Something as small as a child’s toy can shatter your window glass beyond repair. Broken windows ruin your home’s aesthetic quality. Additionally, they affect your home’s energy efficiency by letting needed heat escape. This overworks your HVAC system, as it uses up more energy to regulate your home. 

Window glass replacement can seem difficult because of all the tools, materials, and processes involved. However, it doesn’t have to be. We will break down the process into small and detailed steps that every homeowner can follow. 

What Tools and Materials Do I Need For A Window Glass Replacement?

Materials

• Replacement Window (cut to size)
• Duct Tape
• Glazing Compound/Putty
• Glazier Points
• Window Cleaner (optional)

Tools

• Caulking Gun (optional)
• Eye Protection
• Heat Gun
• Leather Work Gloves
• Putty Knife
• Paint Scraper
• Wire Brush

How To Replace A Window Glass

Step 1 – Ensure Your Safety

Before beginning the window glass replacement, put on your leather work gloves and eye protection. If you can, lay a plastic sheet or tarp on the floor around your work area. This will catch all debris and keep shards of glass away from other parts of your home. It will also protect your flooring from any sudden impact if a tool slips from your hands.

Step 2 – Remove The Old Glass or Shards

If the glass is whole, you will need to remove the old glazing compound and glazier points. Otherwise, the glass will not budge. The glazing compound is a putty that secures the glass to the window pane. 

Apply some duct tape in an “X” shape on the surface of the glass before attempting to remove the glazing compound. You can use a heat gun to soften old putty by holding one a few inches above it. Once the putty is soft enough, use a paint scraper to get it off. 

To remove the glazier points, use the putty knife to gently lift them away. The glazier points are the fasteners that secure your window glass to its frame. 

If the glass is broken and in shards, gently wiggle the stuck shards free. Once the shards are out, remove the old putty and glazier points. 

Step 3 – Clean the Window Frame

There should be no dirt or debris that could prevent you from getting a good seal on your window. Use the wire brush to remove debris and a damp soft cloth to wipe the frame down afterward. A clean window frame ensures a successful window glass replacement. 

Step 4 – Apply New Glazing Compound to the Window Frame

The easiest way to ensure a uniform glazing compound application is by using a caulking gun. When choosing a putty, opt for linseed oil putty as it is very beginner-friendly and easy to work with. 

If you do not have access to a caulking gun, knead the putty in your hands until it feels workable. Then shape your putty into long thin rolls. Press the rolls of putty onto the window frame’s ledge. Ensure you get into the L-grooves. You can use your putty knife to press and shape the putty into a uniform layer. 

Confirm that there are no gaps in your putty as this can cause your window glass replacement to fail. If you notice any gaps, apply some more putty. 

Step 5 – Install Your New Window Glass

Once you’ve created a glazing putty bed for your glass, gently install the glass into the bed. Lightly press as you install to ensure the glass is inside the bed of putty. Afterward, apply an additional thin layer of putty to the edges of your window frame to secure your glass. You can use your fingers or a cloth to smooth out the putty. 

Step 6 – Install New Glazier Points

Remember those glazier points you removed earlier? You will need to install new glazier points to secure your window glass to the frame. Place the new glazier points about 10 to 15 cm apart and use your putty knife to push them into the wood.

Step 7 – Clean Up

Spray a little window cleaner onto a soft cloth and wipe down the surface of your window glass. You can also use a vacuum to pick up any debris around your window. Dispose all waste products properly and return your materials to their appropriate places. This helps avoid any accidents around the home. 

Step 8 – Let the Glazing Dry

The glazing compound or putty takes between 5 days to a week to fully dry and harden. Therefore, avoid messing with the window or its frame for that period. After a week, you can then repaint your window frame and add the finishing touches of your choice. 

Step 9 – Test Your Window

At this stage, the paint is dry and the glazing has hardened. You can now test your work by opening and closing the windows. It should move smoothly like it did before it got damaged or broken. If your window functions like it should, congratulations! You have successfully performed a window glass replacement all by yourself. 

How Much Does A Window Glass Replacement Cost?

The amount you spend on replacing your window class varies depending on the type of glass and the materials you choose. For example, a simple single-pane window glass will cost you around $75. Additionally, the larger your window size, the more materials you will need to purchase. In total, expect to spend over $200 on your window glass replacement.  

Conclusion

Window glass replacement gets easier each time you do it. You only need to have the right materials and tools. It is best to get your windows cut to size rather than attempting to cut it yourself. This will help you avoid any errors. Additionally, ensure you remain safe throughout the process by using thick work gloves to protect your hands. You should also use safety eyewear such as goggles to protect your eyes from shards of glass.
Broken windows can harm you and your family. This is why you should board them up pending a replacement. On-Call Board Up is available round the clock for all your boarding up needs. Send us a message today!