How to Fix a Broken Basement Window

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Things You'll Need

  • Utility knife

  • Putty knife

  • Flat-head screwdriver

  • Wire brush

  • Window caulk

  • Caulking gun

  • Replacement glass

  • Box, glazier's points

  • Window glazing

  • Safety goggles

  • Plastic face shield

  • Gloves

A broken basement window can leave your house exposed to weather damage and allow unwanted creatures into your home. Basement windows are typically single-paned transom or casement windows and are small in size. The single pane is held in place with glazier's points and sealed with window glazing. You should be able to repair this type of window if you have basic do-it-yourself skills. It is important to repair a broken basement window to keep your home safe and in good condition.

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Step 1

Score around the edges of the window glazing on the exterior of the basement window, using a utility knife.

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Step 2

Gently work the blade of a putty knife under the window glazing and lift it from around the broken window pane to remove it.

Step 3

Slide the tip of a flat-head screwdriver underneath the glazier's points located along the perimeter of the window pane to pry them out. The points are pushed into the wood around the window pane to hold the glass in place.

Step 4

Lift up on the glass from the interior side of the window to remove the broken window pane. Use caution when working with shattered or cracked glass.

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Step 5

Brush around the window opening on the exterior side where you removed the glass pane to remove any old window caulk and other debris, using a wire brush. Make sure the surface of the wood is clean.

Step 6

Caulk around the window opening on the exterior side where the window pane rests, using a caulking gun equipped with window caulk. Lay the replacement glass on top of the bead of caulk and press it gently against the wood.

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Step 7

Press new glazier's points into the window frame on the exterior side around the window pane with the tip of a flat-head screwdriver at each spot along the perimeter where you removed one.

Step 8

Glaze the joint between the window frame and the window pane around the entire window on the exterior side, using a putty knife to smoothly pack the glazing into the joint to create a clean-angled glaze around the window.

Tip

Secure the broken window pane with masking tape if the glass is broken in several places. This will help minimize the amount of glass cleanup.

Warning

Wear eye, hand and face protection when working with glass.

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