Yakima Window Companies

Do-It-Yourself Windowpane Replacement

An occasional cracked or broken window is a common occurrence in most homes and can be easily and safely corrected in most cases. Small, readily accessible panes of glass can usually be replaced from the outside without the extra effort of removing the entire sash. If the window is very large, or it's not at ground level, it would be advisable to remove the entire sash to work on it.

Prior to beginning, a protective cover should be applied behind and/or under the pane to be replaced, to prevent glass debris from creating a hazard. Normal precautions would also include the use of safety glasses or goggles prior to proceeding. Carefully remove any old glass and glazing material. For hard to remove glass pieces, pliers can be used. The old glazing materials should be carefully scraped out. A heat gun or chisel may be helpful in removing hardened pieces. Be careful not to damage the frame.

Once all the old material has been removed, clean out the frame. For bare wood, a sealer should be applied to prevent absorption of the glazing material oils into the wood and pre-mature drying out. Measure the opening for the size the replacement glass needed. Double check all measurements.

Now, while you can cut the glass yourself, for the occasional replacement job, purchasing pre-cut glass or having a cut to order will be worth the cost. The glass should be temporarily placed in the bare frame to confirm the proper fit. Remove the glass and apply a small bed of glazing material prior to reinserting the glass. Most glazing materials will work best at room temperature. Place the glass firmly in position and secure it using glazing points. There are several types of glazing points available, however, the most convenient ones are designed to be simply pushed into place by a putty knife or a screwdriver. For large panes, place the points every six inches, for smaller ones, two to a side should be sufficient. Avoid applying direct pressure to the glass itself.

Once all points have been inserted, a bead of glazing material should be applied around the perimeter of the pane. Use glazing compound from a tube or roll-out and press into place. Apply the glazing material liberally. The glazing can then be formed in place carefully running a putty knife or glazing tool along each edge in an angle. Long steady strokes with moderate pressure will result in a smooth and uniform glazing seal. Any excess material can easily be removed with a putty knife. Also, remove any excess from the interior side. After the specified curing time, the glazing should be primed and painted. When painting, extend the paint film slightly onto the glass to provide a complete seal of the joint. Glazing left unpainted will rapidly dry out.

If the damaged unit is a double glazed insulated window, it would be advisable to have it replaced by a professional to ensure full warranty coverage. Generally, any window glass and doorways or high hazard areas must be tempered or safety glassed.