Mini Guide: Replacing a Broken Window Pane

If you have a broken window it’s definitely something you need to move quickly on. If you leave a window that’s broken unattended you might risk your property getting some further damage. For example if it’s winter you could end up with water damage opposed to just simply fixing a broken window pane.

Follow these quick but important steps on how to replace a broken window pane. Please note that guide is just for a single broken window pane and not an entire window including the frame.

Depending on how bad the damage is would depend on if you can do this as DIY job or not. If you can then you should be able to save yourself some money by not having to hire a professional window replacement company.

When you follow this guide your must wear protective gear.

Here are the steps on how to replace a window.

  1. First things first! Make sure you put on gloves and long sleeves that are specifically meant for glass work. You can pick these up from your local hardware store.
  2. Pick up the broken glass around the area of the smashed window. Make sure you dispose of this carefully. Be sure to thoroughly sweep the area to get all the glass fragments and if carpet was involved make sure to vacuum.
  3. Next you need to make sure all the old glazing is removed from the window pane.
  4. Step 4 is to take careful measurement the now empty window pane so you can buy a replacement window panel. If you are unable to find the right side then you need to give those measurements to a glass professional so they can cut the right size for you. Be sure to also take the exact measurements of the glass pane you need you will need to ask a professional to cut the right size for you.
  5. If you decide to install the new window pane yourself Then the next step is to apply chalk or a glazing compound to the entire outside rim of the glass. This is were the glass connects to the window frame.
  6. Finally you need to use a putty knife to smooth out the glazing compound.

And that’s basically it. You’re done!

It’s important that you follow these steps carefully and to protect yourself at all times. If you are not professional then it might be easy to overlook the safety aspect of dealing with broken glass. Please don’t ever overlook any safety aspects and use the correct protective gear.

Here is a nice video explaining the entire process also.

The other option is to simply call a professional glass firm like this double glazing repairs Bournemouth company that specialises double glazing window repairs. Or check them out on Twitter – Abacus Glazing.

Yes is going to cost you more money but you don’t have to deal with any broken glass or safety gear. Nor do you have to deal with measurements and the installation of a new window pane. If you’re looking to install the window because you’re a natural hobbyist then that’s fine but if you’re just an everyday person who doesn’t really deal with repair work then it might be best to just call a professional to do the job.

How to Fix Scratches on Tempered Glass

Life is not perfect. Sometimes things break, get scratched or even totally smash.

Hopefully you are reading this when you are looking to get something fixed. And not something that has been completely smashed but I’d rather just a little scratch on some tempered glass.

Inspecting the Damage Caused

Most of the time, if you’re dealing with slightly scratched tempered glass you can actually restore it without burning a hole in your wallet. The first thing you want to do is clean the glass. Take a soft rag and wipe off any dud.

New line then run your fingernail across the scratch. now if any glass catches your fingernail then the scratch might be too deep to use a DIY method but if that is not the case then the options we are going to explore in this article can be used.

How to Remove Scratches from Tempered Glass

There are a few different ways to remove scratches from tempered glass. Below are the most common ones that can be used with minimal effort that don’t break the bank.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste can be used to remove small scratches from tempered glass. You want to use whitening toothpaste. The reason for this is it’s slightly more abrasive than regular toothpaste.

Apply a dab of toothpaste to a soft but clean cloth and then rub the toothpaste in a circular motion around the scratch. Keep doing this and then rinse the glass with some clean water. Have a look at what you’ve done and if the scratch remains then repeat the process a few more times. If you still have the scratch after 3 rounds then it’s time to move on to the next step.

Soap or Steel Wool

Pumice soap is your next step. Put the toothpaste away and go for the pumice soap. We’re getting more heavy duty here because there are more abrasive elements in pumice soap that can help remove scratches from tempered glass.

You can also try #000 steel wool instead of a cloth with the pumice. This is a type of a very fine grain steel wool that will help remove scratches yet not scratch the glass itself. Make sure you use high grade steel wool, so something that is brand new and doesn’t have any rust or imperfections.

Use a circular motion for a few minutes on the scratch. Then use a little bit of water to remove any residue. if your scratch is still not gone it’s time to move to the next step. Or you can try these other DIY methods to remove a scratch.

Commercial buffering or Sanders

Now we’re getting into the point where it could cost you some money. If you’re not willing to spend the money here it might be best just to hire a professional to fix your window.

Commercial buffering is pretty much professional scratching to remove scratches. It’s quite simple to implement. If you have access to a commercial buffering tool or a sander then you simply need to switch it on and go to work. Don’t forget to keep the area moist by squeezing a little bit of water through a sponge on to the area you are sanding.

After several minutes of sanding you should have removed the scratch. If you have then you’re done. If you have not then repeat the  steps a few times until you remove your scratch.

If you’re still not removed the scratch then it might be time to actually call a professional. Any company that provides glass or glazing repairs will be able to help.