DIY Glass Replacement on Windows and Doors

Broken glass on your window looks bad, it poses security hazard, and also allows weather to enter inside. Calling a professional to replace your broken glass is expensive and time consuming, and the expert may not be available at your convenient time too. So, replacing the glass on your own can be the best bet, and luckily, broken glass replacement is an easy thing to do as well. Here, we will give you step by step instructions to replace a broken window glass yourself.

Step By Step Instructions for Glass Replacement on a Window Pane

 

1. You can easily remove a broken glass pane by removing the putty and plucking the pieces one at a time. Wear gloves to keep your hands protected against cuts.
2. If there are some stubborn putty pieces on the pane, soften them by blow drying on them. Keep removing Glazier’s points as well while removing the putty. These are metal triangles nailed into the frame to hold the glass in place. Use a knife or chisel to smoothen any rough points on the frame.
3. Apply a coat of linseed oil to the wood frame and let it soak completely. This oil enhances the putty’s life, allowing it to hold the glass well in place for long. When coated with linseed oil, the putty does not evaporate, and it lasts longer
4. Apply a thin layer of new putty on the frame. Don’t make it too thick, otherwise it will swell, smudge and be visible on your glass. A thin layer will give a cushion to your new glass and prevent air from leaking inside.
5. Measure the size of the frame and cut your new glass to the exact size using a glass cutter.
6. Insert the glass into the frame and press firmly
7. The next step is to hold the new glass in position and insert Glazier’s points at a gap of 4 inches on all sides. Since doing both of these things may be difficult with two hands, it’s advisable to call someone and ask him to hold the pane while you can insert the Glazier’s points.
8. Prepare putty dough which should be thick and dry. Make sure that it is free of lumps, and then roll into thin strips. Take one strip in your hands and apply it on one side corner of the frame. Completely frame it around the glass. Use a putty knife to smoothen it.
9. Once the putty dries completely, you may paint it to give it a finished look. If some paint coats the glass, you can use a scraper to remove it.

Glass Replacement on Doors

 

While putty is enough to hold a small window glass in place, doors are bigger in size and their glass is held in place with the help of wood strips. Entrance doors also need additional safety glazing, so that breaking through them does not become too easy. If your door needs glass replacement, then you will need to remove the glass and replace the wood strips without any putty. Always start by removing the longest strip first. Once the long strip comes off, other sides can be removed very easily too. Following these steps, you can replace broken glass on your door without the need of professional help.

There are different types of glass replacement options available out there, including insulated, wired, tinted, laminated, mirrored, obscured etc. Choose the one that best suits your requirements, preferences and budget. If you are not sure how to do it, it’s better to call professionals and handle the project for you. It’s better to give them some money for the service instead of wasting a large amount on a failed glass replacement.