DIY Tempered Glass Into the Top of a Wall

Measure the top of the wall using the tape measure and spirit level. Mark the drywall with the pencil. Give the measurements to a window contractor. When your order is ready, pick it up for installation.

Cut out the area along the wall so you can add the framing for the tempered glass. Punch a hole into the drywall with a hammer. Pull down the drywall with the crowbar, taking out remaining nails and screws from the studs.

Reroute any wiring or water lines you find in the wall. Place the circular saw against the wall. Cut out the studs to the shape of the glass opening without cutting into the siding if it is an exterior wall. Place the crowbar on the sides to pry them off the sheathing if affixed with nails.

Cut out the siding on the exterior. Install wooden boards for the framing of the window. The size of the wood should match the size of the studs, either 2-by-4 or 2-by-6 inch. Frame the opening with stud boards on the left and right sides. Nail two of the boards together with 16d nails and attach to the top of the frame for the header of the glass.

Nail down the boards for the sill. Check the frame with the spirit level. Set the tempered glass in place by applying caulk to the bottom brick mold of the glass. Place in the 10d casing nails into the brick mold to hold the tempered glass to the frame.

Place flashing at the top of the window to prevent water from getting between the glass and siding. Caulk around the outside of the window to waterproof the glass. Place strips of insulation around the inside of the glass frame. Seal around the inside frame with foam sealant.