Replace broken window glass

The sound of a shattering window glass can be jarring, and its repair an inconvenience; but the job is not as difficult as it may seem. If you can remove the window sash, you can take it to a glass repair shop or hardware store and have the pane replaced. If the damage is in a fixed window, you can hire a handyman or make the repair yourself.

You’ll pay a handyman about $252 to remove the damaged glass and replace a 24-inch square window pane with double-strength glass. You can make the repair for $40, the cost of the materials, and pocket an 84 percent saving. The bonus is you’ll pick up a new life skill you’ll probably use many times in your years as a homeowner.

For safety’s sake, wear a pair of work gloves and eye protection, and use a screwdriver and pliers to remove the broken glass and old putty. To measure for the new piece of glass, use a steel measuring tape to find the length and width of the opening and have the glass cut 1/8-inch smaller. Buy some glazier points and glazing putty with the new glass. Use a scraper to clean the perimeter of the frame and dust it out with an old paintbrush. Then run a bead of putty around the frame, and press the new glass in place with glazier points. Gently tap them into the sash with a hammer. Complete the repair by applying the new glazing putty smoothed around the frame with a putty knife.

To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com on your laptop, tablet or smartphone.

Pro Cost -- DIY Cost -- Pro time -- DIY Time -- DIY Savings -- Percent Saved

$252 -- $40 -- 1.9 -- 2.0 -- $212 -- 84 Percent

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