How to Replace Window Panes

A cracked window pane is an issue. It can also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy-efficient or insulated windows to reap benefits like improved comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility bills.

It's a task you can tackle yourself at only a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional. It requires the right tools and only an hour or two of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are outdated, deteriorating or broken replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while maintaining the original character of older homes. The replacement Window pane of windows is easy and can be completed by anyone with basic hand tools. In addition to a replacement of window glass pane, the following items are required: latex glazing putty; glazier's points; pliers; and an electric heater to warm the old putty, if needed. Wear safety goggles and gloves before you begin. Working with broken glass could cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. It is best to use pliers however, a flathead may be used equally. After that, use a wood chisel or putty knife remove the remaining old putty from the frame and sash. Be careful and slow, taking care not to break the existing window sash. It is recommended to do this on a stable ladder rather than on the ground and to have someone standing below the sash to help hold it steady.

Make sure the window frame is ready to accommodate the new pane once you have removed the old glue. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction by subtracting 1/8 inch from the measurements of width and height. Take these measurements to the nearest hardware store or home center, and get a piece of stock glass cut to size. You can cut the glass yourself if you have the right tools.

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

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

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular metal pieces that allow glass to be secured into the window screen replacement frame without causing damage to the delicate surface. Learning how to use these hidden tiny helpers is simple and can 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 remnants, clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife. Lightly sand the frame in the rabbet grooves to smooth rough areas. If you sand wood protect it with painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Take the dimensions of the frame and write down accurate measurements. These measurements can be brought to the hardware or home center store and the new pane will be cut slightly smaller. This will ensure a snug fit, and allow for expansion and contraction.

Place the new window in the frame and push it into place firmly by using your hands. Then, use the tip of your chisel or back end of the putty knife to pierce the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should be flush against the top edge of your pane, and the shoulders raised should be just below the lip.

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

Install the new window sash when the glazing compound has dried. The first step is to coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will prevent the new putty from drying out and cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply the coat using a brush or the tip of your knife, and then use the chisel or the back end of the knife to gently hammer the new sash and glazier's point into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown, a rock thrown in error, or a fallen tree can cause a broken or cracked window pane. Fortunately, the majority of windows can be replaced by simply putting a new piece in the right place. The glass is held in place with a small metal clip called a glazier's point, and putty, also called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using the rag, a pull-type scraper, or a wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves when you work. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll need to employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive before prying it free.

If you are planning to replace the original sash, remove the molding pieces that are used to secure the old pane. Then sand the sash to ensure it's level and ready to be re-caulked. Once the sash is installed and sanded, apply a fresh silicone caulk to the glass to ensure it won't leak or discolor in time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, where the glass is. If they're hard to cut, place an instrument such as a heatgun over them for a few minutes to soften them. When using a heat tool, be sure to avoid damaging the sash or its railings.

Once the old glaze points and putty have been removed, make a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your fingers, and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Then, press it into the rabbets in which the glass will rest. It is essential that the glass sits on the putty in all places on each side If you have to, lightly tap the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can cover it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk prior to pressing it into the sash. Otherwise, you'll need to putty over the crack to create an impervious seal to keep water out. When the putty dries, clean the oily film off the glass using an abrasive and allow it to dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it won't form a strong seal and may discolor or leak in time.

Paint

If you've had a broken window pane, you may be worried about the expense of replacing it. However, replacing a single glass pane doesn't have to break the bank if you do it yourself. In fact even windows with double panes can be replaced at only a fraction of the cost of an expert.

First, if you're working on a large window, ensure that it is securely fixed to the frame. This job can be done relatively easy and quick with the appropriate tools and techniques.

Once you're ready to begin with the removal of the old window pane by prying out the glazing points of metal that are connected to it. These are essentially small metal triangles which function as "nails" which hold the window in in the wood frame. They are buried beneath a layer of glazing putty that transforms into a solid moulded wedge that secures the window in place and conceals the window's points.

After you have removed 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 down to bare wood, to allow you to paint them the same shade as the rest of the frame. After sanding the wood you can apply a layer flax oil. This will help prolong the life of the frame.

Then, you need to measure the size of the window's opening. You will need to measure the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the entire opening as well as the thickness. 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 in times of seasonal changes. Take these dimensions to a hardware or home improvement store and have a piece cut for you.

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

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