll only require the appropriate tools and a few minutes of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are outdated broken, deteriorating or damaged replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while also preserving the historic integrity of older homes. Most homeowners with basic hand tools can replace window pane the window pane. You'll also require an additional window pane, glazier's tips pliers, and latex glazing putty. If needed, you can make use of a heat gun to warm the old putty. Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to starting. Working with broken glass could cause serious injuries.

Take away any broken glass pieces that remain. It is recommended to use pliers, but a flathead can be useful equally. Make use of a wood chisel or putty knives to remove any old putty that remains around the frame and the window sash. Be careful and slow and be careful not to damage the old window sash. It is a good idea to do this using a sturdy ladder rather than on the ground and place someone on the sash to help keep it steady.

Prepare the window frame to receive the new pane once you have removed the old glue. Find the width and the height of the opening for the sash, subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and replace window pane contraction). Take these measurements to the nearest hardware store or home center, and get a piece of stock glass cut to size. Alternatively, you can 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 the frame's opposite side to hold the pane in place. The points shouldn't be too tight that they create friction between the frame and the sash, but they should also not be loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, gently knead it until it becomes soft and free from lumps. Make it into pencil-sized strips. Place the first strip to the corner of the frame, working from one corner to another so that it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces of metal that allow glass to be secured into frames for windows without damaging or scratching the delicate surface. Understanding how to use these tiny helpers is simple and can save you money on a professional installation or the cost of new glass.

After the old putty and the glazier's points have been removed Clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife to get rid of any remaining residue. If needed it is necessary to lightly sand the wood along grooves of the rabbet to smooth rough areas. If you do sand your wood, ensure you protect it with painter's tack to avoid accidental damage.

Take measurements of the empty frame and note down precise measurements. Take these measurements to an hardware store or home center and request that the new pane made slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure that the pane fits comfortably and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and push firmly with your hands. Then, use the tip of your chisel or 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 aligned with the top edge of your pane and the shoulders should be just below that lip.

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

After the glazing compound dries and the glazing compound is dry, you can install the new window sash. First, saturate the wood with a heavy coat of linseed oil. This will stop the new putty from drying out or cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply this coat using a brush or the edge of your putty knife, then employ the chisel or back end from the putty knife to gently hammer the new sash and glazier's point into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A baseball that is thrown, an errant rock or a falling branch can cause a window to crack or break. Luckily, most windows can be repaired by simply putting a brand new piece of glass in its place. The glass is held in the position with a tiny metal clip, also known as a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also called glazing compound. Before you install a new pane, first take out the old one and clean the area with an abrasive and an abrasive scraper that is a pull type or the wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves when working. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll need employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive prior to prying it free.

If you plan to reinstall the original sash, remove any pieces of molding that hold the old pane in place. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready to receive new caulk. Once the sash is installed, you can apply a silicone caulk to the glass. This will ensure that it won't be leaking or fade over time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets, the grooves in the sash, where the glass is. If they're difficult to chisel, hold a hand tool such as a heatgun over them for a few minutes to soften them. When using a heated tool, be careful to not damage the sash and its railings.

Prepare a bed for your new pane by removing the old glaze and putty. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, shaping it into a 1/2-inch thick. Then, you can press it into the rabbets where the glass will be. The glass must rest against the putty on both sides. If needed you want to tap your glass lightly into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can cover it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk prior pressing it into the sash. If not, you'll have to apply putty over the crack to form a tight seal and keep water out. Once the putty is dry, wipe the oily film from the glass and let it dry completely before you paint. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it won't create a solid seal and could discolor or leak in time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a broken pane of glass. The truth is, replacing a single pane of glass doesn't need to be costly when you do it on your own. In fact even windows with double glazed window replacement panes can be replaced for only a fraction of the cost of an expert.

If you're working with a large glass window first ensure it is securely attached to the frame. This can be made relatively simple and quick with the right tools and techniques.

When you are ready to begin, remove the old window pane. Take out the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are tiny triangles of metal that function as "nails" that hold the window in place. They are buried beneath a layer of glazing putty, which hardens into a solid, molded wedge which holds the window in place and hides the edges.

Once you have the old pane taken away Clean up the frame and wood. Scrape away 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 with the same shade. After sanding the wood, apply a layer of flax oil. This will help to extend its life.

Next, measure the dimensions of the window screen replacement's opening. You'll need to determine 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 a precise size for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasons of changes. Take these measurements to your local hardware or home improvement store 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.