How to Replace Window Panes
A cracked window pane is an issue. It could be a chance to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones to enjoy benefits like increased comfort, higher resale value and lower utility costs.
This is a project you could take on yourself for less than the cost of hiring an expert. You only need the right tools and a few hours of your time.
Glass
If your single pane windows are old, deteriorating or broken 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. The process of replacing the window pane is simple and can be done by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. Alongside a replacement windows prices pane, the following tools are needed: latex glazing putty; Glazier’s points; pliers and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty, if necessary. Before beginning, wear gloves and safety goggles as working with broken glass may cause injuries.
Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. This can be done with pliers, but flathead screwdrivers can be used in the pinch. After that, use a wood chisel or putty knife take the remainder of the old putty around the frame and the sash. Be careful not to scratch the window sash. Take your time and work slowly. This should be done on a ladder, not the ground. Also, you should have someone below the sash keep it in place.
After you have removed all of the old putty, prepare the window frame to fit the new pane. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction, subtract 1/8 inch each from the measurements of width and height. These measurements can be taken to a home center or hardware store to get cut a piece of glass that is in stock to the correct size. You can cut the glass yourself if you possess the appropriate tools.
After putting in the new pane after installing the new pane, put a tiny amount of caulking around the edge to ensure it is weatherproof. Then install a glazier’s point on the frame’s opposite side to secure the pane into its place. The points shouldn’t be too tight that they cause friction between the frame and the sash however they should not be loose.
Before applying the putty to the surface, knead thoroughly until it is smooth and free of lumps. Then make it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be glued 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 small triangular pieces that help secure glass into the frame of a window without scratching or damaging the fragile surface. It’s easy to learn how to use this hidden tool, and you’ll save money on the cost of a professional installation.
After removing the old putty, glazier points as well as any remaining leftovers Clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife. Lightly sand the wood into the rabbet grooves, if necessary, to smooth rough areas. If you decide to sand the wood, ensure you protect it with painter’s tape to avoid accidental damage.
Measure the empty frame’s dimensions and write down accurate measurements. These dimensions can be taken to a home center or hardware store, and the new pane will be cut slightly smaller. This will ensure a tight fit and leave room for expansion and contraction.
Place the new pane into the frame and push it into place firmly with your hand. Utilize the point of the chisel, or the back of the putty blade to tap the glazier’s points as shown in Figure 11. When you’re done, they should be flush with the top edge of the pane and the shoulders that are raised of the points should be just below the lip of the rabbet groove.
Apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the edges of the new glass and into the rabbet grooves, to seal and protect them. Let it dry and cure completely.
Install the new window sash after the glazing compound has dried. First, saturate the wood with a thick coat of Linseed oil. This will stop the new putty from soaking up the moisture and deteriorating and cracking over time. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or the tip of the putty blade. Then, use the chisel that is on the back of the tool or the back of the handle to gently hammer the new sash or glazier’s point into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches around the frame.
Putty
A baseball that is thrown or a rock that is errant or falling branch could cause a window pane to break or crack. The majority of windows can be repaired easily by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held into 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 a rag, a pull-type scraper, or a wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while doing this work. If the window is secured to the frame, you’ll have to use a heat gun to soften the adhesive before cutting it loose.
If you are planning to reinstall your original sash, remove the mold that holds the old pane. Then, sand the sash to ensure it’s smooth and ready for new caulk. After the sash has been installed then, you can apply a silicone caulk to the glass. This will ensure that it doesn’t get soiled or discolor over time.
Remove the glazing points from the rabbets and the grooves in the sash, where the glass sits. If they’re hard to chisel, use a hand tool such as a heatgun over them to soften first. If you’re using a heating gun, be careful not to scratch the railings or sash by using the tool too tightly.
Make a bed for your new pane after removing the old glaze and putty. Roll a rope made of glazing compound between your fingers, and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Press it into the rabbets, where the glass will be placed. The glass must be positioned against the putty on both sides. If necessary you want to tap your glass lightly into the rabbet with your thumb.
If the new pane is cracked you can fill it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk prior to pressing it into the sash. If not, repaired you’ll have to putty over the crack to create an airtight seal and keep water out. Once the putty is dry, wipe the oily film from the glass and allow it to dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty has completely dry, it will not form an effective seal and could leak or discolor in time.
Paint
You may be concerned about replacing a damaged piece of glass. The truth is, replacing a single pane of glass doesn’t need to be costly when you do it on your own. Even double glazed windows replacement-paned windows can be replaced for a fraction of what it would cost for a professional.
If you are working with large glass windows first, ensure that it is securely fixed to the frame. Using the proper tools and techniques, you can complete this task easily and speedy.
When you are ready to start, remove the old window pane. Remove the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are essentially small metal triangles which function as “nails” which hold the window in within the frame of wood. They are submerged beneath a glaze putty or bead that sets to form a solid wedge that holds the wood frame in place and hides the sharp edges.
After you have the old pane removed, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any old paint, and sand the rabbet grooves in which the glazing points were. Sand them to bare wooden surfaces so you can paint the frames the same shade. After sanding the wood you can apply a layer flax oil. This will help to extend its life.
The next step is to determine the width of the window’s opening. It is necessary 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 allow for seasonal changes in the glass. You can bring these measurements to a hardware or home improvement shop and 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.