How to Replace Glass Double Pane Vinyl Window

How to Repair Pella Windows
Written By
Robert Howard
Robert Howard
Published: Jun 8, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
3 minute read

The downside of the more involved window technology is that when the window glass breaks, it can be somewhat trickier to replace than the old single-pane windows. Oftentimes a window professional will need to be called, and this can get expensive. You can save a lot of money by fixing that broken window glass yourself.

Things You Will Need

  • 2 – 2-by-4s cut to support the window
  • Gloves
  • Eye protection
  • Thin bladed putty knife
  • Replacement window glass
  • 2-sided adhesive tape, 1/16th or 1/8th inch thickness
  1. Remove the window from the frame and set it on a couple of 2-by-4s.

  2. Remove the window stops from the window frame. Slide a thin bladed putty knife in between the edge of the window frame and the stop and carefully pry the stop away from the frame. Take care not to damage the stops, as they can be difficult to replace.

  3. Turn the window over and use your putty knife to cut the adhesive tape holding the window in the frame. Slide the putty knife between the glass and the tape and break the bond holding the window in the frame.

  4. Clean the window frame. Use your putty knife to scrape away as much of the old adhesive tape as possible. Then use pint thinner or a similar solvent to remove any leftover gunk.

  5. Apply new adhesive tape to the window. Cut these strips to length and lay them within the window frame.

  6. Position the new glass inside the window frame, on top of the 2-sided adhesive tape. Take great care when positioning the glass inside the frame. Once it makes contact with the adhesive, it will stick fast, so get it right the first time!

  7. Replace the window stops by pressing them back into place over the glass and into the window frame.

  8. Position the repaired window back inside the window opening and lock it into place.

The Drip Cap

  • Vinyl double pane windows are a modern, energy-efficient innovation in building materials.
  • The downside of the more involved window technology is that when the window glass breaks, it can be somewhat trickier to replace than the old single-pane windows.
  • You can save a lot of money by fixing that broken window glass yourself.
  • Slide the putty knife between the glass and the tape and break the bond holding the window in the frame.
  • Position the new glass inside the window frame, on top of the 2-sided adhesive tape.

Photo Credits

broken window background image by JoLin from Fotolia.com

broken window background image by JoLin from Fotolia.com

Robert Howard

Robert Howard has been writing professionally since 2004 and writes a weekly column for the "Synthesis," a Chico, Calif.-based newspaper. He maintains a blog and has published articles and works of fiction in a variety of different print…

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