Replacing a single pane glass window on your home isn’t difficult. Here’s how to go about it.
To replace a broken window pane:
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- Remove the broken glass from around the window with pliers. Wear protective gloves to avoid being cut.
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- Use a putty knife or paint scraper to remove the old glazing around the window opening.
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- Measure the window pane opening, and have a piece of glass cut slightly smaller to fit.
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- Place the new glass pane in the window opening.
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- Press glazier’s points into the frame around the window using a putty knife.
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- Apply window glazing (available in a can or caulking tube) around the window frame.
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- Hold a putty knife at an angle to the frame, and use it to smooth the glazing compound.
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- Paint over the glazing with exterior house paint after the glazing has set.
Watch this video to find out more.
Further Information
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.
I need a name and phone number for someone to put n a replacement window that is broken.
I need an estimate on how much it will cost for a rep;acment window and how much to put it in?
Hi, Barbara!
Window replacement estimates vary by manufacturer and even region, so we recommend contacting local manufacturers for quotes.
Thanks for visiting todayshomeowner.com!
I’m not sure why my doorbell wont work. Do I need to shut off the circuit? I can’t see very well & cant find a reputable handyman
Hi, Mary,
We haven’t covered that topic yet, but you might try this resource from our friends at The Family Handyman: https://www.familyhandyman.com/electrical/electrical-repair/repair-a-doorbell-fix-a-dead-or-broken-doorbell/view-all/
Let us know how it works for you!
do you have to use glazer’s points and can you use caulk or sealer instead of glazing?
Hi, Lisa!
Yes — they hold the pane secure while the glaze seals it.
Glaze, not caulk, is your best bet. It dries hard enough to paint but remains flexible.
Good luck!
I have some window pains made of the old style of glass, the waivey kind. I’m looking to replace it with modern glass. What’s the best way to go about getting the old glass out of each individual square?
-Kevin
I have some window pains made of the old style of glass, the waivey kind. I’m looking to replace it with modern glass. What’s the best way to go about getting the old glass out of each individual square?
-Kevin
What to get the glass from? My front door and son windows are just like the one n the video it only missing one out of both of them. Just don’t know where to get the new windows from pane or how I know the size
Hi, Keria. First, measure the window pane opening. Then, check with your windows’ manufacturer — they may provide glass replacements.
If they don’t, we recommend checking with a specialty glass supplier.
Good luck with your repairs!