Glass
Measuring tape
Gloves
Screws or pins
Plastic gasket
Screwdriver
Horizontal sliding glass windows and some vertical sliders with screens have metal (usually aluminum) frames, and the glass (usually one large pane) is secured to these frames by plastic-like inserts. Sometimes a removable plastic or wooden grille overlays the glass, giving the appearance of a multi-paned window or door. You can remove these inserts by snapping them out of their metal or wooden frames.
There are two types of gaskets, the difference being whether the glass seats in the gasket or directly in the window frame. In the first case, a U-grooved gasket encases the edges of the glass and seals it in the frame. Alternatively, the glass is first fitted to the metal window frame, and then the gasket material is applied to seal the glass and frame (Fig. 1).
Removing and Replacing the Glass
To replace the glass, you’ll need to remove the frame (or sash) from the window. Here's how.
1.
Lift Sash Out
Slide the sash to a keyed opening on the window track and lift the sash up and out of the window channel.
2.
Remove One Screw or Pin
You’ll notice that the frame is held together in one of two ways: either by small screws driven into the top and bottom rails, or by pins holding the frame together at the corner joints. Remove just one screw (or pin) from the sash and pull the frame apart slightly. This should permit enough room to remove the old glass from the gasket or the gasket seal from the frame. If not, you’ll have to disassemble another corner, and perhaps all four.
3.
Remove Glass
Once the sash is apart, remove all broken glass from the frame channel or from the grooved gasket. Inspect the gasket for wear and tear; you may need to replace it when you install the new glass.
4.
Take Measurements
Measure the window frame for the replacement glass. The new glass should be approximately 1/32 inch smaller than the frame measurement to fit properly into the groove or channel.
Note: It's tempting to upgrade single-thickness glass, but your window will only accept a replacement of the same size.
5.
Insert New Glass
Insert the replacement glass into the groove in the plastic gasket and into the frame (sash) of the window. If a glazing gasket was used, put the replacement glass in the sash, and then press the gasket into the sash around the glass.
6.
Reassemble Frame
Reassemble the frame with screws or pins.
