How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged or cracked replacement window near me can be a nuisance. It can also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy-efficient or insulated windows, and benefit from more comfort, higher resale value and reduced utility bills.

You can do it yourself at only a fraction of the cost it would cost to hire an expert. You'll need only the right tools and a few minutes of your time.

Glass

If your single pane windows are old, deteriorating or broken replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while also preserving the historical integrity of older homes. The majority of homeowners with basic hand tools can replace a window pane. You will also need an extra window pane, glazier's suggestions, pliers, and latex glazing putty. If you need to you may use a heatgun to warm the old putty. Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin. Working with broken glass could cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. It is recommended to use pliers, but a flathead can work equally. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knife to get rid of any old putty that remains around the frame and the window sash. Be careful and slow making sure not to break the existing window sash. It is a good idea to work on a sturdy ladder instead of the ground and to have someone stand below the sash in order to help hold it in place.

Make sure the window frame is ready to accept the new pane after you have removed the old glue. Take measurements of the width and height of the sash opening and subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be sent to a hardware or home center store to have a piece cut of stock glass to the right size. You can cut the glass yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

After putting in the new pane after installing the new pane, put a tiny amount of caulking around the edges to make it weatherproof. Then, you can install a glazier's pointing on the frame's opposite side to hold the pane in the right place. The points shouldn't be too tight that they cause friction between the sash and the frame, but they also shouldn't be loose.

Before applying the putty make sure to knead it until it's soft and free of lumps. Then, roll it into pencil-size strips. Apply the first strip to the frame's corner. Work from one corner to another, making sure it is 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 damage to the delicate surface. It's easy to understand how to use this nefarious tool, and you'll be able to save money on the expense of an installation by a professional.

After the old putty and the glazier's point are gone Clean the frame thoroughly with a utility knife to remove any remaining traces. Lightly sand the frame in the rabbet grooves to smooth out rough areas. If you do sand the wood, make sure to protect it by using painter's tape to prevent 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 a tight fit and will allow room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and press it into place firmly with your hand. Use the point of the chisel, or the edge of the putty blade to tap the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's point should be in line with the top edge of the pane and the shoulders should be just below that lip.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the edges of the glass that has been made and into the rabbet grooves, to seal and protect them. Allow this to dry and cure fully.

When the glazing compound is dry it's time to put in the new window replacements sash. The first step is to coat the wood with a heavy coat of Linseed oil. This will prevent the new putty from taking up the moisture and drying out and cracking over time. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or the tip of the blade. Then use the chisel that is on the back of the putty tool or the back of the handle to gently hit the new sash, or glazier's point into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.

Putty

A baseball that is thrown or an unintentional rock, or falling branch could cause a window pane to break or crack. Most windows can be replaced by putting in a new piece. 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 referred to as glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using an abrasive, pull-type scraper or wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while you do this work. If the 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 are planning to reinstall your original sash, remove the molding that holds the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready for new caulk. Once the sash is put back in place it is possible to apply a silicone caulk over the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't be leaking or fade over time.

Take out the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, where the glass is. If they're difficult to chisel, use an instrument like a heat gun over them to soften first. When using a heated tool, be careful to avoid damaging the sash and its railings.

Create the bed for your new pane after you have removed the old glaze points and putty. Roll a rope made of glazing compound between your fingers and then make it about 1/2 inch thick. Then, push it into the rabbets where the glass will rest. It is crucial that the glass is positioned against the putty in all places on each side, so if you need to do so, gently tap the glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked then you can seal it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk prior pressing it into the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you will require putty to keep water from getting in. When the putty dries, clean the oily film off the glass using a rag and allow it to dry completely before painting. Paint after the putty is completely dry. It will not make a strong seal and may leak or discolor with time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, you might be concerned about the expense of a new one. But the truth is that replacing a single glass pane doesn't have to break the bank If you can do it yourself. In fact, even a double-pane window can be replaced for only a fraction of the cost of a professional.

First, if you are working on a large-sized window, ensure that it is securely fastened to the frame. Using the proper tools and techniques you can accomplish this task fairly easily and quick.

If you're ready to begin taking off the old window by prying out the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are essentially small metal triangles that act as "nails" which hold the window glass replacement in within the frame of wood. They are placed beneath a layer of glazing putty that is then cured to form a solid, formed wedge that secures the window in place and conceals the edges.

After removing the old pane, clean the frame and the wood. Scrape off any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points used to be. Sand them down to bare wooden surfaces, allowing you to paint the frames the same shade. After sanding the wood then apply a layer of flax oil. This will help extend its life.

Then, take measurements of the dimensions of the window's opening. You will need to measure 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 have the exact size for the new pane. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Take these measurements to a hardware or home improvement store, and they will 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.