Glass Replacement – How to Replace a Single Pane of Glass in a Wood-Framed Window Or Door

Replacing single pane glass in a traditional wood-framed window or door can be a fairly simple project for many homeowners. While there are a few instances in which you should always leave the job to professionals—such as removing heavy pieces of glass or making repairs in hard-to-reach areas—replacing a single pane of glass is something most homeowners can do themselves. With a few tools and materials, you can quickly have a new window or door with the right kind of glass in no time.

To determine what type of glass you need, measure the height and width of your broken pane. You should also take note of the thickness of the old pane, so you can order a replacement that is the same size or slightly smaller. When you’re ready to buy, visit a home improvement or hardware store and select the glass that best suits your needs. Also consider whether you want your new glass to be insulated, low-e, or tempered.

Start the glass replacement process by preparing your work area. Remove curtains and other items that are near the windows, and lay a sheet or cloth over floors to protect them from debris. Before beginning, you should also close and lock any other windows in the room to keep them safe from shattering.

Using a screwdriver, carefully remove the old pane of glass from its frame. Be careful not to break it or cut yourself. When you’re finished, dispose of the broken glass in a safe way.

Once the frame is clear, it’s time to bed the new glass in place. First, roll a cord of glaziers’ compound between your hands to create a 1/2-inch thick rope. Apply this to the L-shaped joint between the frame and glass, where it meets around the glazing points. Smooth the compound, and make sure it matches the existing putty to prevent a mismatched seam.

Press the glass into the bedding, and use a putty knife to gently smooth it down along its perimeter. Once you’re satisfied, add a set of glazing points. You’ll need two or three of these small triangular metal points per side, depending on the size of your window.

If you’re unsure about how to install these points, ask someone at your local home improvement or hardware store to walk you through the process. Then, let the glass and the putty dry for about a day before painting.

Once your glass and the glazed area have dried, paint the entire frame to match the rest of your window or door’s frame color. Be sure to coat the edges of the glass and the glaziers’ compound, so there are no exposed areas where moisture can seep in. Allow the paint to cure for several days before cleaning and dusting the glass. Then, enjoy your new, energy-efficient window or door!

source https://glassrepairlogan.wordpress.com/2023/11/27/glass-replacement-how-to-replace-a-single-pane-of-glass-in-a-wood-framed-window-or-door/