How to Replace Glass in a Single-pane Window

How To Replace Glass in a Single-pane Window

1. Remove the Glass

   Remove the broken shards of glass from the frame, one piece at a time, taking care to protect yourself from being cut by the razor-sharp edges. Even when wearing gloves, do not take any chances. Lay a towel over the glass and use that to help remove it, wiggling each piece out slowly. Save some shards to take to the store if you want to match the replacement glass more accurately. Wrap the broken glass in newspaper and dispose of it in a bag, box, or another container.
   

2. Measure the Window

   Measure the size of the window opening and subtract 1/16- to 1/8-inch from both the length and width when ordering a replacement pane. It is important to take exact measurements.
   

3. Remove Clips and Old Putty

   If the frame is vinyl, metal, or aluminum, pull out the spring clips or vinyl splines with pliers or a screwdriver. If you are replacing a window pane in a wood frame, remove the old putty or glazing compound from the window using a putty knife or chisel. A heat gun will help soften the putty and make it easier to remove. Heat an area just before you scrape, removing a little at a time. Trying to remove too much at once can damage the frame.
   

4. Remove Glazier's Points

   Using a pair of pliers, pull out the glazier’s points—the little metal triangles in the frame beneath the beads of putty that held the pane in place. In some cases, you can re-use the glazier's points.
   

5. Clean and Oil the Area

   If you're working with a wood window, clean the area and lightly sand the frame. Use a small paintbrush to apply a coat of linseed oil to the frame. The oil will help the glazing compound stay pliable while you install the new pane of glass.
   

6. Apply Glazing Compound

   Apply a thin layer of glazing compound around the frame with the glazing tool. The glazing compound should be the consistency of thick dough, which will provide good cushioning when you insert the new pane.
   

7. Insert the Glass

   Insert the replacement piece into the wood frame, and press firmly and evenly around the glass perimeter. If the frame is vinyl or metal, insert the replacement glass and reinsert the spring clips or vinyl splines. Replace the spring clips if the old ones are damaged or corroded.
   

8. Insert the Glazier's Points and Compound

   Hold the pane in place and insert the glazier’s points into the corner using the glazing tool. Insert the glazier’s points every 4 inches around the glass and drive them into the wood with the glazing tool.

   Knead glazing compound into strips the thickness of a pencil. Place it around the edges of the newly installed pane of glass, pressing it into place between the pane and frame with your fingers.

   Coat the blade of the glazing tool with linseed oil and smooth the glazing compound. Hold the tool at a 45-degree angle in a corner and slide it toward the opposite corner with one stroke (the glazing compound should cover the glazier’s points, but be careful not to spread the glazing compound so it is visible in the windowpane).

   Allow the glazing compound to cure for at least a week before painting.
   

When to Call a Professional

You may consider leaving the job of replacing a broken window to professionals, especially if the pane of glass is large or if it needs to be repaired quickly.

Window Repair Tips

• If you are removing broken shards from an especially large windowpane, consider removing the entire window frame and laying it flat. You can remove and replace the glass from the frame in this position to ensure greater control and safety.
• A glass store and most hardware stores can cut a new pane of glass for you to your size specifications.
• Make sure to let the window repair set for about 24 hours before raising or lowering it. Several days' waiting time is required before painting the window (if needed) since the glazing compound takes a long time to set.