How to Replace or Repair a Window Pane [simple DIY guide]

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.

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

• 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.

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 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.