How to Fix a Broken Window in a French Door

Replacing Windows with Window Stops

• 1

  Free the broken glass from the frame by working the edge of a putty knife between the window stop and the door. Place the putty knife in the center of the window stop. Wiggle the putty knife into place and use steady pressure to push the knife in and up so the window stop begins to loosen and can be pried off. Remove each one in turn, taking care not to break the window stops. If possible, have a helper hold the glass so it does not fall out of the frame.

• 2

  Scrape out old glazing compound with the tip of a 5-in-1 tool or putty knife.

• 3

  Apply a bead of fresh glazing compound along the window frame with a caulking gun.

• 4

  Set the replacement window into place, pressing it gently but firmly into the frame.

• 5

  Apply glazing points spaced about 6 inches apart. Push the point against the glass pane and push the pointed end down into the wood. The points hold the glass securely in the frame as the glazing compound cures.

• 6

  Reattach the window stops. You can use the brads that were already in the window stops. But some may have bent when you were detaching the wood from the frame. Remove the damaged nails by hitting them front the pointed end with a hammer so they pop out of the wood. Grab the end with needle-nose pliers and pull the brad out.

• 7

  Tap the brads about halfway into the window stop before reapplying the stops to the door. Set the stops into place and carefully tap the brads down to securely attach them. Position a nail set over the brad and give it one quick tap to countersink the brad into the wood.

Replacing Windows with Window Putty

• 8

  Apply a heat gun or hair dryer along the putty to soften it.

• 9

  Chip away the old putty with the tip of a putty knife or 5-in-1 tool, working carefully to avoid breaking the glass. You may need to reapply heat as you chip away at the putty.

• 10

  Warm a piece of replacement putty with your hands and roll it out to about the width of a thin pencil. Apply the strip to the frame.

• 11

  Set the replacement glass into the frame pressing it firmly against the putty.

• 12

  Secure the window with glazing points spaced approximately 6 inches apart. Apply more putty in thin strips, making sure to cover the glazing points.

• 13

  Shape the putty smooth against the window with a glazing tool.