How to Fix a Window That Has Broken Glass

A broken window is an urgent repair — it's a security risk, a safety hazard, and lets in weather. Here's how to safely remove the broken glass, secure the opening temporarily, and replace the pane properly.

Safety First — Before You Touch Anything

• Wear heavy leather gloves — glass edges are razor sharp
• Wear safety glasses
• Keep children and pets away from the area
• Lay a drop cloth or newspaper below the window to catch falling glass

Step 1: Remove Remaining Glass Safely

1. Working from the outside if possible, use a gloved hand or pliers to remove large pieces of glass from the frame
2. Work from the top down so falling pieces don't cut your hands
3. Use a putty knife or screwdriver to chip out any remaining glass fragments from the glazing compound
4. Wrap all broken glass in newspaper before placing in a sturdy bag for disposal — never put loose glass in a trash bag

Step 2: Temporary Fix — Secure the Opening

While you arrange for glass replacement, secure the opening to keep out weather, insects, and intruders:

• Tape heavy plastic sheeting or a garbage bag over the opening from the outside
• Use plywood cut to size for a more secure temporary cover
• Apply window sealing tape around the edges to hold the temporary cover

• XFasten Transparent Window Sealing Tape 2"×30yd — secure temporary plastic sheeting over the broken window opening

Step 3: Remove Old Glazing Compound

Use a putty knife and heat gun (or hair dryer) to soften and remove all old glazing compound from the frame rabbet. Clean the rabbet thoroughly — new glazing won't adhere to old compound.

Step 4: Measure and Order Replacement Glass

Measure the opening height and width. Subtract 1/8" from each dimension for clearance. Order glass cut to size from a hardware store or glazier. For single-pane windows, standard window glass (3mm or 4mm) is appropriate. For double-pane, a glazier must supply and install the IGU.

Step 5: Install the New Glass

1. Apply a thin, even layer of glazing compound to the frame rabbet (the groove the glass sits in)
2. Set the new glass into the rabbet and press firmly — the compound should squeeze out slightly around all edges
3. Secure with glazier's points (small metal clips) every 6–8" around the perimeter
4. Apply glazing compound around all four edges, pressing firmly and smoothing at a 45-degree angle with a putty knife
5. Let cure for at least 7 days before painting

• DAP '33' Window Glazing White 32oz — professional-grade glazing compound for bedding and sealing replacement glass
• Glass Glue Ultra Strong Clear 100g — for sealing small gaps or stabilizing the glass edge after installation

Step 6: Prime and Paint

After the glazing compound has cured, prime and paint over it. Paint should lap slightly onto the glass to create a weathertight seal between the glazing and the glass.

When to Call a Glazier

• Double or triple-pane IGU replacement
• Large panes (over 24" in any dimension)
• Safety glass (tempered or laminated) — must be professionally cut and installed
• Historic or specialty glass