DIY Fix: How to Repair a Broken Glass Door Pane
Don't let broken glass shatter your self-esteem. You can fix it more easily and more inexpensively than you might realize
A moment of cleaning motivation quickly turned to frustration and panic when I made a rookie mistake — as soon as I leaned an old window against my mudroom's old glass paneled door, I heard the heart-wrenching sound of broken glass. A broken glass pane? Not only did I not know where to begin, but I didn't even know where to get a replacement piece of glass. Fortunately, a friend reassured me that my handywoman skills were up to par, and after I finally located a glass shop, I put those skills to the test.
To ensure easy and safe removal of the broken glass pane, tape off the remaining glass with painter's tape.
To remove the window panel's frame, use a razor blade to cut through the paint and any sealant.
Use a chisel or small pry bar to carefully remove the wood from the panel frame. Set it aside. Label each piece for perfect replacement.
While wearing protective gloves, carefully remove the broken glass from the door frame and discard it.
Remove any remaining caulk or putty with the chisel.
Remove any remaining caulk or putty with the chisel.
With the glass removed and the opening clean, measure the dimensions of the opening. Order a replacement piece of glass from your local glass shop or hardware store, or cut the glass to size using a glass cutter and a straight edge. The new pane should be cut up to ⅛ inch smaller than the opening, which will allow for the wood door to expand and contract with changes in the weather.
Note: Safety glass is required for new doors but was often not used in older doors. We chose to replace the broken pane with new safety glass, which is thicker than the original glass but is less likely to break or to pose a threat when broken.
Note: Safety glass is required for new doors but was often not used in older doors. We chose to replace the broken pane with new safety glass, which is thicker than the original glass but is less likely to break or to pose a threat when broken.
Carefully place the new pane into the opening. Use painter's tape or have a friend hold the glass in place. Apply sealant around the edge of the pane.
Put the pieces of the frame back in place and secure them with nails. We used ¾-inch finishing nails.
Apply sealant to the inside and outside edges of the frame pieces, fill any nail holes and wipe off any excess. Let the sealant dry.
Last, finish the door by painting the frame with one or two coats of paint.
Find a professional painter to update your whole door or window
Tip: With the paint and brush handy, take the opportunity to do a little touch-up painting around the house where you’ve used the same paint color.
Find a professional painter to update your whole door or window
Tip: With the paint and brush handy, take the opportunity to do a little touch-up painting around the house where you’ve used the same paint color.
After a thorough cleaning, this door was as good as new. Since I had most of the items on hand, I was only out $7 for the replacement glass, and my handywoman status was safely intact.
What you’ll need:
Painter’s tape
Utility knife
Chisel or small pry bar
¾-inch finishing nails
Replacement glass
Paintable door and window sealant
Paint and paintbrush
Protective gloves and goggles
Find replacement glass at your local glass dealer