Replacing Window Glass

To begin the process of replacing window glass put on your safety glasses and work gloves, and remove any broken glass remnants from the window sash. The pliers can help to remove any smaller shards of glass from the window sash.

Then, using your putty knife, remove the old glazing compound from the window sash. Work your way around the window sash to slowly and carefully remove all remains of the old glazing compound. Work in either a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation around the window sash to ensure you get it all out. To help in the process of removing the old glazing compound use a hair dryer to heat up the glazing compound in the specific area you are working to remove it from the sash. The hair dryer will soften the glazing compound which will help make it easier to scrape out with your putty knife. Continue to use the hair dryer to warm the old glazing compound as you work your way around the window sash.

As you remove the old glazing compound also use your needle nose pliers to remove any glazing points that are still fastened into the window sash and old glazing compound. Once you’ve removed all the old glazing compound and glazing points use your sandpaper to smooth down the sash area where the glazing compound was, and any old residual paint. Next apply a wood sealer to the window sash, where the old glazing compound was, to protect the wood.

Then insert your piece of replacement window glass into the window sash being careful not to break it in the process. When you ordered the replacement glass you should have ordered it about 1/8th inch narrower and taller than the actual dimensions of the window sash.

After inserting the new piece of glass into the window sash, fasten glazing points every few inches around the perimeter of the window sash. Also make sure to install two glazing points near each of the four corners of the replacement glass window. Again, be careful not to break the glass while installing the glazing points. Once you’ve completed installing the glazing points, apply a bead of new glazing compound around the perimeter of the window sash and along the surface of the replacement glass. For best success roll out a string of glazing compound approximately ¼ inch in diameter. Then use your putty knife and fingers to work it into place around the window sash edges.

After you have applied the new glazing compound to the window sash, use a lightly damp rag and your finger to smooth out the glazing compound and to clean the replacement glass surface.

Allow the glazing compound to set up overnight before painting the window sash.

Finally, after the paint has had sufficient time to dry, reinsert the repaired window back into the window frame to complete the project.