How to replace double pane glass in vinyl window

The sound of breaking glass can come for any number of reasons from your daughter's backyard baseball practice to a falling tree branch during a storm. In addition to broken glass, other reasons you might want to replace the glass in your window include scratches on the outside or even cracks in a window pane. But if you have double pane windows, can you replace the glass, or do you have to replace the entire window unit?

While that may seem like a simple question, the answer can be more complex, depending on the age of your windows, what kind of shape they are in, and what kind of Insulated Glass Unit you have. Here is some information to help you decide.

What is an Insulated Glass Unit?

First, double-paned windows are contained in an insulated glass unit or IGU. The parts of the window work together to keep hot and cold out of your home, and heated and air-conditioned air inside.  An insulated glass unit is made up of several parts. 

All windows have some parts in common, including a head, frame, jamb, and sill, and these are generally pretty familiar to most people. 

• The head is at the top. The frame surrounds the window 
• The sill is at the bottom. 
• The Jamb makes up the sides of the window frame. 
• The sash is the part of the frame that holds the glass. 

Certain types of windows have other parts, essentially depending on whether they open or not, or how they open. The difference with an insulated glass unit and a single pane window is the sash and the glass itself. By definition, an insulated glass unit↗ is made up of two or more panes of glass, spacer material of some sort (so the panes don't simply fall together in the frame). These are sealed together at the edge. 

Often, a gas such as argon is injected between the frames. These gas, which are heavier than air, help keep heat from transferring through the pane to the inside or outside of your home. What does all this mean for replacing a broken glass pane in a window? 

Can You Replace Glass in a Double Pane Window?

The answer to this question is technically yes. You can, but it may not be the best idea. You can lose some significant energy savings by doing so, and your window can even be damaged in the process. Here's why:

• It is possible to cause further damage to the sash and the window itself when replacing a single pane in a double-paned window↗.
• Seals can be damaged during the replacement process, resulting in less efficient windows and even fogging between the panes. 
• Any gas injected between the panes to make them more efficient and effective will escape, again reducing efficiency.

So is there ever a time when replacing the panes makes sense? The answer is "it depends." If you have historic window frames you are trying to preserve, your frames are new or in great shape, and if the glass can be replaced without further damaging the window, it is possible. You'll want to contact a professional to be sure. 

Which is the better option? Glass Replacement vs. Window Replacement

So how do you decide if you should completely replace your window or just the glass?  Here are some simple questions to ask yourself and things to understand. 

• Replacing just the glass can be a temporary and more affordable solution until you can replace the entire window (but you'll spend more in the long run by doing both). 
• How old are your windows and frames? Are they relatively new, or five or more years old?
• How good of shape are your frames in? Are there any visible signs of damage?
• Are your windows fogging between the panes? This can be a sign that seals are already failing and you have hidden issues that may need to be addressed.
• Is the loss of efficiency worth the cost savings of replacement?
• Have you consulted a professional glass company about your options?

In general, window replacement is a much better idea than simply replacing the glass. It's safer, preserves the efficiency of your windows, and in the long run, will be more cost-effective. In most cases, replacing just the glass is a temporary fix at best. 

It's our recommendation that homeowners replace the full window unit rather than just the glass itself. If you have questions be sure to contact a local professional.

The downside of the more involved window technology is that when the window glass breaks, it can be somewhat trickier to replace than the old single-pane windows. Oftentimes a window professional will need to be called, and this can get expensive. You can save a lot of money by fixing that broken window glass yourself.

Things You Will Need

• 2 – 2-by-4s cut to support the window
• Gloves
• Eye protection
• Thin bladed putty knife
• Replacement window glass
• 2-sided adhesive tape, 1/16th or 1/8th inch thickness

1. Remove the window from the frame and set it on a couple of 2-by-4s.

2. Remove the window stops from the window frame. Slide a thin bladed putty knife in between the edge of the window frame and the stop and carefully pry the stop away from the frame. Take care not to damage the stops, as they can be difficult to replace.

3. Turn the window over and use your putty knife to cut the adhesive tape holding the window in the frame. Slide the putty knife between the glass and the tape and break the bond holding the window in the frame.

4. Clean the window frame. Use your putty knife to scrape away as much of the old adhesive tape as possible. Then use pint thinner or a similar solvent to remove any leftover gunk.

5. Apply new adhesive tape to the window. Cut these strips to length and lay them within the window frame.

6. Position the new glass inside the window frame, on top of the 2-sided adhesive tape. Take great care when positioning the glass inside the frame. Once it makes contact with the adhesive, it will stick fast, so get it right the first time!

7. Replace the window stops by pressing them back into place over the glass and into the window frame.

8. Position the repaired window back inside the window opening and lock it into place.

Before you take on a window repair, make sure the window is no longer under warranty. If the product is warranted, you may be able to get a new window at no cost; and if you attempt to repair the window yourself, you may void any existing warranty. If you can't free the broken glass from the adhesive tape, you may have to break the glass out with a hammer and remove the pieces. Place cardboard over the glass to avoid flying shards. On certain types of vinyl double pane windows, the glass simply cannot be replaced without causing severe damage to the sash. In these cases, consult a window professional. You may end up having to buy a whole new window.

Always wear eye protection and gloves when working with glass.

The Drip Cap

• Vinyl double pane windows are a modern, energy-efficient innovation in building materials.
  
• The downside of the more involved window technology is that when the window glass breaks, it can be somewhat trickier to replace than the old single-pane windows.
  
• You can save a lot of money by fixing that broken window glass yourself.
  
• Slide the putty knife between the glass and the tape and break the bond holding the window in the frame.
  
• Position the new glass inside the window frame, on top of the 2-sided adhesive tape.

The most standard window could stay for up to 20 years before needing a replacement. But as for window glass in a vinyl frame, you might have to change it sooner. For instance, vintage-inspired glass panes become loose within a short period.

Apart from the antique ones, modern panes also have their issues. Plastic variants change its original color while a double pane fogs up easily.

Vinyl windows are durable and have great features. Unlike the aluminum or wooden type, some makers have their glass welded with the sash. For this reason, removing the glass from the frame requires extra work and care, especially when prying out the vinyl.

Normally, you can contact an expert to handle this task- for a massive fee. But you can save your money by knowing how to replace window glass by yourself. If you use this guide, you can handle this project without any problems. Now, let’s get started.

How to Replace Window Glass in Vinyl Frame

Tools Required for Replacing Window Glass in Vinyl Frame

With the right tools and materials, the process of how to remove a pane from the frame will become easy. However, you will need some experience in the quantity of glazing tape needed and the type to consider.

To make things easy for you, here are tools needed

You don’t need a window insulation kit for this project. Instead, to carry out a home window glass replacement in the vinyl frame here are the tools you will need:

• Paint Scrapers & Blades
• Heat Guns
• Paint Brushes(optional)
• Sandpaper
• Caulk Guns
• Glass Sheets
• Composite Fasteners
• Paint Colors(optional)

Step 1: Separate the Vinyl Sash from the Window

In the Double-hung window, this type has a top and bottom sash. By releasing dual tabs on each sash, you can move them quickly. With that said, you need to free the tabs and bend the top of the sash in your direction.

Lift the left edge of the sash as this will twist it a little bit. At this point, the sash will become free from the window. Now take it out from window opening and place the inner part face up on a table.

Step 2: Pull Out the Stops

Head to the edge of the glass and find the vinyl glazing stops that encircle it. If you don’t know glazing stop looks like, find the flat vinyl strips that have small lips. Usually, you can find these components hidden under the frame that surrounds the sash.

When you see them, set a flat-headed screwdriver against the rim of a glazing stop on the right edge. Carefully hit the head of the screwdriver until the stop slides from the frame. Repeat the process on all the stops on the frame.

Step 3: Remove the Caulk from the Window

Pass a utility knife through the lower part of the sash. You should also run the utility knife – at the height of 8 inches – on the left and right part of the sash. To cut this item entirely, have someone hold the sash for you.

Locate the setting blocks and cut the caulk in that area. These small blocks are lying at the center on both sides of the frame.

Step 4: Pull Out the Existing Glass

Turn the sash to the exterior part and make sure it faces you. Then, allow it to stand on the table. In this position, slide the knife between the windowpane and the outer frame.

Move the knife within the sash while slicing up the seal that stays between the glass and frame. Ensure your partner holds the glass properly so that it does not slip from the window.

Stay at the outer part of the sash and carefully shove the glass. As the pane slides from the window, your partner should be able to catch it with gloved hands to avoid injuries.

Step 5: Find a Replacement for the Glass

The next important step on how to replace window glass in a vinyl frame is to find a panel that shares the same size and thickness with the current one. It would also help if you placed rubber spacer blocks – of the same thickness with the glass around the pane itself.

Luckily, you can find the dimensions of the glass, particularly without removing it from the window. To perform this task, you will need a caliper that could move around the sash and holds the glass. In this position, you can get the readings.

You can also get the measurement at a local glass shop with a portable laser. This device helps you to check the size of the glass.

Before using the tool, pull out the glazing strips. As soon as you have finished, you can replace them or leave them until the store provides you with the new pane.

Step 6: Fix in the Replacement Glass

Add some fresh 2-sided tape to the window. Slice the material lengthwise and place them inside the window frame.

Then, put the new pane on top of this adhesive. Since the tape sticks quickly to the glass, place the glass in the right position.

As you fix the replacement, ensure that you get glazing with the right thickness. But the process on how to replace glass in a double-pane window or any other type requires, you will need to use a wet glaze or silicone caulk.

For a window that uses a double-sided tape, make sure you get an adhesive that shares the same thickness. If you get the wrong tape, it will make the glass look awkward and you might find it hard to fix the glazing strips correctly.

Place the setting blocks around the outer edge of the glass. By providing enough space around the pane, this will make the sash align properly as the glass. Do not forget this tip, especially if you are carrying a casement window glass replacement of the vinyl frame.

Try placing these blocks on all sides so that you can block the corners. If you skip this step, the sash will not close properly.

Step 7: Fix the Stops and Replace the Window

Start by snapping the stops over the glass and inside the window frame. After fixing the snaps, return the window into its cavity and make sure it sits perfectly.

Conclusion

If you have a window that consists of a vinyl frame, you might have to change the glass for many reasons. For one, the pane might become loose, foggy, or even lose its original color.

To swap the sheet without having to replace the double pane window glass vinyl frame, you might have to spend extra cash if you call a professional.

However, you can use the above following steps on how to replace window glass to carry out this task by yourself. There’s no need to bother about a window regulator since this guide is for buildings. To summarize the steps:

• Remove the sash from the window
• Take out the stops from the frame
• Extract the caulk and remove the glass
• Buy replacement pane window glass from a hardware store.
• Install the glass
• Replace the window

If you have any questions and comments, please feel free to share them in the space below.