20 Things That Only The Most Devoted Replace Window Pane Fans Know

How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane can be an inconvenience. It could be a chance to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones and enjoy benefits like increased comfort, higher resale value and lower utility costs.

It's a project you can do yourself for a fraction of the cost of hiring an expert. You only need the proper tools and a few minutes of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are old damaged, cracked or deteriorating replacing them with modern insulated or tempered glass can increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while preserving the historic integrity of older homes. Most homeowners with basic hand tools can replace the window pane. In addition to a Replacement Window Pane pane, the following items are required: latex glazing putty; Glazier's points; pliers and a heat gun for warming the old putty, if necessary. Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin. Working with broken glass can cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. This is best accomplished with a pair of pliers, though using a flathead screwdriver may work in a pinch. Then, use a wooden chisel, or putty knife, to take the remainder of the old putty from the frame and the sash. Be careful to not break the window sash. Work slowly and carefully. It is a good idea to work on a stable ladder rather than on the ground and to place someone on the sash to help keep it steady.

Once you've removed all the old putty, prepare the window frame for the new pane. Measure the width and height of the opening for the sash and subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be taken to a hardware or home center store to get cut a piece of glass stock to the proper size. You can also cut the glass yourself, if you have the tools you need.

After installing the new pane after installing the new pane, put a tiny amount of caulking around the edge to make it weatherproof. Install a glazier's point on both sides of the frame. This will ensure the pane. The points shouldn't be too tight that they create friction between the frame and sash however they should not be too loose.

Before putting the putty on, make sure to knead it until it is smooth and free of lumps. Cut it into pencil-sized pieces. Place the first strip to the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to another to ensure it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier’s points are small triangular pieces of metal which help to secure the glass to the frame without damaging the delicate surface. It's simple to learn how to use this hidden tool, and you'll save money on the expense of a professional installation.

After the old putty as well as the glazier's point are gone Clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife to eliminate any remaining traces. If necessary, lightly sand the wood along rabbet grooves to smooth rough spots. If you do sand your wood, be sure to protect it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Note down the exact dimensions of the frame. Take these measurements to a hardware store or home center, and have the new pane cut smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure that the pane fits snugly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and push it in with your hands. Use the point of the chisel or the back of the putty knife to tap in the glaziers' points as shown in Figure 11. When you're done taping, they should be level with the top edge of the pane. the raised shoulders of the points should be just below the rabbet's rim groove.

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

Install the new window sash when the glazing compound has dried. First, coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will prevent the newly-created putty from drying out or cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply the coat using a brush or the edge of your putty knife, and then employ the chisel or back end of the knife to gently press the new sash and glazier's tips into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches along the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball thrown, a rock thrown in error, or a tree falling can result in a cracked or cracked window. The majority of windows can be replaced easily by installing a new piece. The glass is held in place by tiny metal clips known as the glazier's pointed and putty, which is often called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with an abrasive, pull-type scraper or wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while working. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll have to employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive before cutting it loose.

If you are planning to replace the original sash, gently remove the molding pieces that are used to secure the old pane. Then sand the sash to make sure it's flat and ready to be re-caulked. Once the sash is re-installed and sanded, apply a fresh caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure it doesn't swell or fade over time.

Remove the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, which is where the glass is. If they're difficult to chisel, use the hand tool, like a heat gun over them to soften first. When using a heating tool, make sure to not scratch the sash and its railings.

Create a bed for your new pane after removing the old glaze points and putty. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, and form it to be around 1/2-inch thick. Place it into the rabbets where the glass will be put. It is essential that the glass is positioned against the putty on each side If you have to do so, gently tap the glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane has damaged, you can use a silicone caulk or glass glue made from solvents to fill in the crack before pressing it into the sash. Otherwise, you'll need to putty over the crack to form an impervious seal to keep water out. After the putty is dry then clean the oily film off the glass with the help of a rag. Allow it to dry completely prior to painting. Paint after the putty has dried completely. It won't make a strong seal and may discolor or leak over time.

Paint

If you've suffered a break in a window pane, you might be concerned about the expense of a new one. In reality, replacing a single pane of glass doesn't have to be costly even if you do it your own. Even replacement double glazed window-paned windows can be replaced for a fraction of what it would cost of a window replacement for a professional.

If you are working with a large glass window, first make sure it is securely fixed to the frame. This task can be made relatively simple and fast with the appropriate tools and techniques.

When you are ready to begin taking down the old window pane. Remove the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are essentially small metal triangles that act as "nails" which hold the window in in the wood frame. They are buried beneath a bead or glazing glue which hardens into an unbreakable wedge that holds the wood frame in place and hides the points.

After you have the old pane taken away clean the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape away any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points used to be. These should be sanded to the point of being bare, to allow you to paint them the same color as the rest of the frame. After sanding, apply a layer of flax oil to the bare wood to prolong its life.

The next step is to determine the size of the window's opening. It is necessary to take horizontal and vertical measurements of the entire opening, and also the thickness of the old pane. 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 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 replacement window glass 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.