How to Replace Broken Window Glass

Following these tips and instructions on how to remove and replace broken window will save not only time, but also money and effort. This article will teach you how to preparing for the glass, install the glass, add the finishing touches, and replace the glass on doors.

 

Preparing the Area

 

Removing and replacing windowpanes is not difficult; however, you must have the proper knowledge and skill to complete the job correctly. There is more to it than simply inserting a new windowpane and smearing putty.

 

If the windowpane is large one, remove the frame and place it on a flat surface. The remove the broken glass. Wear work gloves to protect your hands against cuts. A shattered windowpane can be removed quite easily by plucking a single broken piece out at a time.

 

To simply remove a cracked pane of glass, remove the putty in order to remove the broken glass. The next step is to remove the old putty from the window frame with wither a wood chisel, putty knife, or jackknife. Remove every trace of the putty.

 

Glazier's points are the small metal triangles driven into the frame beneath the putty. They hold the glass in place. Remove all the glazier's points as you remove the putty.

 

Some putty may be extremely difficult to remove. Use heat to soften the putty which in such cases. Run the heat source along the putty ahead of your chisel to allows the putty to pull away from the wood frame.

 

Once you have removed all of the old putty and the glazier's points, use the point of the chisel or the knife to smooth rough spots in the wood frame.

 

If you are replacing glass in an old window, use a small paintbrush to apply a heavy coat of linseed oil to all sections of the wood around the frame. Allow the oil to completely soak in before proceeding. Linseed oil is important because it maximizes the life of the putty which holds the window pane in place.

 

Linseed oil on the frame prevents oil in the putty from evaporating, thus causing the putty to dry too quickly. If you saturate the wood with linseed oil before applying the putty, the new putty remains pliable and lasts much longer.

 

Next apply a very thin layer of putty around the frame where the new glass will be set. Ensure that the base layer of putty is not too thick. This thin layer of putty provides a cushion for the new glass to be inserted in. This cushion prevents the air from leaking around the glass and buffers the wood and glass.

 

Installing New Glass

 

The replacement glass must be exactly the right size. Cut it to size with a glass cutter. Generally speaking, a window pane should be less than an inch smaller than the area it will fill. Insert the new windowpane into the frame carefully and press it firmly.

 

Hold the new pane in position with 1 hand and use your free hand to insert glazier's points every 4-inches on each side to firmly secure the pane. A minimal amount of pressure should be used to insert the glazier's points.

 

Lay each glazier's point flat against the glass. Start them into the wood using the point of a putty knife. Use the glazing tool to drive the glazier's points into the wood. Slide the glazing tool along the glass to eliminate the danger of breaking it.

 

Applying Putty

 

Putty should be the consistency of dry and thick dough. If it is too stiff, thin it according to the manufacturer's recommended method. Use an old piece of glass as a kneading board to work the putty into the right shape and consistency.

 

Knead the putty until it is completely pliable and free of lumps. Then roll it into pencil-size strips. Take a roll of putty into your hands and applying it in 1 corner of the window frame. Lay the strip in the frame completely around the new piece of glass.

 

Once the putty is completely in place, smooth it with a putty knife using long, even strokes. Hold the glazing tool at an angle. Make sure the tool as cleans because any corrosion makes it difficult to do a smooth job.

 

Study the figure to learn the best way to apply putty to the frame. It should cover the glazier's points, which are illustrated. It should also be set at an angle so that it holds the glass firmly in place without showing from the opposite side of the window.

 

Finishing Touches

 

Refer to the label on the putty for painting instructions. You may be able to paint the putty right away. Whether you should wait to paint depends on the manufacturer's recommendations. Use at least 2 coats of exterior paint.

 

An easy painting is to cover not only the putty, but also part of the glass. Don't worry about straight edges. Use a razor blade scraper to remove the excess paint from the glass.

 

Replacing Glass on Doors

 

Although most window glasses are held in position with putty, the glass on many doors is held in place with thin wood strips. Building codes in many areas require that safety glazing material be added to entrance doors.

 

If the pane of glass on a door is broken, you can remove and replace these wood strips without putty. Pry the strip on the long side with a screwdriver, putty knife, or some other prying instrument. Always remove the long side first. After removing one strip, the others will come out easily. After the strips are removed, use a pair of pliers to remove the small brad nails or to pull them through the wood strips.