How to Replace window sash replacement Panes

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

You can do it yourself for a less than what it would cost to employ an expert. You'll need only the proper tools and a few minutes of your time.

Glass

Replace your single-paned windows with tempered insulate glass to improve energy efficiency, reduce noise, and maintain the historical integrity of your older home. A majority of homeowners with hand tools can replace Window pane windows with ease. In addition to a replacement windows pane, the following items are needed such as latex glazing putty; glazier's points; pliers; and an electric heater to warm the old putty if required. Before starting, wear gloves and safety glasses as working with broken glass may cause injuries.

Take out any broken glass pieces that remain. It is best to use pliers however a flathead could be useful equally. Then, use a wood chisel or putty knife remove the rest of the old putty around the frame and sash. Be careful and slow making sure not to break the existing window sash. It is a good idea to work using a sturdy ladder rather than on the ground, and to have someone standing below the sash to help keep it steady.

Make sure that the window frame is ready to accept the new pane once you have removed the old putty. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction and contraction, subtract 1/8 inch from the measurements of the width and height. These measurements can be sent to a hardware or home center store to have an item cut from stock glass to the right size. Alternatively, you can cut the glass yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

After putting the new pane in place after installing the new pane, put a tiny amount of caulking along the edge to ensure it is weatherproof. Then, place a glazier's tip on the frame's opposite side to secure the pane in its place. The points shouldn't be too tight that they create friction between the frame and the sash, but they should also not be loose.

Before applying the putty, knead it thoroughly until it is soft and free of lumps. Make it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the frame's corner. Work from one corner to the next to ensure it's even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are the small triangular pieces of metal that help secure glass into the frame of a window without scratching or damaging the delicate surface. It's simple to learn how to use this hidden tool, and you'll save money on the expense of an installation by a professional.

After the old putty and the glazier's points have been removed and the frame is thoroughly cleaned using a utility knife to remove any remaining traces. Lightly sand the wood into the rabbet grooves if needed to smooth out rough areas. If you do sand your wood, make sure to protect it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Take the dimensions of the frame and record precise measurements. Take these measurements to a hardware store or a home center and have the new pane cut smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a snug fit and will allow room for expansion and contraction.

Insert the new pane into the frame and push it in using your hands. Use the point of the chisel, or the back of the putty knife to smudge the glazier's points as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's points should be aligned with the top edge of your pane and the shoulders raised should be just below the lip.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the edges of the glass that has been made and into the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Let it dry and cure completely.

After the glazing compound dries, you're ready to install the new window sash. First, saturate the wood with a heavy coat of linseed oil. This will stop the new putty drying out or cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply the coat using a brush or the tip of your putty knife, and then employ the chisel or back end from the putty knife to gently hammer in the new sash and glazier's point into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches along the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A hurled baseball, an errant rock or a fallen branch can cause a window pane to crack or break. Fortunately, the majority of windows can be easily replaced by simply putting a new piece of glass in its the right place. The glass is held in place by small clips made of metal called a glazier's point, and putty, which is often called glazing compound. Before you install a new pane, first get rid of the old one and clean the area using the help of a rag, the pull-type paint scraper or a wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses while working. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll have to employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive prior to taking it off.

If you are planning to replace your original sash, remove the molding that supports the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready for new caulk. Once the sash is installed and sanded, apply a fresh caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure that it won't leak or discolor over time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash where the glass is. If they're hard to chisel, hold the hand tool, such as a heating gun over them to soften first. If you're using a heating gun, be careful not to damage the sash or its railings by using the tool too close.

Once the old points of glazing and putty are removed, make a bed for the new pane. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, and form it to be about 1/2-inch thick. Then, you can press it into the rabbets where the glass will sit. 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 a crack you can fill it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk before pressing it into the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you will need to apply putty to keep water out. Once the putty is dry, wipe the oily film off of the glass and allow it to dry completely before painting. Paint after the putty is completely dry. It won't form a good seal and may discolor or leak over time.

Paint

If you've had a broken window pane, you might be concerned about the expense of a new one. But the truth is that replacing a single glass pane doesn't have to break the bank if you do it yourself. In fact even windows with double panes can be replaced at less than the cost of a professional.

First, if you're working on a large window, ensure that it is securely attached to the frame. With the right tools and techniques, you can accomplish this task fairly easily and speedy.

If you're ready to begin taking off the old window by prying out the glazing points of metal that are attached to it. These are tiny triangles of metal which act as "nails" that hold the window in the frame. They are placed under a bead of glazing putty that transforms into a solid moulded wedge that holds the window firmly in place and replace window pane conceals the window's points.

After removal of the old pane clean the frame and the wood. Scrape off any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves that the glazing points were placed. These should be sanded 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 extend its life.

Then, you need to measure the size of the window's opening. It is necessary to measure the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the entire opening as well as the thickness. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure you get the exact measurement for the new pane. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. You can bring these measurements to a hardware or home improvement shop and get 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.