How to Replace a Pane of Glass in a Door

Glass panes are easy to replace

Multi-pane glass doors are beautiful, but what do you do if only one pane breaks? No worries. Plain glass panes are inexpensive and easy to replace. If you measure the opening and subtract 1/8 inch from that, you can have a piece of glass cut to fit at most home improvement stores.

Things You'll Need

• Replacement glass pane
• Glazing compound
• Safety gloves
• Utility knife or narrow-blade paint scraper
• Glass points

Instructions

1. Scrape the glazing compound away from the broken window pane and remove the glass, wearing your safety gloves. If the pane you are replacing is not broken, you will need to break it to get it out of its frame.

2. Scrape out the old glazing compound with the utility knife or paint scraper, making certain that you get it all.

3. Put a thin, even layer of new glazing compound around the edges of the frame.

4. Set the replacement pane into the frame, easing it gently into the layer of glazing compound.

5. Insert the glass points, which are available at most home improvement stores. You will need these to keep the glass steady until the glazing compound dries.

6. Apply another thin layer of glazing compound around the edges, making sure you cover up the glass points so they are no longer visible.

Tips & Warnings

• If your door is in an outside wall, use a good primer on the raw wood before applying the new glazing compound.

• Always wear safety gloves when dealing with broken glass.