9 . What Your Parents Teach You About Window Pane Replacement
How to Do Window Pane Replacement
If a window pane cracks or breaks, it should be replaced as soon as possible. This can cause a loss in energy efficiency or cause moisture to build up between the two panes.
The average homeowner can easily replace a window pane at less than the cost of replacing a complete window. To replace a window, you'll need to remove the window you have already installed, clean the frame and apply the new glue.
Removal of the Old Pane
The first step in replacing windows is to remove the window. It is important to use protective equipment, such as gloves and a face mask. If you are able, it is best to work on the floor and use a ladder that can be secured securely to prevent falling. After the old pane has been removed, you can begin working on the window's frame. It's a good idea to lightly sand the area. Apply a layer of linseed onto the frame of the wood after this to allow the glazing compound to remain pliable.
When you are ready begin the actual project Make sure that your workspace is free of any clutter and that you have all the tools you will need. You will need to use an utility knife to scrape off any old glue that remains on the glass or within the frame of the window. It can take some time and effort, but it is crucial to ensure a high-quality finished product.
Once you've removed the old putty, you will have an opening that is clean to accommodate your new window. Take a measurement of the opening and subtract 1/8 inch from both the length and width to ensure that you get the new window pane that fits well. You can also take a piece of the old window to a hardware store in order to make sure it matches the style of glass and the thickness.
Window panes aren't just meant to be pretty, they can actually make your home more efficient in energy use by reducing the loss of heat, glare and noise. Replacing a single window pane is not a difficult task.
Once you have replaced the broken pane, it must seal and caulk around the edge of the new window to hold it in its place. This will not only provide a great aesthetic finish, but it will also ensure that your new window is energy efficient and watertight. The installation of a window film will save you money on energy bills by reducing the amount of heat that is lost through your windows.
Removing the Putty
The glazing putty that holds panes glass window replacement in their frames can be very difficult to remove. It is often difficult to remove since it hardens and dries. To avoid this it is recommended that the old putty be removed before installing the new window. It's not easy to get rid of window putty however, with perseverance and determination it can be done. Wearing leather gloves and eye protection is a must when working with glass. It can be dangerous.
Take out any nails or spriggs holding the window in position before you begin to remove the putty. These nails were used prior to when double glazing and upvc were introduced on the market to help hold the glass in place. Usually these nails are in the corners of the frame and can be removed with an screwdriver when they are exposed, or by cutting them off using a hacksaw. If any are hidden, you will have to use a small chisel (or putty chisel) to remove them from the frame.
Mineral spirits are required to take off any old putty that remains after taking off the nail. The product is available at most hardware stores. It is best to use it in a space that is well ventilated. It is also recommended to use the oil in small bursts to avoid over heating the paint and wood as this can cause it to crack or explode.
A heat gun can also be used to soften the putty. This works best with putty that has been painted over or is hardened and can be extremely efficient. Keep moving when using a heat gun. If you keep it in the same place for window pane replacement too long, the wood may be burned and the glass cracked.
You can also use a steel wool to get rid of the putty, however this method isn't as effective and could be quite messy. This should only be used as a last resort and is not recommended for homes with children.
Removal of the Metal Glazing Points
A baseball thrown or an eagle branch that falls off can damage a windowpane. Although most people assume a broken windowpane will require a full replacement of both the frame and the sash, it is possible to repair the view and reduce costs for energy by only replacing the glass.
The first step in the process of replacing windows is to take off the metal glazing points that hold the old pane in place. Utilizing a putty knife scrape away as much of the softened glaze as possible to expose the glass points. There should be four points, one on each side of the frame. Once you see the metal, grab each with pliers that have needles and pull them straight out. Be careful not to prick too hard. If the point is stubborn or breaks, you may damage the frame and need to replace it.
After removing the metal shards and putty, it is now time to begin to make the frame. Clean the grooves in which the new glass will go and make sure they are smooth and free of cracks and dents. A heat gun can be useful in this process however, be cautious and utilize a low temperature to stop the wood from bending or deteriorating.
Then, if the glass is double pane, bring a shard of the window that was previously used to ensure that the new pane is properly fitted. Spread a thin layer silicone sealant on the inside surface of the frame rabbet, then press the new glass onto it. Then, trim off any excess sealant with a sharp blade and apply a coat of exterior paint to complete the job.
If you only have one pane of glass to install the next step, you can skip this step and proceed straight to the next. If the new glass is a different thickness from the original, get the appropriate size piece of glass from your local glass cutter. Install a glazier's push point at every corner of the frame's rabbet before installing the new pane (two per side for windows with small windows, and more for larger windows). This will give the pane additional support and prevent it from being snagged.
Installing the New Pane
Window panes don't only provide aesthetics, they also improve efficiency of energy, shield the house from rain and insects, and increase security. So, when they break or are damaged, it's essential to replace them as soon as possible. Many homeowners are unaware of how to replace a window. Fortunately, it's quite simple to replace a window pane. It's easy to replace a window with just a few items and a few simple steps.
Begin by removing the old windowpane. Be careful not to cut yourself. Make sure you have a towel handy to clean off any remaining glass. Keep the shards in case you require a replacement window. After you have removed the old glazing, measure the rough opening of the frame using tape. Write down the dimensions and subtract 1/8 inch off each side to arrive at the new glass size. This will result in an exact fit and allow for the natural expansion and contraction. You can take the measurements to the local hardware store or home improvement shop and they will cut a new piece of glass for you. If possible take a shard from the existing window to be able to match the thickness and type.
Apply a small amount of latex caulk around the edges of the glass once it has been placed. This will create an airtight seal. Glazier's points need to be placed into the holes of the wood frame along the glass edge. You'll need two points per side for an total of eight.
If you still have wood molding that is around the edges of the frame, you can replace these now as well. Be sure to clean the molding and putty well before reinstalling it so it does not interfere with the new pane.
While it is tempting to put off replacing a damaged or broken window however, this can lead to further damage to the glass and the surrounding sash. It also increases the chance that you'll need to replace the entire window in the future. Replacing just one broken window pane is a fairly simple task that can be completed by any homeowner who has basic tools.
