Introduction
If you have a broken window in your home, it’s probably best that you do something about it quickly like buy window glass in some reputable stores. While you might be tempted to simply leave the broken window as is until you can get an estimate from a glass repair specialist, this can lead to further damage and increase the cost of repairs. If you want to replace the glass yourself, here’s what you need to know:
What causes broken windows?
Broken windows can be caused by a variety of factors, including the following:
- Storms, which can cause wind gusts to shatter glass panes.
- Vandalism, when someone deliberately breaks the glass with a rock or other heavy object.
- Car accidents, in which broken window glass may be dislodged when a car crashes into another vehicle or object.
- Gunshots from firearms used outdoors or indoors (this is not recommended).
- Falling objects such as tree limbs or snow-covered trees that have accumulated on your home’s roof during winter months
What you need to replace broken window glass
Before you begin the repairs, you’ll need to gather a few tools and supplies. You should have:
- Safety glasses and gloves
- A mask, if there are fumes or dust from breaking the glass.
- Tape measure (if possible) to make sure you have the right size replacement window pane for your home.
- Screwdriver for removing old window panes and scraping off adhesive tape left behind.
- Pliers or wrench to remove broken glass during installation of new windows in place of your old ones.
Once you’ve gathered these items, clean off any remaining shards of glass from where they fell on your house’s exterior onto a tarp or cloth lying in front of it so that no one gets cut by stepping on them later on while walking around outside (or worse yet…inside).
How to replace the broken window glass
- Remove the broken window glass. You can use a putty knife or other instrument to pry it out if it’s stuck.
- Clean any remaining shards of glass from inside the frame of your window and outside, where they may be visible.
- Install new glass in its place by applying silicone sealant (you can find this at your local hardware store) around the edges of the new piece so that it fits snugly into place without gaps. Slide two pieces of cardboard between the old and new panes before tightening screws to ensure there are no small spaces left between them that could allow air leakage or moisture through to your house’s interior walls.
- Reinstall your existing window frames by placing them back on their hinges and attaching them with screws wherever necessary—this should include both sides of each hinge, plus any screws keeping together neighboring hinges as well—then replacing any parts such as storm windows or screens that were also removed during this process
What NOT to do when your window is broken
When your window is broken, use these tips to avoid making costly mistakes:
- Don’t use a hammer to fix the glass. You’ll break more of it and end up with a bigger mess than you started with.
- Don’t use duct tape or super glue to fix the glass. These solutions are temporary at best and can make for more work when you decide it’s time for permanent repairs.
- Don’t put your hands anywhere near the broken window pane—especially if there’s broken glass on your floor or walls! If you’re wearing gloves, keep them on as you work; otherwise, wash your hands thoroughly after touching any potentially sharp pieces of glass.
You can fix broken windows by yourself.
Although it’s possible to do this yourself, you should only attempt to fix a broken window if your skill level is high enough. If you don’t have the right tools or know what you’re doing, it can be dangerous and expensive.
You’ll need:
- A good hammer – A standard claw hammer will do; anything with a claw on it will work as long as it’s sturdy enough to not bend when pounding on glass.
- Safety glasses – You’ll need these if any glass pieces come flying at your face while doing this job (which they probably will). It could also help protect against eye injuries caused by flying debris or splinters from building material such as wood or particle board.
Conclusion
If you have a broken window and are looking to replace it, this guide should help you get started. It covers the basics of what causes broken windows, what you need to replace broken glass, how to replace the broken window glass, and what NOT do when your window is broken!