The Next Big Thing In The Replace Window Pane Industry

How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane could be a source of frustration. It can also be an opportunity to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows to reap benefits like greater comfort, a higher resale value and reduced utility bills.

You can do it yourself at less than what it would cost to hire an expert. It requires the right tools and an hour or two of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows seal replacement are outdated, deteriorating or broken replacing them with more modern glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while maintaining the historic integrity of older homes. The majority of homeowners with basic hand tools can repair the window pane. In addition to a replacement pane, the following components are required such as latex glazing putty; glazier's points; pliers; and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty, if necessary. Before starting, wear gloves and safety goggles as working with broken glass may cause injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. This is best accomplished with pliers, but a flathead screwdriver can also work in a pinch. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knives, to take away any old putty that remains around the frame and the window sash. Be careful not to scratch the window sash. Be careful and slow. It is a good idea to do this on a stable ladder rather than the ground, and to have someone stand below the sash in order to help hold it steady.

Prepare the window frame to accept the new pane when you have removed the old glue. Measure the width and height of the opening for the sash and subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be taken to a hardware or home center store to have a piece cut of stock glass to the right size. You can cut the glass yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

After installing the glass, apply 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 should not be so tight that they create friction between the sash and the frame but they shouldn't be loose.

Before applying the putty make sure to knead it until it is smooth and free of lumps. Then you can roll it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be glued to the corner of the frame. Work from one corner to the next, making sure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier’s points are small triangular pieces of steel that help secure the glass to the frame without causing any damage to the fragile surface. Learning how to use these tiny helpers is simple and could save you money on a professional installation or the cost of purchasing new glass.

After taking off the old putty, glazier points and any remnants Clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. Lightly sand the wood into the rabbet grooves to smooth out rough areas. If you do sand the wood, make sure to protect it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Take measurements of the empty frame and record precise measurements. These measurements can be taken to a home center or hardware store, and the new pane will be cut a bit smaller. This will ensure a snug fit, and allow for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and push it in place with your hand. Then use the point of your chisel or back end of the putty knife to pierce the glazier's points as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's point should be in line with the top edge of the pane and the raised shoulders should be just beneath that lip.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the edges of the new glass and into the rabbet grooves, to seal and protect them. Allow it to dry completely and cure.

When the glazing compound is dry, you're ready to install the new window sash. First, coat the wood with a heavy coat of Linseed oil. This will prevent the new putty from soaking up moisture and deteriorating and cracking over time. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or even the tip of the blade. Then use the chisel that is on the back of the tool or the back of the putty handle to gently hit the new sash, or glazier's point into grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball thrown at you or an unintentional rock, or a fallen branch can cause a window to crack or break. The majority of windows can be replaced easily by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held in position by a small metal clip, called a glazier's point and putty. This compound is also called glazing compound. Before installing a new pane, first remove the old one and clean the area using the help of a rag, a pull-type paint scraper or an abrasive wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while you do this work. You'll need a heat gun when the window is fixed into the frame.

If you plan to reinstall the original sash, gently remove the molding pieces that are used to secure the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready to receive new caulk. Once the sash is re-installed then, apply a new caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure it won't leak or discolor in time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash, which is where the glass is located. If they're difficult to work out, you can try holding a hand tool like a heat gun over them to soften them up first. If you're using a heat gun, be cautious not to damage the sash or its railings by placing the tool too tightly.

Once the old glazing points and putty have been removed prepare a bed for the new pane. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, shaping it into a 1/2-inch thick. Place it into the rabbets, where the glass will be placed. It is crucial that the glass for window replacement sits on the putty on both sides So if you have to do so, gently tap the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can cover it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk before pressing it into the sash. If not, you'll have to putty over the crack to create an airtight seal and keep water out. When the putty dries then clean the oily film off the glass using the help of a rag. Allow it to dry completely prior to painting. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it won't form a strong seal and may be leaking or discoloring in time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a damaged piece of glass. However, replacing one glass pane does not require a huge amount of money If you can do it yourself. Even a double-paned window can be replaced for a fraction of what it would cost for a professional.

If you're working with large glass Windows Glass replacement first, ensure that it is securely fixed to the frame. This job can be done relatively easy and quick with the proper tools and techniques.

When you are ready to start taking down the old window pane. Take out the metal glazing points that are attached to it. They are basically tiny metal triangles that function as "nails" that hold the window replacement in within the frame of wood. They are submerged beneath a bead or glazing glue that sets to form solid wedge which holds the wood frame in place and hides the sharp edges.

Once you have the old pane removed, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points were. Sand them down to bare wooden surfaces so you can paint the frames with the same shade. After sanding the wood then apply a layer of flax oil. This will help to prolong the life of the frame.

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. 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 measurements to a hardware or home improvement store and have a piece 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.