You ll Never Guess This Replace Window Pane s Secrets

How to Replace Window Pane Window Panes

A cracked window pane can cause a lot of trouble. This could be an opportunity to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones and enjoy advantages like improved comfort, increased resale value and lower utility costs.

You can do it yourself at only a fraction of the cost it would cost to employ an expert. You only need the proper tools and a few minutes of your time.

Glass

Replace your single-paned windows with tempered insulation glass to improve the efficiency of your energy, reduce noise, and maintain the historic integrity of your older home. Most homeowners with basic hand tools can repair the window pane. In addition to a replacement double glazed window pane, the following tools are required for the replacement process: latex glazing putty Glazier's points; pliers and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty, if needed. Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin. Working with broken glass can cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. This is best accomplished with a pair of pliers, however, a flathead screwdriver may be effective in a pinch. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knives to remove any old putty that remains around the frame and window sash. Be careful not to break the window sash. Work slowly and carefully. It is a good idea to do this on a stable ladder instead of the ground and to have someone stand below the sash to help hold it steady.

After you've removed all the old putty, prepare the window frame to fit the new pane. Measure the width and height of the sash opening and subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and Replace window pane contraction). These measurements can be taken to an hardware or home centers store to have an item cut from glass stock to the proper size. You can cut the glass yourself if you have the right tools.

After putting in the new pane, run a small bead of caulking around the edges to ensure it is weatherproof. Then, you can install a glazier's pointing on each side of the frame to secure the pane in its place. The points should not be so tight that they cause friction between the frame and sash, but they also should not be too loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, knead thoroughly until it is soft and free from lumps. Cut it into pencil-sized pieces. Place the first strip in the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to another so that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular metal pieces which help to secure the glass into the window frame without causing any damage to the fragile surface. It's easy to understand how to use this hidden tool and you can save money on the expense of a professional installation.

Once the old putty and glazier's points are removed, thoroughly clean the frame with a knife to eliminate any remaining residue. Lightly sand the wood in the rabbet grooves if needed to smooth rough areas. If you do sand your wood, ensure you protect it by using painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Take measurements of the empty frame and write down accurate measurements. Bring these measurements to an hardware store or home center and have the new pane cut slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a tight fit and will allow room for expansion and contraction.

Insert the new pane into the frame and push it in using your hands. Then, use the tip of your chisel or back of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's points as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's points should sit in line with the top edge of your pane and the shoulders should be just below the lip.

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

Install the new window sash when the glazing compound has dried. First, saturate the wood with a heavy coat of Linseed oil. This will stop the new putty from soaking in the moisture and drying out and cracking with time. Apply this coat using a brush or the tip of your putty knife, and then use the chisel, or the back end from the putty knife to gently hammer in the new sash and glazier's points into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball hit or a rock thrown in error, or a fallen tree can result in a cracked or cracked window. The majority of windows can be replaced by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held into the position with a tiny metal clip, also known as a glazier's point and putty. This compound is also called glazing compound. Before you install a new pane, first take out the old one and clean the area with an abrasive and the pull-type paint scraper or the wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while working. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll need to use a heat gun to soften the adhesive before taking it off.

If you are planning to replace the original sash, remove any molding pieces that hold the old pane in place. Then you can sand the sash down to ensure it's smooth and ready for a new caulk. Once the sash is installed then, you can apply a silicone caulk over the glass. This will ensure that it won't get soiled or discolor over time.

Remove the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash where the glass is located. If they are hard to chisel, use an instrument like a heat gun over them for a few minutes to soften them. When using a heating tool, be careful to not damage the sash and its railings.

Prepare the bed for your new pane after removing the old glaze points and putty. Roll a rope with glazing compound between your fingers and then make it 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 needed gently tap your glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack then you can seal it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk prior pressing it into the sash. If not, you'll have to apply putty over the crack to form a tight seal and keep water out. When the putty dries then clean the oily film off the glass using an abrasive and allow it to completely dry before painting. Paint after the putty is completely dry. It will not form a good seal and may be leaking or discoloring over time.

Paint

If you've had a broken window pane, then you may be worried about the expense of replacing it. But the truth is that replacing one glass pane does not have to break the bank If you can do it yourself. Even double glazing replacement windows-paned windows can be replaced for a fraction of the price it would cost a professional.

If you're working with large glass windows first ensure it is securely attached to the frame. By using the correct tools and techniques, you can accomplish this task fairly easily and fast.

When you're ready to start taking off the old window pane by prying out the glazing points of metal that are attached to it. These are essentially small metal triangles which function as "nails" which hold the window in within the frame of wood. They are placed beneath a layer of glazing putty that is then cured to form a solid, moulded wedge that secures the window in place and conceals the window's points.

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

The next step is to determine the width of the window opening. It is necessary to measure the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the entire opening as well as the thickness. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure that you get the exact measurement 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.