How To Replace Window Glass In Vinyl Frame? (Ultimate Step by Step Guide)

Are you worried about the old and blurred glasses of your windows and want to replace them? Do you want to get professional help to replace your foggy or broken glass? But afraid as its cost might upset your budget.

Don’t worry, we are here to help you out in this situation.

How to replace window glass in a vinyl frame?Replacing a window glass in a vinyl frame is not as simple as you might think. But you can easily replace your home window glass with the help of complete guidelines, the right tools, some exposure and experience of these tools.

Though the Vinyl window frames are durable and their warranty lasts up to 10-20 years. Vinyl frame can withstand moisture so it is the best choice for high humid places. But replacement becomes inevitable when with due time the glass of your windows gets misty, foggy or break.

You should check if the old window glass is under warranty, If so, it would cost you less.

Here is an ultimate guide that would enable you to replace window glass successfully.

How To Replace Window Glass In Vinyl Frame

To get replaced a single glass by a professional might be difficult and cost you a lot. So it would be better to replace it yourself and save some money. 

Don’t worry, you can easily replace window glass with some effort and household tools.

Necessary Tools For  Replacing a Window Glass in Vinyl Frame

Here are some tools that are required to make the process of glass replacement easy and successful:

1. Safety Gloves
2. Chisel or Flat Head Screwdriver
3. Double-sided Adhesive Tape or Caulking Gun
4. Utility blade
5. Marker
6. Measuring Tape

Here is a step-by-step guide for a double-hung window glass replacement.

Step:1 – (a) Separate the Window Panel

Put on your safety gloves and wear eyeglasses before starting the replacement process. Separate the vinyl window glass frame from the window to make your work easy.

Usually, in a double-sided sliding window, both panels are moveable. To separate the windowpane that needs replacement, unlock the window hold its front glass panel with both hands, slightly lift its bottom, remove the window mesh and put it aside on a carpeted table.

(b) Separate the Sash Window

In a double-hung sash window, if both top and bottom sashes are moveable then separate the sash that needs replacement. But you have to remove the bottom sash first.

Slide the bottom sash up to 4 inches. Now press both tabs or till lodge buttons to unlock them.

Rotate the top of the sash towards you in a perpendicular direction. Hold it carefully. Lift the one edge of the sash towards you, twist it to make it free and pull it out of the window. You can follow the same method to separate the top sash.

Step: 2 – Remove the Vinyl Stops or Glazing Strips

Put the sash or window panel on a carpeted table for safety purposes. First of all, identify the vinyl stops or glazing strips that surround the glass.

Now, take a flat head screwdriver or sharp chisel to pry out the vinyl strips around the glass. 

Slightly insert the chisel between the grooves of the vinyl strips. Tap on it and push outside until the vinyl strip comes out of the frame. Remove all the four sides of the vinyl strip working in the same way. Do it carefully to avoid breakage.

After removing the vinyl strips, you may see black stops around the glass if any-  mark that points with the help of a marker.

Step:3 – Measure The Old Glass Pane

Take a measuring tape and measure the height and width of the glass carefully so that the new glass might fit in that place correctly.

Measure at least 2 times to get a precise reading. You also have to measure the exact thickness of the glass when it will come out of the frame. If you are not sure, you can take your glass out to the nearby hardware store to get the exact replacement size.

After measuring all the dimensions of your glass pane you can insert back the vinyl strips, the sash back to your window and wait until you get the new glass at your doorstep.

Step:4 – Scratch Away Old Sealing Tape

Invert the frame so that the exterior part is facing you. Insert a knife or blade between the frame and the glass. Cut the old sealing tape or silicone seal.

Move the knife evenly inside all four sides of the frame to detach the sealing tape and the glass.

Now slightly tap the glass on the carpet, lift the vinyl frame and remove the old glass carefully.