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How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window can cause a lot of trouble. It could be a chance to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones to enjoy advantages like improved comfort, increased resale value and lower utility costs.

You can do it yourself for a fraction of what it would cost to hire an expert. You only need the appropriate tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are old broken, deteriorating or damaged replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated will increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while maintaining the original character of older homes. A majority of homeowners with hand tools can replace windows with ease. You will also require an additional window pane, glazier's suggestions, pliers, and latex glaze putty. If necessary you can use a heatgun to warm the old putty. Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to beginning. Working with broken glass could cause serious injuries.

Remove any broken glass pieces that remain. This is best done using pliers, though using a flathead screwdriver can also be used in the pinch. After that, use a wood chisel, or putty knife, to take the remainder of the old putty from around the frame and the sash. Work slowly and carefully making sure not to break the current window sash. This should be done on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, you should have someone below the sash keep it in place.

Once you have removed all of the old putty, it is time to 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 taken to a home center or hardware store to get a piece cut of glass stock to the proper size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you possess the right tools.

After putting the new pane in place After installing the new pane, apply a small amount of caulking around the edges to ensure it is weatherproof. Install a glazier’s point on both sides of the frame. This will help secure the pane. The points should not be so tight that they create friction between the sash and the frame but they shouldn't be too loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, knead thoroughly until it is soft and free from lumps. Make it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the frame's corner. Work from one corner to another to ensure it's even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

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

After getting rid of the old putty glazier points and any remnants clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife. If needed, lightly sand the wood along grooves of the rabbets to smooth rough areas. If you sand wood, cover it with painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Take the dimensions of the frame and note down precise measurements. These dimensions can be taken to the hardware or home center store, and the new frame will be cut to a smaller size. This will ensure a tight fit, and allow for expansion and contraction.

Insert the new pane into the frame and press it down with your hands. Utilize the chisel's point, or the back of the putty blade to tap the glazier's points as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should sit aligned with the top edge of the pane and the shoulders should be just below 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.

After the glazing compound dries it's time to put in the new window Panel replacement sash. First, you need to coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will keep the new putty from taking in the moisture and drying out and cracking with time. Use a brush to apply this coat, or even the tip of the putty blade. Then use the chisel on the back of the putty tool or the back of the handle to gently hit the new sash, or glazier's point into rabbet grooves. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown or a rock thrown in error, or a fallen tree could result in a broken or cracked window. The majority of windows can be replaced by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held into the position with a tiny metal clip, referred to as the glazier's point, and putty. This compound is also called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with an abrasive, pull-type scraper, or a wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses while you do this work. If the replacement window is attached to the frame, you'll need make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive before prying it free.

If you're planning to install your original sash, remove the molding that holds the old pane. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready to receive new caulk. Once the sash is re-installed then, apply a new silicone caulk around the glass to ensure that it won't leak or discolor in time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets, the grooves in the sash, where the glass sits. If they're difficult to chisel, hold a hand tool such as a heating gun over them to allow them to soften before. If you're using a heat gun, be cautious not to cause damage to the sash or its railings by holding the tool too close.

Make a bed for your new pane after you have removed the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, forming it to be around 1/2-inch thick. Place it into the rabbets where the glass will be put. The glass should rest against the putty on both sides. If necessary, lightly tap your glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has cracked, you can use a silicone caulk or a glass glue made from solvents to seal the crack before pressing it into the sash. In other cases, you'll need to apply putty on the crack to form an impervious seal to keep water out. Once the putty is dry clean the oily film from the glass and let it dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty has completely dry, it will not form an effective seal and could be leaking or discoloring over time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, then you may be concerned about the expense of replacing it. However, replacing one glass pane does not need to cost a fortune when you do it yourself. In fact, even a double-pane window can be replaced at a fraction of the cost of a professional.

If you are working on a large window, make sure it is securely attached to the frame. By using the correct tools and techniques to complete this task easily and fast.

When you are ready to begin with the removal of the window pane. Take out the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are small metal triangles that act as "nails" to hold the window in the frame. They are placed under a bead of glazing putty, which hardens into a solid, molded wedge which holds the window in place and conceals the edges.

After removal of the old pane clean the frame and the wood. Scrape off any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were. Sand them down to clean wood surfaces, so that you can paint the frames with the same color. After the sanding process, apply a coat of flax oil to the bare wood to help extend its lifespan.

Next, measure the width of the window's opening. You will need to measure the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the entire opening, as well as the thickness. To get the exact size of the new pane subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Bring these measurements to the hardware or home improvement store, and they will have cut the glass 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.