15 Shocking Facts About Glass Window Repair You've Never Known How to Make a Window Glass Repair

A bad storm or the kid's ball or even a lawnmowers can cause a crack appear in your windowpane. With just a little effort you can create an easy fix that will keep the crack from spreading until you're ready to tackle it permanently.

Take off the sash, and wear eye protection. Clean the inside of the frame to get rid of any glue, glass, or other debris. Also, measure the full length of the opening to the closest 1/16 inch.

Take the broken pan off

The first step in a window glass repair is to remove the broken pane from the frame. Wearing gloves and eye protection is essential for this step due to the razor-sharp glass fragments that are in the frame. It is best to take off one piece at a given time, moving it slowly and cautiously so you don't damage the rest of the glass inside the frame. After you have all the shards taken away, dispose of them properly and save some to take to the store to make sure that the glass is a good match for the replacement.

Then you can use the putty blade, carefully cut the frame around the edge where the glass was broken. You may have to sand the area to remove any rough spots and smooth it. Then, seal it with the clear wood sealer or linseed.

If you have a double-paned window you'll also have to remove the vinyl stops around the frame's outside. If the window is opened, you can easily remove them by hand. They can be brittle due to the sun, so it's best to remove them before they break.

After you have removed the frame removed, carefully remove any glazier points. These are tiny metal fasteners that hold the glass into place. They are typically hidden behind the putty beads in the frame. If you don't take them out and replace them with a new window, it could not be a good fit and may have a difficult to hold its shape over time.

Remove the caulking or putty with an utility knife. Make sure to remove it completely from all surfaces of the window frame. Use a heat gun should you need to soften the putty, so it is easier to remove without damaging the paint underneath. You may have to sand the frame or scrape it to smooth it to allow for the new window.

Preparing the Frame

Glass is the most important component of a window in a home. It is a key element of a home window. It lets in light, privacy, and regulates temperature and air circulation. It can be an issue for security in the event that it is not installed or maintained in a proper manner. It is therefore important to repair any glass or frame problems as soon as they occur. This will ensure that your windows are operating optimally and provide an effective barrier against weather, intruders, as well as pests.

Before starting any work on your windows, make sure that you have all the materials you require. This will help you avoid getting halfway through a project and realizing that you're missing an essential tool. It is also an excellent idea to have a second person on hand to help you with the more difficult parts of the task. They can offer additional support when lifting and moving the heavy window panes, and can also help ensure your safety from shards of broken glass.

In the stage of preparation, it is essential to make sure there aren't any putty or glass points that remain in the rabbet. This could cause the window to not be fitted properly and should be removed prior to continuing. It is also important to ensure that the windows are at least 1/8" smaller than the glass you are replacing to allow the expansion or contraction due to changes in the climate.

You'll need to apply an elastomeric sealant the exposed side of the casings or the blind stops on the outside of the frame. Also, you should apply a continuous coat of caulk around the head jamb. You may require a caulking gun for this step.

It is now time to add new glazing points. You'll need these cut to your specifications from the hardware store or home center. They should be slightly larger than the rabbet groove on all sides so that they are easy to push into place. Once the glazing points are set, you will need to roll putty into a length of three to four inches thick. Then, you'll need to press it against the edges of the sash and the frame to make sure it is secure.

Installing the New Pane

A damaged window could leave your home exposed to the elements. It is crucial to repair your glass quickly to prevent a rogue baseball or heavy wind from leaving shards inside the house. If you've got a small crack or a huge broken pane, there are many options for fixing it. Based on the needs of your home you may have to replace the entire window or just one pane.

If your cracked window pane is still structurally sound, you can put it in a plastic brace to secure it until you're ready for a more permanent solution. The trick is to find a piece plastic that's thick enough to support the broken glass and keep it from sagging. You can also put a sheet of heavy paper inside the frame but it won't offer the same level of strength as a brace made of plastic.


Window replacements tend to be more expensive than simply repair of one pane. However, it's worth the expense for homeowners who wish to enhance the appearance and energy efficiency of their home. Besides replacing the damaged glass, you might also need to do other repairs to the frame and weather stripping. This kind of work should be done by a professional since mistakes can cause drafts, water damage and moisture.

It's generally best to take out the sash prior to working on your window. You'll be able to see the frame better and be more efficient in your work. For removing old putty and wood molding and metal glazing points, a hammer and heat gun is usually required.

Before upvc window repairs install the new window, you'll need to brush the frame with wire and vacuum, clean it and apply an oil coating of linseed to the rabbet. It is also necessary to measure the height and width of the opening. Make sure you subtract 1/8-inch from each measurement; this will make the new pane fit securely and allow room for expansion and contraction.

You'll need to buy a new glass pane and some glazing points. It is essential to buy high-quality glazing points because they'll play a key part in the security of your window.

Finalizing Up

You can save money by replacing your window yourself. The task is fairly simple however you'll need to purchase some materials. The most difficult part will likely be getting the right ladder to reach windows in the second story or decorative glass windows in attics or crawlspaces.

You should remove the broken glass from its frame. You may have to jig it off with gloves especially if the break is located in one of the corners. Be cautious not to damage the frame since this could cause further issues.

Mix a small amount dish soap with water and dip a rag in the solution. Use the rag to wipe down the cracked area and the surrounding surface to remove fingerprints and other smudges. This helps the epoxy adhere to the glass better. After cleaning, let the glass dry for several hours.

After the epoxy has dried then scrape away any excess that's raised above the crack. You can also use a rag soaked with acetone, to gently remove any epoxy that isn't ready to be removed.

Cracks in the glass caused by stress can appear again over time, based on the glass type used and the climate. If you reside in an area with extreme winters, glass can expand and shrink, causing a crack on a door or window larger. You can stop this from happening by keeping the inside and exterior temperatures around the same, or by using a plastic barrier between the gaps.

Some glass repair techniques claim to be able to make the repaired crack or chip virtually invisible. However it isn't always possible. The crack will be visible if the crack appears extensive or deep. If you are concerned think about replacing the window to avoid any further issues. A glazier can cut the new glass to the exact size for your frame and carefully install it. This is a safer alternative to trying making a DIY window replacement.