How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window handle replacement can cause a lot of trouble. It could be a chance to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones and enjoy advantages like improved comfort, increased resale value and lower utility costs.

You can do it yourself for a only a fraction of the cost it would cost to employ an expert. You'll only require the right tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

Replace your old single-paned windows with tempered insulation glass to improve energy efficiency, cut down on noise, and maintain the historical integrity of your old home. The procedure of replacing windows is simple and can be done by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. Alongside a replacement pane, the following items are needed: latex glazing putty; Glazier's points; pliers and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty if required. Before beginning, wear gloves and safety goggles as working with broken glass could cause injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. This is best done using pliers, though using a flathead screwdriver can also work in a pinch. After that, use a wood chisel or putty knife remove the remaining old putty from the frame and sash. Be careful and slow making sure not to break the current window sash. It is recommended to do this on a stable ladder instead of the ground and place someone on the sash in order to help hold it steady.

Make sure that the window frame is ready to accept the new pane when you have removed the old glue. Find the width and the height of the opening in the sash and subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). Bring these measurements to the nearest hardware store or home center, and find a piece glass cut to size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you have the right tools.

After putting in the new glass, apply some caulking around the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then, place a glazier's tip on the frame's opposite side to secure the pane into the right place. The points shouldn't be too tight that they create friction between the frame and the sash, but they should also not be loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, you must knead it thoroughly until it is soft and free from lumps. Then make it into pencil-sized strips. Place the first strip to the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to the next to ensure it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces of metal that allow glass to be secured into frames for nearest windows without scratching or damaging the fragile surface. Learning how to use these hidden tiny helpers is simple and could save you money on professional installation or the cost of purchasing new glass.

After the old putty as well as the glazier's points have been removed and the frame is thoroughly cleaned with a knife to get rid of any remaining residue. Lightly sand the wood in the rabbet grooves to smooth out rough areas. If you sand wood, protect it with painter’s tape to protect it from damage caused by accidental sanding.

Measure the empty frame's dimensions and record precise measurements. Take these measurements to an hardware store or home center and have the new pane made slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a tight fit, and allow for expansion and contraction.

Place the new window in the frame and push it into the frame using your hand. Then, use the tip of your chisel or the back of the putty knife to make a tap on the glazier's facets, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should be aligned with the top edge of your pane, and the raised shoulders should be just below that lip.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the rabbet grooves and edges of the new glass. This will protect and seal 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 new putty from soaking up moisture and deteriorating and cracking with time. Use a brush to apply this coat, or even the tip of the putty blade. Then, use the chisel on the back of the putty tool or the back of the handle to gently smash the new sash or glazier's point into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball hit or a rock thrown in error or a branch falling could result in a broken or cracked window pane. Luckily, most windows can be replaced by simply placing a new piece in the right place. The glass is held into place by a small metal clip, also known as a glazier's point and putty. This compound is also called glazing compound. Before installing a new pane, first get rid of the old one and clean up the area using the help of a rag, the pull-type paint scraper or the wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while you do this work. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll need use a heat gun to soften the adhesive prior to cutting it loose.

If you are planning to reinstall your original sash, remove the molding that holds the old pane. Then sand the sash to make sure it's flat and ready for a new caulk. Once the sash is re-installed then, apply a new silicone caulk around the glass to ensure it doesn't swell or fade over time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets, the grooves in the sash where the glass sits. If they're hard to chisel out, try placing a hand tool like a heat gun to soften them before you do. If you're using a heated gun, be careful not to scratch the railings or sash by using the tool too tightly.

Make a bed for your new pane after you have removed the old glaze points and putty. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, and form it into a 1/2-inch thick. Then, push it into the rabbets in which the glass will rest. The glass must be positioned against the putty on both sides. If you need to you want to tap your glass lightly into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack, you can cover it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk before pressing it into the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you'll require putty to keep water from getting in. After the putty has dried and the film is oily, wipe it off the glass with an abrasive and allow it to dry completely prior to painting. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it will not form a strong seal and may leak or discolor in time.

Paint

If you've suffered a break in a window pane, you may be worried about the cost of replacing it. The truth is, replacing a single pane glass doesn't have to be expensive when you do it on your own. Even double-paned windows can be replaced at a fraction of the cost it costs an expert.

First, if you are working on a large window, make sure that it is securely attached to the frame. This can be done relatively easy and fast using the appropriate tools and techniques.

When you are ready to start taking down the old window pane. Take out the metal glazing points attached to it. These are small metal triangles that function as "nails", holding the window in the frame. They are buried beneath a glaze putty or bead that sets to form solid wedge which holds the wood frame securely in place and hides the sharp edges.

After you have removed the old pane taken away Clean up the frame and wood. Scrape away any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points used to be. Sand them down to clean wooden surfaces, allowing you to paint the frames with the same color. After the sanding process, apply a coat of flax oil on the wood's surface to prolong its life.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of the window opening. You will need to take vertical and horizontal measurements of the entire opening, as well as the thickness of the old pane. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure you get a precise size for the new pane. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Take these dimensions to your local hardware or home improvement store and ask them to cut you cut the glass 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.