How to Replace a Broken Window Pane in a Wood Frame

Remove the broken glass and old glazing compound, measure and cut new glass to fit, then secure it with fresh glazing compound and glazier points.

  1. Clear All Broken Glass First. Put on safety glasses and work gloves. Carefully remove loose glass pieces by hand, starting from the top and working down. For stubborn pieces, gently tap the glass from the outside using a hammer and push it inward. Place all glass pieces in a cardboard box or thick bag for safe disposal.
  2. Strip the Frame Clean. Use a putty knife or glazing tool to scrape away all old glazing compound from the window frame. For hardened compound, soften it first with a hair dryer or heat gun on low setting. Remove any old glazier points (small metal triangles) with needle-nose pliers. Sand the frame lightly if needed to create a smooth surface.
  3. Size and Bed the Glass. Measure the opening width and height at multiple points, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow for expansion. Have glass cut to size at a hardware store or glazier. Before installing, apply a thin bead of glazing compound around the frame where the glass will sit.
  4. Set Glass in Compound. Carefully position the new glass into the frame, pressing it gently into the glazing compound bed. The glass should sit evenly with small gaps around all edges. Press firmly but don't force it.
  5. Anchor with Glazier Points. Insert glazier points every 6-8 inches around the frame, about 1/4 inch from the glass edge. Use a putty knife to push them into the wood frame. The points should hold the glass firmly against the back glazing compound.
  6. Finish with Perfect Bead. Roll glazing compound between your palms to form ropes about 1/4 inch thick. Press these around the entire perimeter of the glass. Use a putty knife held at a 45-degree angle to smooth the compound into a neat, slanted bead that covers the glazier points and creates a weatherproof seal.
  7. Paint and Polish Complete. Allow the glazing compound to skin over for about a week, then paint it to match the window frame. This protects the compound from weather. Clean any compound residue from the glass with a razor blade scraper.