작성자 Karin   조회Hit 4   작성일2024-04-06

How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane can be an inconvenience. This can be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones and enjoy benefits such as improved comfort, higher resale value and lower utility costs.

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

Glass

If your single pane windows are old damaged, cracked or deteriorating replacing them with more modern insulated or tempered glass can improve energy efficiency and reduce noise while maintaining the historical integrity of older homes. The replacement window glass of windows is easy and can be accomplished by anyone with basic hand tools. In addition to a replacement pane, the following tools are required: latex glazing putty; pliers, glazier's points and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty if required. Before beginning, wear protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass can cause injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. It is recommended to use pliers for this however a flathead could be used equally. Then, use a wooden chisel or putty knife remove the rest of the old putty around the frame and sash. Be careful not to break the window sash. Take your time and work slowly. This should be done on a ladder, not the ground. Also, you should have someone below the sash ensure it is held steady.

Prepare the window frame to receive the new pane once you have removed the old putty. Find the width and the height of the opening in the sash and subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). Bring these measurements to a hardware store or home center and get a piece of stock glass cut to size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

After installing the new glass After installing the glass, apply caulking around the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Install a glazier’s point on both sides of the frame. This will help secure the pane. The points should not be so tight as to cause friction between the frame and sash however they shouldn't be loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, you must knead it thoroughly until it is smooth and free from lumps. Roll it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip in the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to the other so that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's facets are small triangular pieces of metal which help to secure glass into the frame of a window without damaging or scratching the delicate surface. Understanding how to use these tiny helpers is simple and could save you money on professional installation or the cost of purchasing new glass.

After removing the old putty, glazier points, and any other residue clean the frame thoroughly with an utility knife. Lightly sand the wood into the rabbet grooves if needed to smooth rough areas. If you do sand the wood, be sure to protect it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Take measurements of the empty frame and write down accurate measurements. These measurements can be taken to the hardware or home center store, and the new pane will be cut a bit smaller. This will ensure that the pane fits perfectly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Insert the new pane into the frame and press it down using your hands. Then, use the tip of your chisel or back of the putty knife to pierce the glazier's facets, as shown in Figure 11. After you're done, the points should be level with the top edge of the pane, and the raised shoulders of the points should be below the lip of the rabbet groove.

Apply a small amount of glazing compound on the edges of the new glass and into the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Allow this to dry and cure completely.

Install the new window sash when the glazing compound has dried. First, you need to coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will prevent the newly-created putty from drying out or cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or the point of the putty blade. Then, use the chisel on the back of the putty tool or the back of the putty handle to gently hammer the new sash or glazier's tip into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A hurled baseball or a rock that is errant or a falling branch can cause a window to crack or break. The majority of windows can be replaced by installing a new piece. The glass is held in place with tiny metal clips known as a glazier's point and putty, often called glazing compound. Before installing a new pane, first get rid of 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. If the window is attached to the frame, you'll need to employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive before cutting it loose.

If you are planning to replace window pane the original sash, remove any molding pieces that are used to secure the old pane. Then you can sand the sash down to ensure it's level and ready to be re-caulked. Once the sash is reinstalled it is possible to apply a silicone caulk on the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't leak over time or discolor.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash, where the glass is. If they're difficult to chisel, use an instrument such as a heating gun over them for a few minutes to soften them. If you're using a heat gun, make sure not to cause damage to the railings or sash by holding the tool too tightly.

Prepare the bed for your new pane by removing the old glaze and putty. Roll a rope made of glazing compound between your fingers, and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Press it into the rabbets, where the glass will be put. It is crucial that the glass rests against the putty in all places on each side If you have to, lightly tap the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is damaged, you can use a silicone caulk or a glass glue that is based on solvents to cover the crack prior to pressing it into the sash. In other cases, you'll need to apply putty over the crack to create an airtight seal and keep water out. Once the putty is dry remove the oily film off of the glass and let it dry completely before painting. Paint before the putty is completely dry. It won't create a solid seal and could leak or discolor with time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, you may be concerned about the expense of a new one. The truth is, replacing a single pane of glass doesn't need to be costly even if you do it your own. Even a double-paned window could be replaced for a fraction of the price it will cost a professional.

If you are working on a large window, make sure it is securely attached to the frame. This is relatively easy and fast using the appropriate tools and techniques.

When you are ready to begin with the removal of the window pane. Remove the metal glazing points attached to it. These are tiny triangles of metal that function as "nails", holding the window within the frame. They are buried under a bead of glazing putty, which is then cured to form a solid, formed wedge which holds the window in place and conceals the edges.

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

The next step is to determine the width of the window opening. You'll need to take vertical and horizontal measurements of the entire opening as well as the thickness of the old pane. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure that you get a precise size for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass in times of seasonal change. Take these dimensions to your local hardware or home improvement store and ask them to cut you 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 replace window pane 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.