THIS IS A HAMMER

Fixing a Broken Windowpane

Q: I was putting away my ladder after hanging up lights when it slipped and fell against the front window. One of the panes cracked all the way up. It’s an older window, and I don’t think I’ll be able to get a repair service in this late in the holiday season. How can I fix it? — A Reader, via email

A: Believe it or not, the newer, double-paned windows can take longer to fix than older ones. So, you’re in luck. Because you have an older, single-pane window with multiple panes, replacing a single pane can be pretty easy. Here’s what you’ll need for the job: a replacement pane of glass, glazier’s points, glazing compound or putty, wood primer, small paintbrush, needle-nose pliers, a screwdriver or chisel, a small putty knife, sturdy work gloves, eye protection, a hammer, masking tape, sandpaper and a tape measure.

Measure the size of the windowpane opening before heading to the home improvement or window specialty store. Purchase a replacement pane that is about 1/8 inch smaller than the length and width of the opening. This is a good time to purchase the glazier’s points, putty, primer and any tools you’ll need, too.

First, remove the window sash from the frame and lay it down on a towel or old cloth. Keep heat inside the house by closing the storm window or taping a sheet of plastic around the frame.

Next, carefully remove the cracked glass. You’ll need to break the pane to get it out, so put on gloves and eye protection and put a strip of masking tape on both sides of the cracked glass pane. Carefully tap the cracked pane with a hammer until it breaks. Tap pieces downward onto the protective cloth, then carefully pull shards out of the panel frame, as well as any old glazier’s points (discard them).

Use a screwdriver or chisel to carefully remove old glazing compound from the frame, then sand the area smooth and clean away debris. To finish prepping the frame, put a coat of wood primer (preferably fast-drying) over the sanded area. This will help the glazing compound last longer.

Once the primer is dry, test-fit your replacement glass, then remove. Roll out a very thin rope of glazing compound around the wood frame. (You also could use clear silicone caulk at this point, as it’s an extra step to ensure a water-resistant seal.) Carefully press the replacement glass into place.

Next, put new glazier’s points into place. These secure the pane in place firmly. Press the pointed end into the wooden frame about two inches from each corner, then use a screwdriver to press them in firmly.

Finish sealing the windowpane by rolling out another rope of glazing compound. Press this into the seam between the windowpane and the wood frame. Use your putty knife to really push it in there, and then smooth down the compound.

Clean accidental globs of compound or primer from the glass with mineral spirits or turpentine. You can now put the window sash back into the frame. Let the glazing compound dry for about a week so that it sets well, then paint the wood around the new pane to match the rest of the window.

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