Need a window pane replacement? In this tutorial, we provide a comprehensive DIY guide on changing window panes in 10 easy steps. With the right materials, tools, and a bit of patience, you can successfully replace your glass pane and improve your home's energy efficiency.
Different Types of Glass Panes
Before delving into window replacement, it's worth mentioning the different types of glass panes to enhance your knowledge in this field.
- Single-pane: The simplest type, consisting of only one layer of glass.
- Double-pane window: It involves two layers of glass, with the air between them sealed for better insulation.
- Triple-pane window: It contains three layers of glass to maximize energy efficiency.
- Low-E glass: This type of glass is coated to reflect heat and improve energy efficiency.
- Tempered glass: Specifically treated to be stronger and safer if broken.
Read More: Top 3 Reasons to Choose Thermopane Windows
Note: Replacing a single-pane window is easy and straightforward. However, double-pane window glass replacement or triple-pane window glass replacement typically requires a professional team due to their complex construction.
When Changing Window Pane Is Compulsory?
- Cracks or chips in the glass
- A foggy appearance between the layers of a double-pane window, indicating a seal failure
- Inefficient or outdated single-pane windows
- Increased energy bills due to poor insulation
Tools and Materials You Need for Changing Window Pane
Having the right tools and materials is crucial for a successful replacement.
Required tools:
- Hammer
- Sandpaper
- Putty knife
- Gloves and safety glass
- Paintbrush
- Heat gun
- Chisel
- Glass cutter
- Measuring tape
Required materials:
- Glazing putty
- Glazier's point
- Exterior primer
- Exterior paint
- Rags of cleanup
- New glass pane
Note: Remember, safety is a top priority. Always wear gloves and safety glass to protect your hands and eyes.
Window Pane Replacement in 10 Easy Steps
Step 1: Remove the Glass
Prioritize your safety by covering the broken pane with a rag. Use a hammer to tap the center of the rag-covered pane to loosen the shards.
If the sash is still in the window opening or if the pane has one or two cracks but is otherwise intact, it's best to remove the putty first, then remove the glass.
Read More: DIY Easy Tips for Changing Window Frames
Step 2: Remove the Old Putty
Use a painter's knife to pry out any loose putty. Hold a heat gun about an inch away from the intact putty to gradually soften it, then move it back and forth. To protect the glass from cracking due to the heat, cover it with a doubled sheet of aluminum foil.
Next, use a chisel to scrape out the softened putty.
Tip: After removing the putty from the intact pane, hold a metal flashing over the glass to dissipate the heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Rabbet
Use a tool to remove the old metal glazing points from the groove in the window frame where the glass is secured.
Scrape and sand the grooves down to bare wood, then apply an exterior primer to prevent the wood from absorbing the oils from the putty, which could reduce its durability.
Once the primer has dried, knead a handful of putty with your hands until it becomes soft and pliable. Then, press it into the rabbets to fill them completely. At this stage, neatness is not important.
Step 4. Bed the Glass
Gently wiggle the pane into the putty, applying even pressure with your fingertips. Keep pressing until the glass is centered in the opening, leaving about 1/8 inch of putty between the glass and the rabbet. If you notice any gaps beneath the glass, remove the pane, add more putty, and repeat the process.
Read More: 5 Easy Steps for Perfect Window Pane Replacement
Step 5. Set the Points
Position a glazier’s point flat against the glass at the center of each side of the pane. Place the tip of the putty knife on the raised shoulders of the point. Apply gentle downward pressure while rocking the point from side to side until it sits securely in the wood. Repeat this process on the opposite side and then on the two remaining sides. For panes that are 12 inches or longer on any side, space the points 4 to 6 inches apart. Once done, flip the sash over and scrape off any excess putty that has squeezed out from the other side.
Step 6. Knead the Putty
Knead a handful of putty until it's warm, then roll it into a long rope approximately ¾ inch in diameter.
Step 7. Apply Putty Rope
Place the rolled putty around the edges of the glass, pressing it firmly against the exposed rabbets. If one rope isn't enough, roll out additional putty and overlap the ends to create a continuous ring around the edges of the glass.
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Step 8. Smooth the Putty
Starting at a corner, hold the putty knife’s blade at a 45-degree angle to the glass, with the tip on the top edge of the rabbet and one corner resting on the glass. Use your index finger to flatten the blade against the putty and maintain the angle as you pull the knife along one side of the pane. Leave a clean crease in the corner, then collect any excess putty.
For the remaining sides, position the blade tip on the crease and repeat the process.
TIP: If the knife pulls the putty off the glass, clean the blade and try again.
Step 9: Fine-tune
If the underside of the putty can be seen from the other side of the window, the putty application is too wide and needs retooling.
Move the corner of the blade slightly closer to the rabbet and hold the knife handle a little nearer to the glass.
Retool as you did in Step 8. You’ll know the angle is correct when the edge of the putty aligns with the inside edges of the sash, ensuring a proper repair on the opposite side of the window. Then, scrape away the excess putty.
Step 10: Prime and Paint
Wait for about seven to ten days for the putty to firm up, then use a dry rag to clean off any oily residue from the glass.
Next, apply an oil-based primer to the putty, overlapping it by about 1/16 inch onto the glass to prevent water from getting behind the putty.
Once the primer dries, apply a coat of exterior paint.
After the paint dries, you can scrub the pane thoroughly.
Read More: Window Replacement Etobicoke
Common Troubleshooting Toward Window Pane Replacement
Here are some common issues you may encounter and how to resolve them:
- Dealing with Oversized glass: Carefully trim new pane to size if it is slightly too large for the opening. To do this, use a glass cutter to score the edge of the pane, then remove the excess. Remember, safety should be in your top priority. So always wear protective gear when cutting glass, and always work on a flat and stable surface. If you can’t do it properly, return to supplier for cutting it in correctly sized piece.
- Fixing putty imperfections: Sometimes, the putty may appear uneven or have gaps after tooling. If you spot any imperfections, you can touch them up within the first day or two. Simply use a small amount of putty on your finger to fill in the gaps, then smooth it out with a putty knife. For larger imperfections, you may need to remove the putty from that area and apply a fresh layer.
Read More: Quick Emergency Glass Repair Etobicoke
The 7 Easy Steps You Need To Fix a Broken Window
Final Words
Window pane replacement is a valuable skill that can save homeowners money while quickly restoring the functionality and appearance of their windows. Whether you need to fix house windows or replace a broken pane, this task is manageable for most DIY enthusiasts, especially when dealing with single-pane windows in older homes. By following the steps in this guide, you can successfully replace a broken pane and even trim an interior window if necessary.
Always prioritize safety when working with glass. If you're uncertain about any part of the process or dealing with more complex window systems, don't hesitate to seek professional help. If you're looking for an expert assistance, EsnaGlass is a reliable option. Whether you decide to handle the task yourself or hire an expert, window pane replacement is an investment in your home's comfort, energy efficiency, and overall value.
