How to replace window handle Window Panes

A damaged window pane could be a nuisance. This could be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones to enjoy benefits like increased comfort, increased resale values and reduced utility costs.

You can do it yourself for a only a fraction of the cost it would cost to hire an expert. You'll only require the appropriate tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are outdated damaged, cracked or deteriorating replacing them with more modern glass that is tempered or insulated will improve energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the original character of older homes. The replacement of the window pane is easy and can be accomplished by anyone with basic hand tools. In addition to a replacement pane, the following components are needed: latex glazing putty; pliers, glazier's points and an electric heater to warm the old putty, if necessary. Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to beginning. Working with broken glass could cause serious injuries.

Remove any broken glass pieces remaining. It is best to use pliers however a flathead could be used as well. Then, use a wooden chisel or putty knife to remove the remaining old putty from around the frame and sash. Be careful not to scratch the window sash. Work slowly and carefully. This should be done on an elevated ladder, not on the ground. Also, you should have someone lower to ensure it is held steady.

Once you have removed all the old putty, prepare the window frame to fit the new pane. Measure the width and height of the opening for the sash and subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be sent to a home center or hardware store to get a piece cut of glass that is in stock to the correct size. You can also cut the glass yourself, if you have the tools you need.

After putting the new pane in place After installing the new pane, apply a small amount of caulking around the edges to make it weatherproof. Install a glazier's pointing on both sides of the frame. This will help secure the pane. The points should not be tight enough to create friction between the frame and the sash, but they should also not be loose.

Before applying the putty work it in a gentle manner until it is smooth and free of lumps. Then, roll it into pencil-size strips. Place the first strip to the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to another to ensure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are tiny triangular pieces of steel that allow glass to be secured to the frame without causing damage to the delicate surface. It's easy to learn how to use this secret tool and you can save money on the cost of an expert installation.

After removing the old putty, glazier points, and any other remnants Clean the frame thoroughly with an utility knife. If needed, lightly sand the wood in the grooves of the rabbets to smooth rough spots. If you do sand the wood, make sure to protect it with painter's tack to avoid accidental damage.

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

Place the new window in the frame and push it into the frame with your hand. Then, use the tip of your chisel, or the back end of the putty knife to pierce the glazier's points as illustrated in Figure 11. When you're done, they should be in line with the top edge of the pane and the shoulders of the points should be below the rabbet's rim groove.

Apply a small amount 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 fully.

When the glazing compound is dry it's time to put in the new window sash. The first step is to coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will prevent the new putty drying out or cracking as it absorbs moisture. Use a brush to apply this coat, or the point of the putty blade. Then use the chisel that is on the back of the tool or the back of the handle to gently smash the new sash or glazier's tip into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A hurled baseball, an errant rock or falling branch could cause a window pane to break or crack. Most windows can be replaced easily by installing a new piece. The glass is held into position by a small metal clip, referred to as a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also called glazing compound. Before installing a new pane, first remove the old one and clean the area using an abrasive and a pull-type paint scraper or an abrasive wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves when working. You'll need a heating gun if the window is glued to 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 make sure it's flat and ready to be re-caulked. Once the sash is installed then, you can apply a silicone caulk on the glass. This will ensure that it won't get soiled or discolor over time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets, or the grooves in the sash where the glass sits. If they're hard to chisel, hold the hand tool, such as a heatgun over them to soften first. When using a heating tool, be careful to not scratch the sash and its railings.

Prepare the bed for your new pane by removing the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, shaping it to be around 1/2-inch thick. Then, press it into the rabbets where the glass will rest. It's important that the glass is positioned against the putty on both sides If you have to, lightly tap the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack you can fill it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk prior to pressing it into the sash. In other cases, you'll need to apply putty on the crack to create an airtight seal and keep water out. After the putty has dried and the film is oily, wipe it off the glass using the help of a rag. Allow it to dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it won't form a strong seal and may discolor or leak in time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, then you may be concerned about the expense of replacing it. However, replacing a single glass window replacement - Highly recommended Resource site - pane doesn't have to break the bank if you do it yourself. In fact windows with double glazed replacement windows panes can be replaced at a fraction of the cost of a professional.

If you are working on a large-sized window, ensure that it is securely fixed to the frame. This job is relatively easy and quick with the right tools and techniques.

When you are ready to begin taking down the old window pane. Pry out the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are essentially small metal triangles that function as "nails" that keep the window in within the frame of wood. They are placed beneath a layer of glazing putty that transforms into a solid molded wedge that secures the window in place and conceals the points.

After you have removed the old pane removed, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any old paint, and sand the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were placed. They should be sanded to bare wood to allow you to paint them the same color as the rest of the frame. After the sanding process, apply a coat of flax oil on the bare wood to extend the life of the frame.

The next step is to determine the size of the window's opening. It is necessary to take horizontal and vertical measurements of the entire opening, and also the thickness of the old pane. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure that you have the exact size for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass in times of seasonal change. Bring these measurements to a hardware or home improvement store 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.