A rogue baseball or heavy storm can shatter your window, leaving your home open to the elements.
Fix it quickly with our helpful tips.
Your technique will depend onwhat kind of windowpane you have.
Credit:Jean Allsopp
A wood frame takes more steps to repair but allows you to maintain the vintage character of your home.
A vinyl frame is likely from a new home and is a much easier job.
Youll have to hire a professional to make double-glazed windowpanes; you’re free to’t cut them yourself.
Unless the pane is very small, order double-thick glass; single-thick glass breaks easily.
Order shatter-resistant glass for a door, sidelight, or other high-traffic areas.
While wearing protective clothing, wiggle and pull out the shards of glass.
You may need to tap the glass with a hammer to create a new break line first.
You may need to use a pull-punch in paint scraper or an old chisel.
If you use a hammer, tap gently.
The grooves where the new window will go must be completely smooth.
A heat gun can help soften the old putty.
When reinstalling the wood molding, confirm to angle the nails so they don’t touch the glass.
Prep Frame
Wire-brush the frame and vacuum or wipe with a slightly damp rag.
Apply a coat of linseed oil to the rabbet; this helps the putty stick securely.
Measure Pane
Carefully measure the height and width of the opening in at least two places.
Order a piece of glass 18-inch shorter in each direction.
Test-fit the pane before proceeding.
Apply Putty
Roll a ball of glazing compound into a thin rope.
Press it into the corner of the rabbet.
Roll Putty
Roll a rope of putty about 34-inch thick.
Aim for a fairly uniform diameter, but it doesn’t need to be perfect.
Apply Putty to Glass
Press the rope against the glass and the frame using your thumb.
Remove Stop
Use a putty knife or small flat pry bar to remove the vinyl stop.
Work carefully to avoid cracking the stop.
Remove the glass and order a new piece to fit.
Replace Sealing Tape and Sealant
Test to see that the new pane will fit.
Scrape away the old sealing tape and clean the surface with paint thinner.
Cut pieces of sealing tape to fit precisely and press them into place on the rabbet.
Right before installing the glass, spread a bead of silicone sealant onto the rabbet.
Homeowners Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.
