Broken Window Pane — How To Fix A

Measure the opening of the frame and subtract 1/8 inch from both the height and width. This "expansion gap" allows the glass to sit comfortably even if the house shifts or the wood expands. Most hardware stores will cut the glass to these specific dimensions for you. Step 4: Apply a Bed of Putty

It depends on humidity and temperature. It usually takes 7 to 14 days for the putty to develop a hard skin all the way through. However, you can usually paint it after 24–48 hours once a thin skin has formed on the surface.

Smooth out the "rabbet" (the L-shaped groove where the glass sits). how to fix a broken window pane

Before you begin, gather the following items. Most are available at any hardware store.

💡 Use a microfiber cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean any oily smudges off the glass once you are finished. If you’d like to move forward with this project, tell me: The frame material (wood, vinyl, or aluminum) If it is a single or double-pane window The approximate size of the break Measure the opening of the frame and subtract

Take a small amount of glazing putty and roll it into a thin "rope" about the diameter of a pencil. Press this into the corner of the frame's rabbet. This creates a weather-tight cushion for the glass to rest against. Press the new pane firmly into this bed of putty until it is seated evenly. Step 5: Secure with Glazier’s Points

To keep the glass from falling out, you need glazier’s points. Space them about 4 to 6 inches apart. Lay them flat against the glass. Step 4: Apply a Bed of Putty It

Before you begin, prioritize safety. Dealing with glass shards is hazardous, and proper preparation ensures the job goes smoothly.

If you have a wood frame, coat the bare wood with linseed oil or a wood primer. This prevents the wood from sucking the oil out of the new putty, which causes it to dry out and crack prematurely. Step 3: Measure and Cut the New Glass