Replacing a single pane glass window on your home isn’t difficult. Here’s how to go about it.

The steps below provide a guide on how to replace a window pane:

  1. Remove the broken glass from around the window with pliers. Wear protective gloves to avoid being cut.
  2. Use a putty knife or paint scraper to remove the old glazing around the window opening.
  3. Measure the window pane opening, and have a piece of glass cut slightly smaller to fit.
  4. Place the new glass pane in the window opening.
  5. Press glazier’s points into the frame around the window using a putty knife.
  6. Apply window glazing (available in a can or caulking tube) around the window frame.
  7. Hold a putty knife at an angle to the frame, and use it to smooth the glazing compound.
  8. Paint over the glazing with exterior house paint after the glazing has set.

Watch the video above to find out more.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

The first step to replacing a broken window pane is removing what’s left of the old glass. Wear gloves and work slowly to avoid cuts. Then, scrape out the old glazing with a putty knife and measure the opening for the new pane of glass, which should be slightly smaller than the opening so it fits in easily.

Use your putty knife again to press glazier’s points into the frame about every six inches, so they hold the glass firmly in place. Then apply glazier’s putty all around the seam where the glass meets the frame. Once more, use the putty knife to force the putty into the seam and create a smooth finished surface on the window.


Further Information

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

Learn More