How to Replace Window Panes

A cracked upvc window handle replacement pane can be a source of frustration. This could be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones, and reap advantages like improved comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility bills.

You can do it yourself at only a fraction of the cost it would cost to employ an expert. It requires the right equipment and an hour or two of your time.

Glass

Replace your single-paned windows with tempered or windowreplacement (more about Yerliakor) insulate glass to improve energy efficiency, reduce noise, and maintain the historic integrity of your old home. A majority of homeowners with hand tools can repair a window pane. Alongside a replacement pane, the following components are required such as latex glazing putty; glazier's points; pliers; and an electric heater to warm the old putty if required. Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to beginning. Working with broken glass could result in serious injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. It is recommended to use pliers for this however, a flathead may be useful as well. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knives to remove any remaining old putty around the frame and window sash. Be careful not to damage the window sash. Take your time and work slowly. This is best done on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, you should have someone on the ground to hold it steady.

After you have removed all of the old putty, prepare the window frame to fit the new pane. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction by subtracting 1/8 inch from the measurements of width and height. These measurements can be sent to a hardware or home center store to get an item cut from glass that is in stock to the correct size. You can also cut the glass yourself, if you have the right tools.

After installing the new glass, apply some caulking around the edge. 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 cause friction between the sash and frame however they shouldn't be loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, knead thoroughly until it becomes soft and free from lumps. Then you can roll it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the corner of the frame. Work from one corner to another, making sure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are the small triangular pieces of metal that help secure glass into frames for windows without scratching or damaging 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 new glass.

After getting rid of the old putty glazier points and any leftovers Clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife. If needed you can lightly sand the wood in the grooves of the rabbets to smooth out rough areas. If you do sand the wood, ensure you protect it by using painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Measure the empty frame's dimensions and record precise measurements. Bring these measurements to an hardware store or home center and request that the new pane cut slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a snug fit, and allow for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and push firmly with your hands. Make use of the chisel's point, or the back of the putty knife to tap in the glaziers' 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 shoulders of the points should be just below the lip of the rabbet groove.

Apply a small amount of glazing compound on the edges of the glass that has been made and into the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Allow it to dry completely and cure.

After the glazing compound dries it's time to put in the new window sash. First, coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will keep the new putty from taking in the moisture and deteriorating and cracking over time. Apply this coat using a brush or the tip of your knife, and then use the chisel or the back end of the knife to gently hammer the new sash and glazier's tips into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown, a rock thrown in error or a branch falling can cause a broken or cracked window pane. Luckily, most windows can be repaired by simply placing a new piece of glass in its the right place. The glass is held in place with small clips made of metal called a glazier's point and putty, often called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with an abrasive, pull-type scraper, or a wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while working. You'll need a heat gun in the event that the window is glued into the frame.

If you are planning to replace the original sash, take off the mold that holds the old pane. Then you can sand the sash down to ensure it's level and ready for new caulk. Once the sash is put back in place then, you can apply a silicone caulk over the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't get soiled or discolor over time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets and the grooves in the sash where the glass is. If they're difficult to work out, you can try holding the hand tool, such as a heat gun to soften them up first. If you're using a heating gun, be cautious not to cause damage to the sash or its railings by using the tool too tightly.

Once the old glaze points and putty are removed, make a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, and form it to be about 1/2-inch thick. Press it into the rabbets, where the glass will be placed. The glass must rest against the putty on both sides. If necessary you want to tap your glass lightly into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane has damaged, you can use a silicone caulk or a glass glue made from solvents to fill in the crack prior to pressing it into the sash. If not, you'll have to putty over the crack to form an impervious seal to keep water out. Once the putty is dry remove the oily film off the glass and let it dry completely before you paint. Paint after the putty has dried completely. It will not make a strong seal and could be leaking or discoloring over time.

Paint

If you've had a broken window pane, then you may be worried about the expense of a new one. But the truth is that replacing a single glass pane doesn't require a huge amount of money when you do it yourself. In fact, even a double-pane window can be replaced at only a fraction of the cost of a professional.

If you're working with large glass windows first ensure it is securely fixed to the frame. This job can be done relatively easy and fast using the proper tools and techniques.

If you're ready to begin taking off the old window by removing the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are tiny triangles of metal that function as "nails" to hold the window in the frame. They are submerged under a bead of glazing putty, which is then cured to form a solid, moulded wedge that holds the window firmly in place and conceals the edges.

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

Next, measure the dimensions of the window opening. It is necessary to measure 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 bring these measurements to a hardware 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.