How to Replace Window Panes
A damaged window pane can be 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 task you can do yourself for less than the cost of hiring a professional. It requires the right tools and only an hour or two of your time.
Glass
If your single-pane windows are outdated broken, deteriorating or damaged, replacing them with newer glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while maintaining the historic integrity of older homes. A majority of homeowners with hand tools can repair a window pane. You will also require a
replacement windows prices window pane, glazier's tips, pliers, and latex glaze putty. If necessary, you can use a heating gun to warm the old putty. Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to beginning. Working with broken glass could result in serious injuries.
Take away any broken glass pieces remaining. It is recommended to use pliers however a flathead could be used as well. After that, use a wood chisel, or putty knife, to take the remainder of the old putty from the frame and sash. Be careful to not scratch the window sash. Take your time and work slowly. This should be done on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, ensure that someone lower to keep it in place.
Make sure the window frame is ready to accommodate the new pane once you have removed the old glue. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction by subtracting 1/8 inch from the measurements of width and height. Bring these measurements to a hardware store or home center, and have a piece of stock glass cut to size. You can also cut the glass yourself if have the right tools.
After putting the new pane in place, run a small bead of caulking along the edge to make it weatherproof. Then, place a glazier's tip on each side of the frame to secure the pane in its place. The points shouldn't be too tight as to cause friction between the sash and the frame but they shouldn't be loose.
Before putting the putty on, make sure to knead it until it's soft and free of lumps. Then, roll it into pencil-size strips. Place the first strip to the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to the next to ensure it is even and smooth.
Glazier's Points
The glazier's points are the tiny triangular pieces of steel that help secure glass into a window frame without damaging or scratching the delicate surface. Knowing how to use these hidden tiny pieces of help is simple and could save you money on professional installation or the cost of new glass.
After the old putty as well as the glazier's points have been removed, thoroughly clean the frame with a utility knife to remove any remaining traces. Lightly sand the frame in the rabbet grooves to smooth out rough areas. If you do sand your wood, ensure you protect it by using painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.
Take the dimensions of the frame and write down accurate measurements. These measurements can be brought to an hardware or home centers store, and the new pane will be cut a bit smaller. This will ensure that the pane fits comfortably and allows for expansion and contraction.
Place the new pane in the frame and press it down using your hands. Then use the point of your chisel or back of the putty knife to make a tap on the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. After you're done, the points should be in line with the top edge of the pane, and the raised shoulders of the points should be below the rabbet's rim groove.
Apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the edges of the new glass and in the rabbet grooves, to seal and protect them. Let it dry completely and cure.
Install the new window sash when the glazing compound has dried. First, you need to coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will prevent the new putty from drying out and cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply the coat using a brush or the edge of your putty knife, and then use the chisel or the back end of 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 perimeter of the frame.
Putty
A baseball that is thrown, an errant rock or a falling branch can cause a window pane to crack or break. Fortunately, windows can be repaired by simply putting a brand new piece in place. The glass is held in place with a small metal clip called a glazier's point, and
pvc putty, which is often called glazing compound. Before you install a new pane, first remove the old one and clean up the area using a rag and a pull-type paint scraper or the wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses while doing this work. If the window is glued 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 in the future, take care to remove any pieces of molding that are used to secure the old pane. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready to receive new caulk. Once the sash is put back in place, you can apply a silicone caulk on the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't be leaking or fade over time.
Remove the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, which is where the glass is located. If they're hard to chisel, hold an instrument such as a heating gun over them to allow them to soften before. If you're using a heated gun, be cautious not to scratch the railings or sash by holding the tool too close.
Make the bed for your new pane after you have removed the old glaze and putty. Roll a rope with glazing compound between your fingers and make it around 1/2 inch thick. Press it into the rabbets, where the glass will be put. The glass should rest against the putty on both sides. If needed you want to tap your glass lightly into the rabbet with your thumb.
If the new pane is cracked then you can seal it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk before pressing it into the sash. If the crack is not 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 with an abrasive and allow it to completely dry before painting. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it will not form a solid seal and could discolor or
pvc leak in time.
Paint
You might be worried about replacing a broken pane of glass. The truth is, replacing a single piece of glass doesn't have to be expensive if you do it on your own. Even a double-paned window could be replaced for a fraction of the price it will cost a professional.
If you're working with large glass windows first, ensure that it is securely attached to the frame. Using the proper tools and techniques to accomplish this task fairly easily and fast.
When you are ready to start with the removal of the window pane. Pry out the metal glazing points attached to it. They are basically tiny metal triangles which function as "nails" which hold the window in place within the frame of wood. They are submerged under a bead of glazing putty, which transforms into a solid molded wedge that holds the window firmly in place and conceals the window's points.
Once you have the old pane taken away, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any old paint, and sand the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were. Sand them down 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.
The next step is to measure the dimensions of the window opening.