I have a cracked pane of glass in one of my garage windows and would like to know how to replace it. The window is old and has six rectangular panes, of which only one is cracked. I plan to have my teenage son help, as I want to see him start to learn how to do things around the house.
Signed, Cracked up
A: Dear Cracked Up,
Congratulations on using this window of opportunity to teach your son repair skills (sorry, I couldn’t resist). Let me start by listing the needed tools and materials: a drop cloth, utility knife, one-inch putty knife, a piece of sand paper, small broom, paint, paint brush, safety glasses and a pair of gloves (be sure to wear both throughout the project), glazier points, glazing compound, caulking gun, a pane of glass, flathead screwdriver and a Band-Aid … but not for the reason you think.
• Place your drop cloth directly under the window you are working on.
• Remove old glazing by cutting it out with a utility knife. Then scrape any remaining glazing out with your putty knife.
• Before removing any glazing points, be sure to completely cover the exterior surface of the cracked pane of glass with strips of duct tape. Be careful when pressing duct tape to the cracked glass.
• Place the Band-Aid around the end of your flathead screwdriver, as this will reduce the pressure on the glass, thus reducing the chance of further cracking.
Now, use the screwdriver to pop out the glazier points that are holding the pane in place. Remove the cracked pane of glass. You will notice how the duct tape allows you to remove the pane in one piece. Safely dispose of broken glass.
• Use your piece of sandpaper to remove any residue around the frame of the window. Once sanded, sweep the area and apply a coat of fast-drying paint to the wood. This will protect the dried out wood.
• Dry fit your replacement pane to insure it will fit properly. When measuring for your new pane of glass, deduct 1/8-inch from the overall width and length of the wooden frame opening.
• Using your caulking gun, lay a bed of glazing around the perimeter of the opening. Place new pane into place and gently press to get a perfect set. Using your Band-Aid wrapped flathead screwdriver, insert two glazier points along each side. With smaller windows, I recommend setting them in two inches from each corner. Apply an even layer of glazing around the perimeter of your new pane of glass. Let dry. Then apply a fresh coat of paint.
• Wash and wait for the next one to crack!
Kaile Warren of Windham is CEO/Founder of the national handyman franchise Rent-A-Husband. Kaile is also a national home improvement expert for the CBS Early Show, HGTV and Parade Magazine. When not on the road or working he spends his time teaching his newly adopted white shepherd, Maintenance, how-to ... Send your questions for Kaile to editor@themaineswitch.com.