Here's How by Pat Logan

Dear Pat: With a couple of sons, we get broken panes in our wood windows. I want to save some money by replacing the glass panes myself. What is the procedure a professional uses to replace glass? — Gloria D.

Dear Gloria: Although it seems as if it is a simple task to replace a broken glass pane in a window, most homeowners seldom do it correctly. The putty on the typical do-it-yourself pane replacement looks bad, as does the paint overlap on the glass.

Other than just looking bad, it does not hold up well, particularly on wood window sashes. If the wood surface, which the putty contacts, is not prepared properly initially, the putty can dry out and crack. The cracks allow moisture to get into the wood, which can damage the sash over time.

The first step before removing the old broken glass from the window sash is to wear the proper protective clothing. This includes heavy work gloves, a thick long-sleeve shirt and large eyeglasses (preferably goggles). Don't forget to wear heavy leather shoes in case you drop a piece.

Take your time and do not try to remove several pieces of the broken glass at one time. Grab hold of each large piece and wiggle it slightly to make sure it will not knock others loose when you lift it. When you are sure it is not supporting other pieces, wiggle it loose from the old putty and remove it.

For a glass pane with just one crack across it, consider just gunning a bead of clear silicone caulk over the entire crack on each side.

This seals the glass and really does not look bad.

If you do want to remove a glass pane with just one long crack through it, don't break the glass into smaller pieces, which will be easier to remove. It is safer to remove all the putty first and remove each piece of glass intact. Using a heat gun can make old hardened putty more flexible and easier to remove.

Once all the broken glass is removed from the sash, remove all the remaining old putty. Make sure to get all the way down into the corners and don't miss any of the small glazier points. Check for high spots and smooth them out with a wood chisel.

Now you are ready to install the new glass pane. Using a small paintbrush, coat the cleaned wood sash surface with pure linseed oil. The linseed oil is good for the wood and it keeps the putty from drying out and cracking from the inside. This can add many years of life to the putty.

Butter the inside of the sash frame, where the pane will rest, with a 1/16 inch layer of putty. This step is often skipped by do-it-yourselfers. Gently press the new pane of glass into this layer of putty, making sure there are no air pockets. Place glazier points every four inches around the pane to center and hold it in place.

Roll the putty in your hands to form a long bead. Start at one corner and continue all around the perimeter of the pane. Smooth it out with a putty knife. The instructions on the putty will indicate the wait time until it can be painted.

Send your questions to Here's How, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com. To find out more about Pat Logan and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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