While most residential windows should be replaced every 15 to 20 years, window glass breaks considerably more frequently and requires repair. Antique-leaded-glass panes are prone to loosening and rattling, while modern panes have their own set of issues. If moisture enters between the layers of a double-pane window, it will fog, and a plastic pane will yellow with time. In many cases, a repair is far less expensive than a complete window replacement.

Removing the sash will typically make a window glass repair easier. You will be able to lay it flat and work on replacing the window glass this way. If the window is particularly huge, it may be preferable to enlist assistance.

• Slider windows are often removed by simply raising the sash out of the track and dragging it out from the bottom.
• To keep a double-hung window in place, it normally has vinyl jamb liners on both sides. Pull out the top section of the sash, then twist it slightly to release the latch springs at the bottom.
• Window release catches are integrated into the hinges of modern casement windows. However, with older windows, you may only be able to remove them by unscrewing them from the top and bottom hinges.

Before replacing the shattered glass with new materials, make sure you carefully remove the broken glass and clean the area surrounding the window glass repair frame.

• Put on thick, cut-resistant gloves and goggles.
• Tape an “X” shape in the middle of the glass to be removed with painter’s tape or duct tape. Cover any damaged or cracked areas with a layer of tape. The more surface area you can tape over, the better. Because the tape catches and holds the glass pieces together, this step will help minimize injury and reduce clean-up if the glass breaks during the removal procedure.
• To reveal the entire glass pane, remove the glazing material.
• Remove the broken pane of glass in one piece if at all possible.
• If the glass becomes caught, carefully wiggle it out with gloved hands. Use a heat gun to slightly reheat up the old glazing compound or putty. This should aid in the removal of the most tenacious glass fragments. If the glass is being held together by old tape or silicone, slide the tip of a sharp utility knife between the glass and the old substance to break the seal.

When determining how to replace glass in a double-pane window, keep in mind that you do not have to remove the entire window to do so. While the window is still in the frame, older double-pane window glass repair can be fixed. Make sure there are only a few breaks in the glass and that the fragments are still reasonably sized. Remove the old glazing by loosening it and carefully removing the glass fragments. Replacing glass in aluminum windows is less difficult than replacing glass in a wooden frame. In most cases, the glass may be fixed while it is still in the frame.