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How to Replace window pane Window Panes

A cracked window pane is an inconvenience. It could be a chance to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones to enjoy benefits such as improved comfort, higher resale value and lower utility costs.

It's a project you can take on yourself for only a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional. You'll need only the appropriate tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are old damaged, cracked or deteriorating, replacing them with newer insulated or tempered glass can improve energy efficiency and reduce noise while preserving the historical integrity of older homes. The majority of homeowners with basic hand tools can replace windows with ease. In addition to a replacement window glass pane, the following tools are required: latex glazing putty; pliers, glazier's points and an electric heater to warm the old putty if required. Before starting, wear gloves and safety glasses as working with broken glass can cause injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. It is best to use pliers for this however a flathead could be useful as well. Then, use a wooden chisel or putty knife to remove the remaining old putty from around the frame and sash. Be careful not to break the window sash. Be careful and slow. It is best to do this using a sturdy ladder rather than the ground, and to place someone on the sash in order to help hold it in place.

Make sure the window frame is ready to accommodate the new pane when you have removed the old glue. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction and contraction, subtract 1/8 inch from the measurements of width and height. These measurements can be sent to a home center or hardware store to get an item cut from stock glass to the right size. Alternatively, you can cut the glass yourself if you have the tools you need.

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 ensure the pane. The points shouldn't be tight enough to create friction between the frame and the sash However, they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, you must knead it thoroughly until it is smooth and free from lumps. Then make it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the frame's corner. Work from corner to corner and ensure that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces of metal which help to secure glass into a window frame without damaging or scratching the delicate surface. It's easy to learn how to use this hidden tool, and you'll save money on the expense of an installation by a professional.

After removing the old putty, glazier points as well as any remaining leftovers Clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. If necessary, lightly sand the wood in the grooves of the rabbet to smooth rough areas. If you decide to sand wood, cover it with painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Write down the dimensions of the frame. Take these dimensions to a hardware store or home center, and have the new pane made slightly 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 into the frame using your hand. Then, you can use the point of your chisel or the back end of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's points as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's points should be aligned with the top edge of your pane, and the shoulders should be just below that lip.

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

After the glazing compound dries, you're ready to install the new window sash. First, coat the wood with a heavy coat of linseed oil. This will prevent the newly-created putty from drying out and cracking when it absorbs moisture. Apply this coat with a brush or the tip of your putty knife, then use the chisel or the back end from the putty knife to gently press the new sash and glazier's tips into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball hit, a rock thrown in error or a branch falling can result in a cracked or cracked window. Luckily, most windows can be easily replaced by simply putting a brand new piece of glass in its the proper place. The glass is held in place using a small metal clip called a glazier's point and putty, also called glazing compound. Before installing a replacement pane, first get rid of the old one and replace window pane clean up the area with a rag and a pull-type paint scraper or the wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves when you work. If the window is attached to the frame, you'll need to employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive prior to taking it off.

If you are planning to replace the original sash, remove the molding pieces that secure the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready to receive new caulk. Once the sash is reinstalled, you can apply a silicone caulk on the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't get soiled or discolor over time.

Take out the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash, which is where the glass is located. If they are hard to cut, place a hand tool like a heat gun over them for a few minutes to soften them. When using a heat tool, make sure to not damage the sash or its railings.

Once the old glazing points and putty have been removed prepare a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, forming it to be about 1/2-inch thick. Press it into the rabbets where the glass will be put. The glass must rest against the putty on both sides. If you need to gently tap your glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can use the silicone caulk or glass glue that is based on solvents to seal the crack prior to pressing it into the sash. If not, you'll have to apply putty on the crack to form an airtight seal and keep water out. When the putty dries then clean the oily film off the glass using a rag and allow it to completely dry before painting. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it won't create a solid seal and could discolor or leak over time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a broken pane of glass. It's true that replacing a single pane glass doesn't have to be expensive if you do it on your own. In fact windows with double panes can be replaced at only a fraction of the cost of a professional.

First, if you're working on a large-sized window, make sure that it is securely fixed to the frame. This task can be made relatively simple and fast with the right tools and techniques.

Once you're ready to begin with the removal of the old window by prying out the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are small metal triangles that function as "nails", holding the window within the frame. They are submerged beneath a glaze putty or bead that sets to form solid wedge that holds the frame in place and hides the points.

After you have the old pane removed, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves that the glazing points were. These should be sanded down to bare wood, so that you can paint them the same color as the rest the frame. After sanding the wood, apply a layer of flax oil. This will help to extend its life.

The next step is to determine the size of the window's opening. You'll need to determine the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the entire opening as well as the thickness. To determine the exact dimensions of the new pane, subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. 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.