How to
Replace Window pane Window Panes
A damaged window pane could cause a lot of trouble. It could be a chance to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones to enjoy benefits such as improved comfort, increased resale value and lower utility costs.
You can do it yourself for a fraction of what it would cost to employ an expert. It requires the right tools and an hour or two of your time.
Glass
If your single pane windows are old damaged, cracked or deteriorating replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated will increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while preserving the historic integrity of older homes. A majority of homeowners with hand tools can repair the window pane. In addition to a replacement pane, the following tools are required: latex glazing putty; Glazier's points; pliers and a heat gun for warming the old putty if required. Before starting, wear protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass can cause injuries.
Take out any broken glass pieces remaining. It is recommended to use pliers for this however, a flathead may be useful equally. Then, use a wooden chisel, or putty knife, to take the remainder of the old putty from around the frame and the sash. Be careful and slow making sure not to break the existing window sash. It is recommended to work on a stable ladder rather than the ground and have someone standing below the sash to help keep it in place.
Once you have removed all of the old putty, it is time to prepare the
window replacement panes frame to fit the new pane. Find the width and the height of the opening for the sash, subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be sent to an hardware or home centers store to get cut a piece of stock glass to the right size. You can also cut the glass yourself, if you have the right tools.
After putting in the new pane After installing the new pane, apply a small amount of caulking around the edge to make it weatherproof. Then, you can install a glazier's pointing on each side of the frame to hold the pane in place. The points should not be so tight that they create friction between the sash and the frame, but they also shouldn't be loose.
Before applying the putty on the surface, knead thoroughly until it is smooth 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 so that it is smooth and even.
Glazier's Points
The glazier's points are the small triangular pieces which help to secure glass into frames for windows without scratching or damaging the fragile surface. It's simple to learn how to use this hidden tool and you can save money on the cost of a professional installation.
After getting rid of the old putty glazier points as well as any remaining residue Clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife. If needed you can lightly sand the wood along grooves of the rabbet to smooth out rough spots. If you sand wood, protect it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.
Write down the dimensions of the frame. These measurements can be brought to the hardware or home center store, and the new pane will be cut to a smaller size. This will ensure a secure fit and leave room for expansion and contraction.
Place the new pane into the frame and
replace window pane press it down with your hands. Then, you can use the point of your chisel or back end of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's facets, as illustrated in Figure 11. When you're done, they should be in line with the top edge of the pane. 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 to the rabbet grooves as well as the edges of the new glass. This will protect and seal the edges. Let it dry completely and cure.
After the glazing compound dries it's time to put in the new window sash. First, coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will prevent the newly-created putty drying out or cracking due to the moisture it absorbs. Use a brush to apply this coat, or 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 tip into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches around the frame.
Putty
A hurled baseball, an errant rock or falling branch could cause a window pane to break or crack. Fortunately, windows can be replaced by simply placing a new piece in place. The glass is held into the position with a tiny metal clip, referred to as a glazier's point and putty. This compound is also referred to as glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with a rag, a pull-type scraper, or a wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while you do this work. You'll require a heat gun if the window is glued into the frame.
If you plan to reinstall the original sash in the future, take care to remove the molding pieces that hold the old pane in place. Then, sand the sash to ensure it's smooth and ready for a new caulk. Once the sash is re-installed, apply a new caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure it doesn't swell or fade in time.
Take the glazing points out of the rabbets, the grooves in the sash where the glass sits. If they're hard to chisel, hold the hand tool, like a heat gun over them for a few minutes to soften them. If you're using a heated gun, be careful not to cause damage to the sash or its railings by using the tool too tightly.
After the old glaze points and putty are removed, prepare a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope with glazing compound between your fingers, and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Then, press it into the rabbets where the glass will be. It's important that the glass is positioned against the putty on both sides, so if you need to do so, gently tap the glass into the rabbet with your thumb.
If the new pane has cracked, you can use a silicone caulk or glass glue that is based on solvents to cover the crack before pressing it in the sash. Otherwise, you'll need to putty over the crack to form an impervious seal to keep water out. After the putty has dried clean the oily film from the glass and allow it to dry completely before you paint. Paint before the putty has dried completely. It will not make a strong seal and could leak or discolor with time.
Paint
You might be worried about replacing a broken piece of glass. The truth is, replacing a single piece of glass doesn't need to be costly even if you do it your own. In fact, even a double-pane window can be replaced for a fraction of the cost of a professional.
If you're working with large glass windows first, ensure that it is securely fixed to the frame. This is relatively easy and quick with the proper tools and techniques.
If you're ready to begin, begin by removing the old window pane by removing the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are essentially small metal triangles which function as "nails" that hold the window in place in the wood frame. They are placed beneath a layer of glazing putty that is then cured to form a solid, molded wedge that secures the window in place and conceals the edges.
After taking off the old pane clean the frame and wood. Scrape off any paint that has been used and sand down the rabbet grooves that the glazing points were placed. They should be sanded to the point of being bare, to allow you to paint them the same shade as the rest of the frame. After sanding the wood, apply a layer of flax oil. This will help 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.
