10 Locations Where You Can Find Replace Window Pane

How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane could be a source of frustration. It can also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy-efficient or insulated windows to enjoy benefits such as greater comfort, a higher potential for resales, and less bills.

It's a task you can do yourself for only a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional. You'll only require the appropriate tools and a few minutes of your time.

Glass

Replace your old single-paned windows with tempered or insulated glass to increase the efficiency of your energy, reduce noise, and maintain the historic integrity of your old home. Most homeowners with basic hand tools can repair windows with ease. In addition to a replacement pane, the following tools are required: latex glazing putty; pliers, glazier's points and a heat gun for warming the old putty, if needed. Before starting, put on gloves and safety goggles as working with broken glass can cause injuries.

Take away any broken glass pieces remaining. This can be done with a pair of pliers, however, flathead screwdrivers can be used in a pinch. Make use of a wood chisel or putty knives to remove any old putty that remains around the frame and window sash. Work slowly and carefully, taking care not to break the existing window sash. It is best to do this using a sturdy ladder rather than the ground and have someone standing below the sash to help keep it steady.

Once you have removed all of the old putty, it is time to prepare the window frame to accommodate 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 hardware or home center store to get a piece cut of stock glass to the right size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

After putting in the new glass Apply a small amount of caulking on the edges. This will make the glass weatherproof. Install a glazier's point on both sides of the frame. This will secure the pane. The points shouldn't be so tight that they create friction between the frame and sash however they should not be too loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, knead thoroughly until it is soft and free of lumps. Then make it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be glued to the corner of the frame. Work from one corner to another to ensure it's even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are tiny triangular pieces of steel that help secure glass into frames for windows without scratching or damaging the delicate surface. It's easy to understand how to use this nefarious tool, and you'll save money on the cost of an installation by a professional.

After removing the old putty, glazier points, and any other residue Clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. Lightly sand the frame in the rabbet grooves if needed to smooth out rough areas. If you decide to sand the wood, be sure to protect it by using painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Note down the exact dimensions of the frame. Bring these measurements to a hardware store or a home center, and have the new pane cut smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure that the pane fits snugly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and press it in place by using your hands. Then, you can use the point of your chisel or back of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's points as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should sit flush against the top edge of your pane, and the raised shoulders should be just beneath that lip.

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

When the glazing compound is dry it's time to put in the new window sash. First, coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will stop the new putty from drying out and cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply this coat using a brush or the tip of your putty knife, and then employ the chisel or back end from the putty knife to gently hammer the new sash and glazier's points into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown at you or an unintentional rock, or a fallen branch can cause a window to break or crack. Most windows can be repaired easily by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held into position by a small metal clip, called a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also known as glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with the rag, a pull-type scraper or wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while working. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll need to employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive before cutting it loose.

If you plan to reinstall the original sash, remove any pieces of molding that secure the old pane. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready for glazing new caulk. After the sash has been installed it is possible to apply a silicone caulk to the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't leak over time or discolor.

Remove the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, where the glass is located. If they're hard to chisel, use the hand tool, such as a heating gun over them to allow them to soften before. If you're using a heated gun, make sure not to scratch the railings of the sash or the sash itself by using the tool too close.

Make a bed for your new pane by removing the old glaze points and putty. Roll a rope made of glazing compound between your fingers and make it around 1/2 inch thick. Then, you can press it into the rabbets, where the glass will rest. It is essential that the glass rests against the putty on each side, so if you need to tap it, gently press the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack 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 need to use putty to keep the water out. After the putty has dried then clean the oily film off the glass using a rag and allow it to dry completely prior to painting. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it won't form an effective seal and could be leaking or discoloring in time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a damaged piece of glass. However, replacing a single glass pane doesn't require a huge amount of money If you can do it yourself. Even a double glazing window replacement-paned window can be replaced for a fraction of the price it would cost an expert.

If you are working with large glass windows first, ensure that it is securely fixed to the frame. This task is relatively easy and fast with the right tools and techniques.

If you're ready to begin, begin by removing the old window pane by removing the glazing points of metal that are attached to it. These are tiny triangles of metal that act as "nails" that hold the window in the frame. They are placed under a bead or glazing glue that hardens to a solid wedge that holds the wood frame securely in place and hides the points.

After you have removed the old pane removed 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 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 prolong the life of the frame.

Next, measure the width of the window opening. It is necessary to take horizontal and vertical measurements of the entire opening as well as the thickness of the old pane. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure that you get a precise size for the new pane. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. You can take these measurements to a hardware store 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.