How to Replace Window Panes

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

You can do it yourself at less than what it would cost to employ an expert. You'll only require the right tools and a few hours 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 can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the original character of older homes. A majority of homeowners with hand tools can repair windows with ease. You'll also require an additional window pane, glazier's suggestions, pliers, and latex glaze putty. If you need to 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 result in serious injuries.

Take out any broken glass pieces that remain. It is best to use pliers however, a flathead may work as well. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knife to get rid of any old putty remaining around the frame and the window replacement sash windows cost. Be careful not to break the replacement window locks sash. Be careful and slow. This should be done on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, have someone lower to hold it steady.

Make sure that the window frame is ready to receive the new pane when you have removed the old putty. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction, subtract 1/8 inch each from the measurements of width and height. These measurements can be sent to an hardware or home centers store to have a piece cut of glass stock to the proper size. You can cut the glass yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

After installing the new glass After installing the glass, apply some caulking on the edges. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then, place a glazier's tip on each side of the frame to hold the pane in its place. The points shouldn't be too tight as to cause friction between the sash and the frame, but they also shouldn't be loose.

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

Glazier's Points

The glazier’s points are small triangular pieces of steel which help to secure the glass into the window frame without causing any damage to the fragile surface. Understanding how to use these hidden little helpers is easy and could save you money on professional installation or the cost of new glass.

After taking off the old putty, glazier points as well as any remaining leftovers clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife. Lightly sand the wood in the rabbet grooves, if necessary, to smooth out rough areas. If you do sand your wood, make sure to protect it by using painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Write protective glasses and gloves when you work. If the window is attached to the frame, you'll have to make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive before prying it free.

If you are planning to replace the original sash in the future, take care to remove any pieces of molding that are used to secure the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready to receive new caulk. After the sash has been installed then, you can apply a silicone caulk over the glass. This will ensure that it won't be leaking or fade over time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets and the grooves in the sash that the glass sits. If they're difficult to work out, try placing the hand tool, such as a heat gun over them to soften them before you do. When using a heat tool, be careful to avoid damaging the sash's railings and sash.

Create the bed for your new pane after you have removed the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your fingers and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Place it into the rabbets where the glass will be placed. The glass must be positioned against the putty on both sides. If you need to, lightly tap your glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack you can fill it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk prior to pressing it into the sash. In other cases, you'll need to apply putty over the crack to form a tight seal and keep water out. When the putty dries and the film is oily, wipe it off the glass using a rag and allow it to completely dry before painting. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it won't create a solid seal and could discolor or leak in time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, you might be concerned about the expense of replacing it. But the truth is that replacing a single glass pane doesn't have to break the bank if you do it yourself. In fact Replacements Windows with double panes can be replaced at a fraction of the cost of an expert.

If you're working with a large glass window, first make sure it is securely attached to the frame. This task can be done relatively easy and quick with the proper tools and techniques.

When you're ready to start taking off the old window by removing the glazing points of metal that are attached to it. These are tiny metal triangles which act as "nails", holding the window in place. They are submerged beneath a bead or glazing glue which hardens into solid wedge that holds the wood frame securely in place and hides the sharp edges.

After taking off the old pane clean the frame and the wood. Scrape off any paint that has been used and sand the rabbet grooves that the glazing points were. These should be sanded to bare wood so that you can paint them the same color as the rest of the frame. After sanding, apply a layer of flax oil on the bare wood to prolong its life.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of the replacement window pane's opening. You'll need to take horizontal and vertical 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 change. Take these measurements to the hardware or home improvement store and ask them to cut you the glass replacement for windows near me cut for you.

Now, it's time to bed the new replacement window pane 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.