The age-old problem with window panes remains the same today - they break! Antique leaded-glass panes often loosen and rattle. Modern panes exhibit some modern problems as well. A double pane may tend to fog if moisture gets between its layers, and a plastic pane will yellow over time. Whatever the problem, the tools you need to work on windows are few and simple! You can cut your own glass or plastic single pane. When cutting glass, always wear work gloves and safety goggles.

Practice cutting a scrap piece first, and work on a level surface, padded with layers of newspaper or a piece of thin carpet. Cutting a plastic pane is much safer, but be careful not to scratch its relatively soft surface.

Remove the spring-loaded double-hung windows by pushing against the flexible vinyl channels to release the channel pins. Older double-hung windows can be repaired while the window remains in the frame.

With traditional glazing, soften the old putty with a heat gun or torch, being careful not to scorch the wood. Scrape away the soft putty with a putty knife. On newer windows, simply pry out the vinyl glazing strips.

Remove the broken glass and metal glazing points from the frame; then sand the L-shaped grooves to clean away the old paint and putty. Coat the bare wood with a sealer and let dry.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound in the primed grooves. Press the glass lightly to bed it. Press in new glazing points every 10 inches with the tip of a putty knife. (Note: Do not put any downward pressure on the glazing points when inserting, or they could break the glass.)

Apply glazing compound. Move the tube tip along the edge of the glass while steadily squeezing the trigger. Smooth the glazing with a wet finger or cloth.

Latex glazing can usually be painted the same day. Overlap the paint onto the glass by 1/16 inch to improve its weather seal.