So your window pane decided to crack. Maybe a storm, maybe your kid threw something, or maybe life’s just being messy. Whatever the cause, you’ve got a hole in your view (and your insulation). Here’s how to fix it.
What You’ll Need
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Replacement glass pane (cut to size)
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Glazing points or clips (to hold the pane in place)
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Glazing putty or glazing compound
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Putty knife
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Glazier’s points staple tool (or small hammer & finishing nails, depending on frame)
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Safety gloves & goggles
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Measuring tape
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Paint (if needed)
Step-by-Step
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Safety first.
Put on gloves and goggles. Remove loose shards carefully. Bag them up. Clean up the frame. -
Measure the opening.
Measure width and height of the pocket where the glass sits. Subtract ~1/8 inch (3 mm) from width and height so the pane can fit without being forced. -
Remove the old pane or remnants.
If there’s still some broken glass, remove it. Pull out old glazing compound or glazing points. The frame needs to be cleaned out so the new glass sits flat. -
Prep the frame.
Make sure it’s dry, clean, maybe sand lightly if there’s old paint or putty interfering. If you want, prime/paint frame before installation for a cleaner final look (especially for exterior frames). -
Install new pane.
Place the new pane into the frame, resting on the side of the frame or on any sash stops. Use glazing points or clips to hold the glass securely. Usually two or more per side depending on size. -
Apply glazing compound/putty.
Roll or knead it until it’s pliable, then press into the frame around the glass edges. Smooth it out with a putty knife, making a neat bevel (for water runoff and aesthetic). Let it cure/dry — instructions will vary. -
Final touches.
Once cured, you may need to paint the putty to match the frame or to provide protection (especially outdoors). Clean the glass; inspect for gaps.
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
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Measuring wrong — leads to too-tight fits or gaps. Measure twice.
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Putting glass directly into frame without support — needs glazing points or clips, or the glass rattles and breaks.
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Using the wrong putty or paint — for exterior windows you need materials rated for weather exposure.
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Skipping curing time — if you mess with the putty too early, it can pull loose or crack.
When to Call in Help
If the frame itself is rotted, warped, or structurally compromised, DIY replacement of the pane won’t fix underlying damage. Also if your window is large / heavy / awkwardly placed (e.g. 2+ stories up), you might need pro tools or backup.
If you hate the idea of messing with glass, or just want someone who’s done it 50 times and doesn’t curse under their breath(mostly) while cutting putty, I got your back. That’s what I do over at Dee Bee Freelancing— I can come install, repair, or replace windows for you without the guesswork.
Why It Pays to Do It Right
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Restores insulation (cuts drafts & saves energy)
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Prevents water leaks → rot / mold / damage
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Keeps your place looking decent (so your neighbors don’t think you’re neglecting everything)
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Adds safety — broken glass is dangerous
Pro Tips From the Trenches
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If your window has double glazing (two panes separated by a spacer) or specialized glass (tempered, laminated, low-E), replacement is more involved and usually more expensive. Know what you’re dealing with or someone will surprise-bill you.
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Keep spare glazing points + a tube of putty around — they’re cheap, and you’ll thank yourself for small repairs down the road.
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Match the old profile of the putty (shape, bevel) so it looks like you didn’t just patch your house together with fiberglass and curse words.
Bonus Resource
If you want to go from “I can’t even” to “I got this,” I put together Dee Bee's Handyman Guide — my manual for handling home repair stuff the right way, without getting screwed over or breaking your knuckles.
Final Word
Replacing a window pane isn’t rocket science, but it also isn’t hair-raising — unless you let it be. With the right tools, care, and maybe a little help from Dee Bee Freelancing so you don’t end up in the ER, your window will be good as new.
Got questions about a weird window, weird glass type, or you want me to come fix it so you can keep both hands? Hit me up.
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