How to Replace or Repair a Window Pane [simple DIY guide]
Table of Contents
- 1 Order Custom Cut Replacement Glass
- 1.1 Kurt
- 1.2 Round
- 1.3 Square
- 1.4 Rectangle
- 1.5 Oval/Ellipse
- 1.6 Race Track Oval
- 1.7 Regular Hexagon
- 1.8 Regular Octagon
- 1.9 Right Triangle
- 1.10 Semi Circle
- 1.11 Quarter Round
- 1.12 Arch
- 1.13 Trapezoid
- 1.14 Arch Side
- 1.15 House
- 1.16 Arch Top & Bottom
- 1.17 Left Slope Rectangle
- 1.18 Triangle
- 1.19 Arch Top
- 1.20 Right Slope Rectangle
- 1.21 Pentagon
- 1.22 Irregular Hexagon
- 1.23 Irregular Octagon
- 1.24 Quarter Round Notch
- 1.25 Irregular Shape
- 1.26 Sketch/Template
- 2 DIY Replacing Window Pane
- 2.1 Select type of Glass
- 2.2 Insulated Glass
- 2.3 Tempered Glass
- 2.4 Laminated Glass
- 2.5 Plexiglass
- 2.6 Frosted Glass
- 2.7 1. Insulated Glass
- 2.8 Merits
- 2.9 Demerits
- 2.10 2. Tempered Glass
- 2.11 Merits
- 2.12 Demerits
- 2.13 3. Laminated Glass
- 2.14 Merits
- 2.15 Demerits
- 2.16 4. Plexiglass
- 2.17 Merits
- 2.18 Demerits
- 2.19 5. Frosted Glass
- 2.20 Merits
- 2.21 Demerits
- 2.22 Glass Ordering Process
- 2.23 Step 1: Measure Before You Order the Replacement Glass
- 2.24 Step 2: Scrape off the Old Putty and Prep the Rabbets
- 2.25 Step 3: Apply the Putty and Install the Glass
- 2.26 Step 4: Clean up and Polish
- 3 DIY Window Pane Repairing
- 4 Tips to Avoid Window Breakage
- 5 The Best Glass for Window Panes
- 6 Window Pane Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Order Custom Cut Replacement Glass
-
Kurt
Customcut
- Live Chat
Windows are an important facet of your home, so you want to make sure they’re always clean, intact, and well-maintained. However, incidents occur that you simply cannot anticipate. Or maybe you want to replace the old glass in your windows with a sturdier and more reliable option. So we’ve compiled a simple guide to DIY broken window pane replacement. This is a fairly straightforward home improvement project that you can finish in less than a day.
DIY Replacing Window Pane
The process of replacing your window panes is very simple if you follow these steps.
Select type of Glass
Several glass types have unique properties and applications. Five most common types are detailed below:
Type
Point
square foot
now
Insulated Glass
Tempered Glass
Laminated Glass
Plexiglass
Frosted Glass
1. Insulated Glass
One of the main properties of insulated glass is its ability to resist heat leakage. It is highly energy-efficient for conserving tremendous amounts of energy. Furthermore, it is available in two options: double pane and triple pane glass. Triple pane is more energy-efficient and, hence, a bit costly. There are two types of gases (argon & krypton) used inside the insulated glass, and each has different insulation properties. Vacuum insulation is also an option.
Keeping its energy conservation features and sound-resistant properties, insulated glass is being used in large office buildings, hospitals, luxury hotels, residences of VIP personnel, airport control towers, and areas where massive heat or cold is too severe to live.
Merits
- It is energy efficient in terms of limiting heat loss in winters and prohibiting outside heat entrance in summer
- It prevents direct contact with solar rays in summer and prevent from color fading of your interior
- Insulated glass provides a good sound barrier and improve acoustics
- It is better served as safety and security window
- Insulated glass reduces moisture accumulation on the window
Demerits
- It has a very high initial cost
- Once gas is leaked or glass is broken/cracked, repairing is not possible and only replacement is the ultimate solution.
2. Tempered Glass
When safety is of major concern, tempered glass is good to go. It has four times the strength of regular glass. One hard strike breaks the entire glass into innocuous small pieces of round edges that are safe for kids and pets. The best thing about tempered glass is its scratch-resistant ability that is used for various purposes.
Tempered glass has widespread applications such as houses where kids and pets live, outdoors, glass railing, staircase, office partitions, storefront doors, frameless shower enclosures, solar panels, table top and countertop, display cases, fireplace glass doors, glass shelves and cabinets.
Merits
- Impact Resistance being four times stronger than regular glass
- Safe to use as it does not break into shards
- Heat-resistant
- Sound reduction
- Durable
- crystal clear
Demerits
- It must be drilled or cut only before tempering.
- Security risk due to the complete breakage of glass upon a single hard impact, leaving no sharp edges that allow thieves easily intrude
3. Laminated Glass
When you are very much concerned about both security and safety, laminated glass is for you. It is made under tremendous pressure and heat by bonding multiple layers of glass. With a very high impact, the glass breaks but is held in its place by a special interlayer usually made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). This keeps the glass very difficult to break and creates a spider web-like pattern on a worse scenario of high impact.
The laminated glass is mostly used only where the chance of heavy impact is much greater. Also, it is used where the regular glass could fall if shattered. Moreover, laminated glass is also used in large architectural buildings.
Merits
- Safety
- Security
- Sound-resistant
- Durable
- Blocks 99% of ultraviolet transmission
- Impact resistant
Demerits
- Much costly
- Need to hire a professional as DIY installation is much difficult and poor installation may lead to problems.
4. Plexiglass
Being a colorless form of plastic, plexiglass is lightweight and a strong material used as a shatter-resistant alternative to regular glass. It has UV resistance characteristics that make it ideal for greenhouse. It is also known as acrylic.
Due to its shatter resistance properties, acrylic is most commonly used in aquariums, shatter-resistant windows, picture frames, pool fences, and sneeze guards.
Merits
- UV-resistant
- Shatter-resistant
- Easy to cut
- Available in versatile colors
- Lightweight
Demerits
- Prone to scratches
- Highly expensive
- Damage on high heat
5. Frosted Glass
Frosted glass adds privacy and enhances brightness and elegance. Three popular ways to frost a glass are: spray paint, window film and glass etching. The last method gives an everlasting result. Frosted glass also comes in beautiful designs and patterns and not only adds privacy but also beautifies the area.
Frosted glass is mainly used to bathroom doors, windows and shower enclosures to add privacy. It is also mostly used in office wall separators and doors. Moreover, frosted glass is used as an alternative to curtains.
Merits
- Ensures privacy
- Enhance brightness by reflecting more lights
- Adds professional interior look for office
- Stronger than regular glass
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Improves living space
Demerits
- Cannot be used as mirror for an uneven surface
- Do not shows clear picture
Glass Ordering Process
- Go to glass page of Fab Glass and Mirror and choose type of glass
- Select required glass shape from the available ones or choose custom shape by quoting request after choosing irregular shape
- Select dimensions and available glass thickness in inches
- Choose types based on design and color
- Select glass thickness, and appropriate strength
- Choose from the available edging & corner finishing options
- See the order summary and click BUY NOW button
Step 1: Measure Before You Order the Replacement Glass
Before you order your replacement glass, you want to make sure you have the correct size and dimensions. Take your measuring tape and measure the area where you will put the putty. Be as precise as possible and take multiple measurements to double-check if you can. Write everything down so you can remember it when you place the order.
Step 2: Scrape off the Old Putty and Prep the Rabbets
You can start prepping your window frame for the installment. So remove the old putty with a scraping tool. Then take a brush to clean off any residue. You can also use a primer to lay the ground for the re-glazing. Knead your new putty until warm and malleable. Then knead it some more into long thin strands.
Step 3: Apply the Putty and Install the Glass
Now that your putty is ready, you can start applying it on the sides of your window frame. Push it with your paint blade and make sure it’s in place. Then get your replacement glass panes and wiggle them into the frame. Next, take the glazier’s points and apply two on each side. Apply pressure to make sure they stay in place. Follow it up with more putty.
Prep the Rabbets:
Scrape and sand the rabbets to the point when wood surface is seen. Knead the putty to make it warm and pliable, and then press it into the abbets to fill it thoroughly without focusing on the neatness at this stage.
Bed the Glass:
Place the glass pane into the putty by exerting some little pressure so that it is firmly placed. Make sure that around 1/8 inch putty is left between the glass and the rabbet.
Set the Points:
Put a glazier’s point on the glass and fit the tip of the putty knife against the point. Firmly rock the point until it gets seated in the wood. Flip the sash over and remove the extra putty that came out from the other side.
Knead the Putty:
Roll some putty into a rope of around 3/4 inch dia.
Apply Putty Rope:
Put the rope over the glass corners and press gently against the rabbets.
Smooth the Putty:
Place the knife at around 45 degree to the glass surface, while keeping its tip to the top edge of the rabbet. Pull the knife alongside the glass surface. Clean the corner and remove the extra putty.
Fine-tune:
See the putty from every angle. In case, the underside of this is still obvious, precisely set the blade edge on the glass a bit closer to the rabbet and scrape away the excess for fine tuning.
Step 4: Clean up and Polish
With a knife or a blade, clean up the edges and let the glazing dry. Once everything looks in order, get your primer and paint to finish off the window frame. If there’s any excess putty or leftover film, you can use a dry cloth and some oil to remove it. And you’re done!
DIY Window Pane Repairing
An accident happened and now your windowpane is broken. Maybe it was a tree branch falling off, or your kids playing football. And now you’re frustrated because it’s one more thing to add to your list of chores. However, don’t worry, even if you have no idea where to begin, this is a fairly easy project. It will take you less than a day and all you need is your trusty toolbox, and maybe some patience.
Step 1: Remove the Broken Glass
Put on some thick gloves and remove the broken glass. Some shards will easily come off. For the stubborn parts, you can use either a hammer or a heat gun. If you opt for the hammer, you should probably wear some protective goggles to protect your eyes. On the other hand, using a heat gun is safer. The heat will soften the glazing, which will make removing the glass much easier.
Step 2: Clean the Frame and Repair It If Need Be
You can use a painter’s tool or a razor scraper to remove the old putty. If some parts of the glazing compound remain intact, use your heat gun to soften them. Then go over the putty again with your painter’s tool.
Keep in mind that you want to be as gentle as possible to avoid ruining your frame. Once you’re done, you can smooth out the wood using some sandpaper. Then, apply a tiny bit of linseed oil with a brush. This will prep the wood frame to bond better with the glazing you will apply later on.
Step 3: Extract the Old Metal Glazing Points Out of the Rabbet
For this step, you want to pry the old metal glazing points out of the grooves in which the glass sits. Shave off the outer layer then use some sandpaper until there’s only bare wood left. Get a brush and a paint primer. Then go over the bare wood to prevent oils from coming out of the putty. This step will help extend your glazing’s lifespan.
Step 4: Apply the Putty
Next, you have to warm up your putty by kneading it. This takes a bit of practice and a few tries to get those perfect pencil-thin ropes. Once your putty is warm and supple you can start applying it. Start with the rabbets first until you fill them completely.
Step 5: Install the Glass
Place the glass pane into the putty while applying even pressure on all sides. Keep pushing the glass with the tips of your fingers until it’s in place. Make sure that there’s at least ⅛ inch (3mm) between the glass and the rabbet. If you notice any gaps, you can take the pane off, fill them up, and wiggle the glass in again. Now take your glazier’s points and put two on each side of the glass pane, then two more on the bottom corner. Repeat on the remaining side, and don’t be afraid to use a little force to hold them in place.
Step 6: Finish and Clean up
Take more thin ropes of your putty and push them into each side of your frame. Then put some more on your exposed rabbets until they’re fully covered. Next, take your putty knife at a 45-degree angle, and smooth out the putty. Clean out the excess with your knife until the putty lines up with the edges of your window sash. Wait for it to dry following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Now you can prime and paint the putty along with any exposed wood so you can have a polished finish.
Tips to Avoid Window Breakage
Tip 1: Cover Your Windows With a Protective Film
Tip 1: Cover Your Windows With a Protective Film Using a protective film can shield your glass windows from easily breaking and shattering. It’s also a great way to maintain privacy, particularly if you use a tinted film. Moreover, you can even add window security laminate to reinforce your glass and extend its longevity.
Tip 2: Install Window Security Screens
Window security screens are usually made from steel and they stand against the glass as an additional protective barrier. So, even if an incident occurred, your glass will remain intact.
Tip 3: Invest in High-Quality Smash-Proof Glass
Smash-proof glass adds great security and safety to your home. It’s much stronger and sturdier than standard glass and it’s able to withstand more wear and tear.
The Best Glass for Window Panes
Tempered glass is 4 to 5 times stronger than regular glass panes. This makes it the ideal contender for your window panes. Not only can it endure extreme temperature fluctuations, but it’s also a lot safer to use. In addition to that, tempered glass has high impact resistance which means a longer lifespan. At Fab Glass and Mirror, we offer a premium quality tempered glass to fit all your needs and requirements. Whatever shape, size, color, and style you want, we have!
Window Pane Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
#1: Use your vacuum to clean up the sills, tracks, and screens.
#2: Use a small brush to get into the nooks and crannies of your window panes.
#3: Never use petroleum-based cleaning agents (mild soap and water will do)
#4: Never use high-pressure sprays either (as these can cause damage to your glass seal)
About The Author
Anna Walter
Anna Walter is a skilled writer with expertise in home decor and interior design. She specializes in crafting engaging content about glass and mirror products, providing practical tips and insights for homeowners and designers. Anna's goal is to help readers create beautiful and functional spaces that reflect their unique style and personality.