Is it Worth the Trouble to Replace the Whole Window?

A stray ball tossed by the kids or a noticeable draft might cause you to consider replacing your window. But is it worth the hassle of replacing the entire window, or can you save some money by simply repairing your broken glass? The answer to this question depends on the condition of the frame, and whether your windows are double- or triple-paned. If your windows are single-paned, you can replace only the pane of glass. Otherwise, it is best to replace both the frame and the pane for a longer-term solution that can withstand the elements and other factors that might lead to a broken pane in the future.

A full replacement window can cost anywhere from $300 to $600, while a simple glass-only replacement costs significantly less. If your windows are insulated with argon gas or krypton gas, the cost will be slightly higher. The most important step in replacing a window is preparing the frame for a new pane. Wearing thick gloves and eye protection, scrape away old paint and glazing compound with a utility knife or a flat chisel. Scraping down the L-shaped grooves where the glazing points were positioned will help you remove any loose pieces of glass that may have broken off. Once the old glazing is removed, sand the wood down to bare wood and coat any bare areas with a linseed oil or clear wood sealer.

Before ordering a new pane of glass, measure the height and width of your empty window frame. Take this information to a home improvement or hardware store to have the glass cut to size. You should subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement when ordering a pane to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction. This will also give the pane a little extra room inside the sash so that it is easier to install.

Once you have a piece of glass cut to size, you can prepare the frame for installation. If your window is a double-paned unit, you will need to purchase and install a pair of metal glazing points to hold the glass in place. These small fasteners pin into the rabbet and have sharp metal points that penetrate the wood when they are set in place. If your old panes had glazing points, remove them using pliers or a thin flat-head screwdriver, and then scrape off any remaining glazing compound with a putty knife or utility knife.

You can then sand the L-shaped grooves down to bare wood, and coat them with a linseed oil and clear sealer to protect the bare wood from water damage. If your window frames have bead molding that holds the glass in place, you can nail it back into position before installing the pane. Alternatively, you can use a bead of caulking to seal the gap between the bead molding and the glass. Make sure the caulking is completely dry before you attempt to install the new glass.

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