Occasional glass breakage is a normal part of owning a home.
If the window has multiple panes, the light reflection will be repeated.
For example, on double-pane windows, two reflections will show up, one next to the other.
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But if you have older wood-framed windows with single-pane glass, it is relatively easy tofix broken glassyourself.
You just need a few simple tools and materials, some of which you may already have on hand.
Other materials are easily obtainable at home centers and hardware stores.
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Remember that working with glass is always inherently hazardous.
Be sure to always wear safety glasses and thick gloves.
Instead of metal stays, the single-pane window uses metal triangles called glazing points.
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These tiny metal triangles are essentially the “nails” that hold the glass to the wood frame.
When painted to match the window, this system is virtually invisible.
If this is the case, the molding can pried loose and reused or replaced with new.
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Apower brad nailerwould work well if one is available.
It should come off in large chunks, as it is usually quite dry and brittle.
Where bits of compound are stuck to the wood, scrape them away.
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Use a putty knife, pliers, or a thin flat-head screwdriver to pry out the old glazing points.
Wearing eye protection and with thick gloves, remove all of the broken glass.
Be careful not to gouge the wood.
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Let the sealer dry completely.
Subtract 1/8-inch from each measurement to use as the glass size.
Slightly undersizing the pane makes it easier to install and provides room for seasonal expansion and contraction.
Place the glass on a clean, flat work surface.
Make marks for the cutting line with a permanent marker.
Place a metal straightedge on the mark and score the cutting line onto the glass using a glass cutter.
A glass cutter has a small metal wheel for scoring the glass.
launch the cutter along the straightedge while pressing the wheel down firmly.
Make only one pass with the cutter.
Be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves for the next step.
Be careful when handling the cut glass, as the edges will be quite sharp.
Push the ropes into the L-channels around the perimeter of the window frame where the glass will rest.
Glaze the Window
Roll more glazing compound between your hands, forming ropes about 1/2-inch thick.
Use your finger to press the compound against the glass and wood.
Be careful not to touch the finished bead of glazing compound.
Glazing a window can be tricky, but it can be mastered with a little practice.
The goal is glass that is sealed in place with a perfect wedge of compound around all four sides.
Tip
Glazing compound is much easier to mold with if it is slightly warm.
Working the compound with your hands will also warm it up and make it easier to work with.
This can be as much as 5 to 7 days.
Once it is dry and fully hard, paint the glazing and any exposed wood withexterior-grade paint.
After the paint has fully dried, clean the glass.
Glaziers, Occupational Outlook Handbook.
United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
