How to Replace Anderson Window Sidelights

Loosen the panel stops from the frame. The panel stops are the narrow strips of wood that hold the piece of sidelight glass in the frame, on the inside of the house. Use the utility knife to cut through any varnish or paint along the joints between the stops and frame.

Slide a thin metal putty knife between the stop and the frame. This continues to loosen the stops from the frame. It also allows you to find the fasteners holding the stops to the frame.

Use the keyhole hacksaw to cut through all the fasteners. If you place a wide bladed putty knife in between the frame and stop at the fastener point, you reduce the possibility of damaging the frame while cutting.

Slide a metal putty knife between the glass and the stops to break the glazing bead. Do this on all sides of the window. Now you can remove the broken panel and dispose of it.

Install the panel clips on the new panel. The panel comes with a diagram noting where each clip should be placed. The number of clips varies as to the size of the panel. The clips attach with screws that came with the new panel. Use the drill and screwdriver bit to attach the clips.

Remove any old glazing putty, caulk or other type of seal or fastener from the sidelight frame. Set the new panel in place to check for fit. If there is any debris in the way of a good fit, clear it out now.

Load the caulking gun with glazing sealant. Lay a 5/16-inch bead of glass sealant to the glazing lip. This lip is where the stops join against the glass. Each side of the window needs glazing sealant.

Set the bottom of the new panel on the frame near the sealant. Gently push the glass into place, making sure of a tight seal all the way around. Attach the new glass to the frame by driving screws through the panel clips and into the frame.

Re-install the stops. Since you used panel clips to install the new sidelight, you can press-fit the stops back into place. They no longer hold the glass into place and do not have to be set with nails.