Replace a broken window pane

Spring is upon us and that means more outdoor games and ball sports. However, too often a stray ball goes flying through a window and smash, broken into pieces! Don’t let broken windows lead you to think you need to call a handy man. Do it yourself with our how to project.

What you will need:

  • Glass Cutter
  • Putty Knife or Scraper/Glazer
  • Paint
  • Hand Cleaner
  • Work Gloves
  • Chisel
  • Razorblade Scraper
  • Glazier’s Points
  • Putty
  • Glass of Proper Size
  • Window Scraper
  • Metal Shield
  • Linseed Oil
  • Heat Gun or Soldering Tool
  • Paintbrush
  • Pliers

Method:

  1. First safely remove the broken glass. Wear thick protective gloves. Wrap the glass up safely in newspaper and in thick packets that they cannot penetrate.
  2. Remove all the excess dry putty on the windowsill using a putty knife – take care to remove this slowly as to not damage the windowsill.
  3. Remove all the glazier’s points while removing the putty. (These are the small metal triangles that hold the glass in place under the putty).
  4. If the putty is difficult to remove add a bit of heat to soften it.
  5. Use the chisel and putty knife to remove any rough spots and to smooth any edges.
  6. If you have a wooden window frame apply a bit of linseed oil to help the putty last longer.
  7. Add a very thin layer of base putty around the frame, this is to provide a cushion for new glass to be inserted into.
  8. Ensure your replacement glass is cut to the exact size (just a fraction smaller than the frame size) using your glass cutter.
  9. Insert the new glass into the frame adding the glazier’s points every 10cm to help secure the pane.
  10. Use the glazing tool and putty knife to push the glazier’s points into the wood.
  11. Start applying putty to the frame – putty should be thick and feel like dough.
  12. Roll putty into pencil size strips and apply it from each corner of the frame.
  13. Push the putty along all of the glass using the putty knife. Smooth it out with even strokes.
  14. Apply linseed oil to the glazier’s tool to help spread the putty smoother. Add a beveled angle to the putty.
  15. Remove any excess putty along corners or edges. Some sandpaper may be helpful in removing rough spots.
  16. Once dry paint the putty with the same colour as your frame.
  17. Once the paint is dry remove excess paint with a razor tool.