How to Replace a Windowpane in a Wooden Window Frame

If the practice session of a future hopeful gold glove award winner goes awry don't fret, replacing cracked or broken windowpanes in wood framed windows is easier than it may seem at first glance. Here are step by step instructions to help should your windowpane ever need replacing.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tape Measure
• Replacement windowpane or window glass
• Heat gun
• Chisel
• Hammer
• Putty knife
• Window glaze compound
• Glazier points
• wet cloth

1. Determining which step is first depends on how much knowledge you have about your windows. Some older wooden windows have an edge that runs around the entire inner frame of the window frame, which the windowpane rests against when it is in place. However, some windows have a slit in the top of the inner part of the frame which the windowpane slides up into for support. Therefore, which type of window you have will determine the measurements of the replacement windowpane. If you are not sure which type of window frame you have it is best to remove the broken or cracked glass first.

2. If you are aware of what type of window frame you have and how the glass sits in the frame then you can take your measurements and order the replacement windowpane before removing the damaged glass. If your window frame has only the edge that runs around the inner part of the frame then simply measure the length and width by measuring from inner edge to inner edge. However, if your window frame has the slit in the center of the top inner part of the frame then you will probably have to add between an 1/8 to 3/16 of an inch to the measurement.

3. 
    

   Safety first! Get a good thick pair of work gloves that you feel comfortable working in before handling or removing broken glass.

4. 
    
   Place tape over broken glass to make removal safer

   Place duct or electrical tape in the shape of an asterisk over the broken glass to give it some support and prevent it from shattering when it is removed.

5. 
    
   Removing old glaze with a chisel and hammer

   Remove old window glaze from around the broken window. This is probably the most tedious and time consuming part of the project. Tools that are help with this process are a heat gun, a sharp chisel, a hard putty knife, a sharp utility knife, and a hammer. Some older or loose window glaze may chip out easily while some glazing may be very difficult to remove. This is when a heat gun comes in handy.

6. 
    
   Removing old glaze with a heat gun

   Removing old window glaze using a heat gun: Always use extreme caution when handling a heating gun in or around your house. If you are not careful you can burn your wooden window frames. However, there are many different methods may work to remove stubborn window glaze however, I have found that running a sharp utility knife and wearing a groove on top between the glaze and the glass and on the bottom between the wood frame and the glaze helps when trying to chip it out. After scoring these lines, take a chisel or hard putty knife and place in these lines and tap with a hammer to chip out old glaze.

7. 
    
   Remove old glazier points

   Once all old window glaze is removed, locate the old glazier points and remove using a putty knife.

8. 
    
   Prepare surface for new glaze application

   Make sure the window frame area is now clean and free of any debris. Lightly sanding the area with a sanding block may be helpful in smoothing out the area and eliminating any residual glaze or debris.

9. Apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the inner recessed area of the frame where the window will sit. Some glaze can be applied with a caulk gun while others with a putty knife.

10. Press the new windowpane gently into the bed of window glaze. The window glaze will probably press out a bit on each side of the windowpane. This is normal and can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth.

11. 
     
    Glazier points

    Press glazier points into the window frame approximately ten inches apart around the entire new windowpane using a putty knife. Always be careful of how much pressure is being applied to glass to prevent it from cracking or braking.

12. 
     
    Applying glazing compound with caulk gun

    Apply the final layer of glazing compound around the entire new windowpane. If using a caulk gun, gently squeeze a line of glaze around the entire frame. If using glaze out of a can, use a putty knife to apply the glaze. This is done by applying some glaze to the edge of the putty knife, pressing and wiping the glaze onto the edge around the new windowpane with a downward or outward motion. Repeat this process until glazing has been applied around the entire new windowpane in the frame.

13. Smooth glaze out using a wet finger or cloth.

14. Allow glazing to set and then paint it to match the color of the window frame and provide finished seal.

Tips & Warnings

• Glazing putty is chemically designed to take a long time to dry and it dries through the process of oxidation. If glaze is painted to soon, for instance, within a day of application, professionals say it may take years to completely harden. Glazing can be painted after a 'skin' forms on the outer surface. A skin means that glazing will no longer stick to the finger when touched and feels 'dry'. However, it will still be soft enough that it could be dented if pressed too hard.

[soanyway]

on 4/4/2009 I had to read the intro twice! LOL Great article, tips, instructions