How to Replace Window Glass in Vinyl Frame? (Step-By-Step Tutorial)

The most standard window could stay for up to 20 years before needing a replacement. But as for window glass in a vinyl frame, you might have to change it sooner. For instance, vintage-inspired glass panes become loose within a short period.

Apart from the antique ones, modern panes also have their issues. Plastic variants change its original color while a double pane fogs up easily.

Vinyl windows are durable and have great features. Unlike the aluminum or wooden type, some makers have their glass welded with the sash. For this reason, removing the glass from the frame requires extra work and care, especially when prying out the vinyl.

Normally, you can contact an expert to handle this task- for a massive fee. But you can save your money by knowing how to replace window glass by yourself. If you use this guide, you can handle this project without any problems. Now, let’s get started.

How to Replace Window Glass in Vinyl Frame

Tools Required for Replacing Window Glass in Vinyl Frame

With the right tools and materials, the process of how to remove a pane from the frame will become easy. However, you will need some experience in the quantity of glazing tape needed and the type to consider.

To make things easy for you, here are tools needed

You don’t need a window insulation kit for this project. Instead, to carry out a home window glass replacement in the vinyl frame here are the tools you will need:

• Paint Scrapers & Blades
• Heat Guns
• Paint Brushes(optional)
• Sandpaper
• Caulk Guns
• Glass Sheets
• Composite Fasteners
• Paint Colors(optional)

Step 1: Separate the Vinyl Sash from the Window

In the Double-hung window, this type has a top and bottom sash. By releasing dual tabs on each sash, you can move them quickly. With that said, you need to free the tabs and bend the top of the sash in your direction.

Lift the left edge of the sash as this will twist it a little bit. At this point, the sash will become free from the window. Now take it out from window opening and place the inner part face up on a table.

Step 2: Pull Out the Stops

Head to the edge of the glass and find the vinyl glazing stops that encircle it. If you don’t know glazing stop looks like, find the flat vinyl strips that have small lips. Usually, you can find these components hidden under the frame that surrounds the sash.

When you see them, set a flat-headed screwdriver against the rim of a glazing stop on the right edge. Carefully hit the head of the screwdriver until the stop slides from the frame. Repeat the process on all the stops on the frame.

Step 3: Remove the Caulk from the Window

Pass a utility knife through the lower part of the sash. You should also run the utility knife – at the height of 8 inches – on the left and right part of the sash. To cut this item entirely, have someone hold the sash for you.

Locate the setting blocks and cut the caulk in that area. These small blocks are lying at the center on both sides of the frame.

Step 4: Pull Out the Existing Glass

Turn the sash to the exterior part and make sure it faces you. Then, allow it to stand on the table. In this position, slide the knife between the windowpane and the outer frame.

Move the knife within the sash while slicing up the seal that stays between the glass and frame. Ensure your partner holds the glass properly so that it does not slip from the window.

Stay at the outer part of the sash and carefully shove the glass. As the pane slides from the window, your partner should be able to catch it with gloved hands to avoid injuries.

Step 5: Find a Replacement for the Glass

The next important step on how to replace window glass in a vinyl frame is to find a panel that shares the same size and thickness with the current one. It would also help if you placed rubber spacer blocks – of the same thickness with the glass around the pane itself.

Luckily, you can find the dimensions of the glass, particularly without removing it from the window. To perform this task, you will need a caliper that could move around the sash and holds the glass. In this position, you can get the readings.

You can also get the measurement at a local glass shop with a portable laser. This device helps you to check the size of the glass.

Before using the tool, pull out the glazing strips. As soon as you have finished, you can replace them or leave them until the store provides you with the new pane.

Step 6: Fix in the Replacement Glass

Add some fresh 2-sided tape to the window. Slice the material lengthwise and place them inside the window frame.

Then, put the new pane on top of this adhesive. Since the tape sticks quickly to the glass, place the glass in the right position.

As you fix the replacement, ensure that you get glazing with the right thickness. But the process on how to replace glass in a double-pane window or any other type requires, you will need to use a wet glaze or silicone caulk.

For a window that uses a double-sided tape, make sure you get an adhesive that shares the same thickness. If you get the wrong tape, it will make the glass look awkward and you might find it hard to fix the glazing strips correctly.

Place the setting blocks around the outer edge of the glass. By providing enough space around the pane, this will make the sash align properly as the glass. Do not forget this tip, especially if you are carrying a casement window glass replacement of the vinyl frame.

Try placing these blocks on all sides so that you can block the corners. If you skip this step, the sash will not close properly.

Step 7: Fix the Stops and Replace the Window

Start by snapping the stops over the glass and inside the window frame. After fixing the snaps, return the window into its cavity and make sure it sits perfectly.

Conclusion

If you have a window that consists of a vinyl frame, you might have to change the glass for many reasons. For one, the pane might become loose, foggy, or even lose its original color.

To swap the sheet without having to replace the double pane window glass vinyl frame, you might have to spend extra cash if you call a professional.

However, you can use the above following steps on how to replace window glass to carry out this task by yourself. There’s no need to bother about a window regulator since this guide is for buildings. To summarize the steps:

• Remove the sash from the window
• Take out the stops from the frame
• Extract the caulk and remove the glass
• Buy replacement pane window glass from a hardware store.
• Install the glass
• Replace the window

If you have any questions and comments, please feel free to share them in the space below.