How to Replace the Glass in a Wood Frame Window.

Introduction: How to Replace the Glass in a Wood Frame Window.

My home has wooden framed windows that, from time to time, have been broken. I employed a professional glasier to replace one of my windows, which cost just under $500. I decided to watch him work so that I could learn how he did this, in order to do the repairs myself next time. It was surprisingly easy, and increased my confidence in being able to do it myself next time.

When the next window was broken I bought the glass myself for $120 and completed the job.

I decided to create this instructable to assist people to save money in the repair of their own windows and have a feeling of satisfaction that comes with knowing how to do something yourself. Remember, the first time I did this I was very worried I would screw it up and get seriously injured. It turned out to be not very difficult and each time I repaired a broken window I gained confidence. Don’t be afraid of this repair job, it is easy to do and could end up saving you a lot of money. it could even be a new career!

If you are interested in this, you may be interested in reading my blog. It is located at Little Tassie Prepper.

Step 1:

The tools required.

A reliable Tape measure — You need to take the measurements in order to buy some new glass.
Paint scraper — This is to remove the Sash and any glue
Stanley Knife — To cut the Sash free from the frame.
Hammer — to Hammer the Sash nails back into the frame.
Thick Gloves — to protect your hands from broken glass.
Safety Glasses — to protect your eyes. Hopefully you will not need them, but better to be safe.

First step is to use the measuring tape to ensure that you purchase the correct size glass to fit the frame. Take extra care to make sure you measure this properly… you need to take the correct measurement or you will waste money and time. I find that measuring from inside of the frame to opposite inside part of the frame. I then remove one millimeter from the measurement to ensure that I can fit the glass into the frame. Once you have copied down the measurements, contact a glass supplier and purchase the glass required. You can take a section of the glass with you if you like, so that the glazier can see they type of glass which you used. At the very least you should explain the use for the glass when you order it so that the merchant can assist you in recommending the thickness you would require.

Once you have the glass purchased, you need to remove the broken glass from the frame. Use the Stanley knife to cut the paint from the window frame. Run the knife carefully down the Sash of the window (this is the section which holds the glass into the frame). Do this to all sections of the Sash.

Step 2:

Once the sash is separate from the frame, you take the paint scraper and insert it into the gap between the Sash and the Frame. This is to help pry the Sash from the Frame. I was advised by the Glassier that some houses (such as mine) have the Sash glued onto the Frame, so in these cases you use the paint scraper to unpick the glue from the inside of the crack. Do this to all sections of the Sash, as well as the corner sections.

Use the scraper to pry the Sash from the window frame. Try to keep the nails within the Sash if possible as it makes it easier later. Any nails removed need to be collected and used later. Once the Sash is removed, make sure that the glass does not hit you or fall out.

Now remove the glass from the frame. I try to remove it as one piece, yet I usually have to end up breaking it out. Make this fun if you like.

Step 3:

Take the Paint Scraper and remove any debris (such as pieces of wood shavings, dirt/dust, or glue) from the window frame, you need the area to be clear of items which will stop the window from making a good seal. Check the Sashes to make sure that they are in good order, have no additional debris on them, and hammer the point of the nails so that they can be hammered back into place. This is basically reversing the nails so that the point is just within the wooden Sash.

You may need another person to assist you in the next section. Have the hammer handy, as well as the removed Sashes and nails. Carefully place the new window into the frame. Hold it in place so that it is tight against the frame.

Now. this is a very delicate part. Take the top Sash and place it into place, carefully hammer the nails into place. You need to hammer carefully so that you don’t break the window. I find that having the nails already in the wood makes it much easier to hammer them back in. Place the Bottom Sash back into place and hammer it in. Then do the sides. I have been advised by professional Glaziers that you should not place glue or window putty on the window to keep it in place. It makes it harder to remove broken glass in future breaks. I was told that the putty is to be used if there is a bad seal on the window, to prevent any moisture from getting through.

Now step back and admire the great work you have done.

How to Replace Glass in Windows

The glass used in windows is strong, durable and can last for many years, but it’s still glass, which means it can be prone to cracking or breaking if the material gets damaged. It’s important to note that a broken pane doesn’t automatically mean you have to replace the entire window. In most cases, you can simply replace the glass in the windows.

DIY Glass Window Replacement Tips and Techniques

Because of this, it’s best to have a repair strategy for installing replacement window glass before you need it, as well as the right tools and the right materials for the job. While window glass replacement may be time-consuming, it can also be a fun DIY activity when you’re looking for a new project around your house.

Materials and Tools Needed for Window Glass Replacement

When you’re removing a broken pane and installing a replacement window glass, you don’t need a lot of things to do the job. Here’s a list of the tools and materials you’ll need:

• Heat gun
• Putty knife
• Tape measure
• Small wire brush
• Heavy gloves
• Linseed oil
• Putty
• Glaziers push points

Strategy for Replacing Glass in a Window

The first thing you will need to do is remove the existing piece of glass. Wear heavy gloves and carefully remove pieces of glass from the window. If there’s a piece or two that won’t come out, use a heat gun to soften the old glazing compound.

Next, you will need to clean the window frame and re-glaze it. For older windows, you may need to apply a bead of linseed oil with a brush to condition the wood before you apply the glazing compound.

Measure the area that’s to be glazed, write the numbers down, and use them to order glass at your local hardware store. Make sure the dimensions are as precise as possible.

Use glaziers push points to hold the glass pane in the frame. Then, apply the putty using the putty knife, holding the knife at an angle. Smooth the bead of putty in one motion to help get the most even line. Let the putty dry and then you can paint it to finish.

Is the Job Too Large or Difficult? Call Thompson Creek Window Company

Although it’s not always difficult to replace glass in a window, some windows are more of a challenge than others. For instance, if the window is a dual- or triple-pane window, then the replacement is much more complex. If the job is a large one or involves a window that’s more than a single-pane, then you may want to hire a professional to ensure the job is done right.

The Thompson Creek Window Company can replace your windows quickly and affordably. Contact us today, and we’ll provide you with a free estimate for your window glass replacement today.

Replacing Just Glass In Vinyl Windows

Yes you can replace just the glass, on 99.9% of all vinyl windows. They usually have a glazing strip that has to be removed from one side of the glass. Usually you’ll see it as a 5/8″ wide moulding around the interior edge of the glass. You can take the sash out to work on it, if it’s more convenient. You take a sharp chisel, insert it into the groove, and start tapping on one end of it until it starts to come out. Keep in mind that when you’ve done this a few hundred times, you learn not to beat up the vinyl. The first few times you do it, you will probably booger up the vinyl with the chisel, but once you get the hang of it, you can get them off with minimal damage.

Once the glazing strips are off, you will find that the glass is glazed by either silicone on the opposite side of the sash, or it’s held in place with double faced tape. In either case, you have to cut the glazing loose in order for the insulating glass unit (IGU) to come out. They make a couple different deglazing tools. You might be able to make one by bending a dinner knife at a 45 degree angle. A pizza cutter would also work, if bent at an angle away from the glass. I’ve also used a linoleum knife (put in a vise, heated with a torch and bent at an angle.) This is probably one of the best home-made ones I have used.

It’s critical that you get replacement glass that is exactly the same size and thickness. You will also need rubber spacer blocks to put around the perimeter of the glass that are the same thickness as your IGU. To measure the IGU without actually taking it out, they make a caliper that goes around the sash and pinches the glass, giving you a readout. The big glass shops do it with a handy measuring device that has a laser. You can remove the glazing strips to measure the actual height and width of the IGU. Then either put them back on or leave them off until the glass has been delivered.

When you replace the IGU, it’s also critical that you use the correct thickness of glazing. If it was silicone, well, you just caulk it and wet glaze it that way. But if it was glazed with two faced tape, you have to have the exact thickness of tape in order for the glazing strips to go back on- if you use too thick or too thin of glazing tape, it will push the glass too far in, or too far out, and the glazing strips will either be too tight or too loose to go back on the way they were before.

You put the rubber setting blocks around the perimeter of the glass so that there is space around the edge of the IGU, and so that the sash will remain just as square as the glass is. This is especially important with a casement window. If you don’t put setting blocks on all 4 sides, blocking the corners so that the sash can’t «slip» the sash will likely not stay square, and it either won’t close, or it EVENTUALLY won’t close right.

You might be able to find some step by step directions on youtube, but I’m not too sure. I’ve never needed to look for them! Good luck and if you have any questions just ask.

If you have the tools and the materials to do it, it’s really not that hard, but the problem is not knowing exactly what you’re getting into until you take one apart. It also takes some experience to judge what size glazing tape you have/had after you’ve mangled it all up.

Your best bet would be to track down the mfg, since most vinyl windows are covered by a warranty that lasts 10 if not 20 yrs. Even if you’re not the original owner, some companies will still stand behind their windows- IF you know what brand they are.

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Home » Info Center » Replacing Glass in Historic Windows – Is It Worth It?

Replacing Glass in Historic Windows – Is It Worth It?

September 24, 2018

By Emmariah Holcomb

Old windows are more common than you might think, especially if you’re not in a newly built home, but there’s no need to stress because Glass.com has everything you need in one spot. Before you start to consider whether or not you should replace your glass, decipher what type of glass and frame you have. You may have historic windows and glass versus a more modern style of window and glass. Knowing the difference can be helpful before you make your final decision on how Glass.com experts can best assist you.

Table of Contents

First Stop – Window Frame Materials

Window glass experts may make reference to materials like metal, fiberglass and vinyl. Modern double or triple paned frames made from these materials can help to make your home more energy efficient … but it comes at a cost, involving time.

Compared to traditional and historic wood-framed windows and glass, some cases show newer materials do not last as long when battling wear and tear. Many in the field will tell you energy efficient materials like metal and vinyl with newer glass typically last anywhere from 20 to 30 years. Yes, a couple of decade’s worth of use seems like a good option, but it’s important to remember the more traditional materials and glass were built to last for several generations. This can be seen through countless homes that are still intact from the 18 th and 19 th centuries.

Small windows and shutters

Proper care and maintenance, traditional or historic windows and its glass can last for years to come.

Rot is another factor that you should consider before making your decision. Older grown lumber used in historic homes are less prone to rotting over time when it’s directly compared to newer lumber, according to a few experts. So for these reasons, restoring your current historic windows could be the better option.

Window Design – Simple and Sustainable

Window design is just as important as the materials you decide to use. Simple and straightforward window designs are more commonly seen in historic or older style homes. This was due to engineers at the time, using what had worked for so many cases before – there wasn’t a strong need to change what had been successful.

Colorful buildings and their windows

Newer window designs in more cases than not, have more options for the consumer to choose from. Options can range from having spring tensioners, or a small spring system located on the side of a window to help the window close slowly and prevent slams, to security sensors and the latest tech. The downfall – usually the more involved or advanced something is, the more likely it is to malfunction or break. The more a spring tensioner is used, the more common it is for them to wear out. Once this happens, opening and closing your window will get harder to do. This brings us back to the durability factor – is your choice going to be something you like that will last?

Let’s Go Eco!

Broken windows aren’t new, and for generations before our time, when windows were broken they got repaired. It was simple back then and there weren’t nearly as many options for repair or replacement as there are in today’s world. Fortunately, there are several ways you can go green when thinking about either repairing or replacing. Your window professional can go over more energy efficient options for your home. There are also many programs that offer rebates for any eco-friendly improvements you make on your home.

The main benefit of eco-friendly glass windows is its impact on the Earth. Though these types of windows don’t lack in quality, they do limit the amount of energy used. Cutting down the amount of energy you use in your home often relates to the amount of money you can potentially save on your bills. Eco-friendly glass is made from a relatively environmentally harmless material made from sand. These windows also do not require any additional maintenance once your glazier installs them.

Existing Window Problems – Are there any?

Prior to starting on any repair or replacement, your window technician should inspect for any potential or existing issues your current windows might have. Conversely, if you have noticed any issues with leakage, cold air coming inside or fog, you should notify your window technician.

If you are experiencing fog from your windows there could be a few causes. Your glazier should check for any excess water being stored within the window’s frame. From there your professional may go over some of the additional benefits of replacing your existing glass. It’s common for newer windows and glass to have self-sufficient insulating glass units which combat fog from forming.

If you’re noticing any leaks coming from your home’s windows and glass, there is a high possibility the additional water is coming from the area around your window, instead of entering directly from the glass. To be certain, your Glass.com professional can check. Most often, window leaks occur from improper gutter drainage. If the water is not being properly directed, some experts say it’s only a matter of time before the water is forced towards the windows. Too much water thrust upon windows will compromise the window’s effort to keep water on the outside. If your window expert notices excessive water leakage on a few of your windows, he or she might re-route your drainage in addition to repairing or replacing your older windows and glass.

Inside view looking through a window

Your professional should discuss any further issues or concerns they might see while evaluating your windows.

Keep in mind, you’ll lose some your home’s charm and pizazz if you do decide to remove your home’s original historic windows. There are many professional window restorers on Glass.com that can keep the architectural integrity of your windows intact.

Continuing Window History

Windows and glass, like everything else, need to be taken care of in order to withstand years of wear and tear. Here are a few things your professional may mention to you:

All three things previously listed can be done by the professional of your choice. While storm windows might not initially draw you in, they can help maintain the quality and longevity of your glass and windows. Your technician can install them from either the inside or on the outside.

Now that you’ve gained insight on the different options you have with your old windows and glass, you and your window expert can decipher which would be the best fit for you to complete your next project.

Glass.com attempts to provide accurate information but cannot be held liable for any information provided or omitted. You should always work with a licensed, insured and reputable glass shop that can assess your specific needs and local building codes and offer professional services. Never attempt to cut, install, or otherwise work with glass yourself. All content is provided on an informational basis only.

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By Emmariah Holcomb

Emm Holcomb serves as assistant editor to AGRR™ (Automotive Glass Repair and Replacement) Magazine and has a background news, as she was a journalist for Time Warner Cable News. Emm received her Bachelor’s Degree from St. Bonaventure University in New York where she studied journalism and mass communication.

In her free time, Emm loves to cook and is passionate about trying new recipes and using food to bring people together. When not in the kitchen, she can be found in the gym working out and fostering her love/hate relationship with weight training.