How to Replace a Wooden Window Pane

Replace broken windowpanes in wooden windows without calling a handyman.

A windowpane is the glass that is held in place by the frame of the window. Window frames are traditionally constructed using a variety of materials including wood, metal and vinyl. Replacing the panes in a wooden window requires tools and materials that can usually be purchased from a hardware store.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Blow torch
• Wire brush
• Glazing compound
• Push points
• Trowel

Instructions

1. Remove the stops of the window from around the edges of the window frame. The stops are the strips of wood that seal the joint where the window frame joins the wall, floor or ceiling. Inspect the stop for screws and nails. If the stop is nailed in place, wedge the tip of a flat-head screwdriver between the stop and the window frame and carefully pry the stop from the window jamb. If the stop is screwed in place, remove the screws to free the stop from the window jamb. Remove stops from all sides of the window.

2. Pull the window gently from the frame where the broken pane is located.

3. Disconnect the window from cable or sash cords if required. The sash cord is spring loaded, and once pulled from the window's side groove track with a pair of pliers, the sash cord will retract and is difficult to reinstall. Therefore, it is important not to let go of the sash cord once it is removed from the window. Tie the cord to something nearby to keep it from retracting, or place a nail through the links of a metal chain sash cord and tack it to the wall.

4. Light a blow torch and carefully heat up the glazing compound surrounding the windowpane. Slowly run the flame of the blow torch across the border of the windowpane where the compound holds the windowpane in place. Once the glazing compound is softened, the broken window or the remaining shards can be lifted from the window frame. Keep the blow torch on a very low heat and be careful not to burn the wood.

5. Remove remaining glazing using a chisel. Run the chisel firmly across the surface of the windowpane frame to remove remaining glazing compound and any other remaining debris and small glass shards. Use a small wire brush to complete the cleaning of the glass pane frame. A wire brush with brass wires is recommended, as it will be soft enough to clean the frame without damaging the wood.

6. Spread new glazing compound in windowpane frame where glass will be installed. Carefully lay new glass pane on top of the glazed frame. Lightly press on the glass to set it in place around the edges where the new glass pane adjoins the compound and pane frame.

7. Install metal push points every 8 inches between the glass pane and pane frame. Pushed them lightly into place by hand by laying them with the thin point toward the frame of the window, then push further and firmly into the glazing compound and wood using a chisel, screwdriver or trowel.

8. Apply glazing compound on the outside edges of the pane. The compound will cover about 1 inch along the edge of the pane. This outside layer of glazing compound will help seal the window further and help keep the windowpane in place. Take a small trowel knife, placing one side of the tip of the trowel on the windowpane and the other side of the tip of the trowel on the frame and carefully smooth the glazing compound against the frame of the window. Remove the excess glazing compound with the trowel for a clean and finished look.

9. Replace the sash cords and reinstall the window in the frame tracks. Reinstall stops with a hammer and nail or screws, and test the window to ensure it is working properly.

References

• This Old House: How to Replace a Window Pane