How glass is held in a wood window
In most wood windows, the glass sits in a rabbet (a recessed ledge) in the frame or sash and is held in place by thin wood strips called stops. Older single-pane windows may use glazing putty instead. Either way, the glass can be removed and replaced without taking out the frame.
How we replace it
- Measure: we measure the glass unit precisely. Your new Low-E, argon-filled unit is made in Edmonton, usually in 2 to 3 weeks. If the glass is broken, we can board up the opening in the meantime.
- Remove the stops: we carefully pry out the wood stops so they can be reused.
- Remove the old glass: we cut the old seal and lift out the damaged unit.
- Check the wood: with the glass out, we can see the condition of the frame and point out any rot or damage.
- Set the new unit: the new glass sits on setting blocks so its weight is supported evenly, and it’s sealed into the frame.
- Reinstall the stops: the stops go back in to hold the glass securely.
Large and oversized glass
Big picture windows are some of the most common wood windows we see, and their glass units can be very large and heavy. They take careful handling, extra hands and the right lifting equipment, so they’re priced after we measure. Building codes also require safety (tempered) glass in some locations, such as glass close to the floor or next to a door. We check that when we measure.
The job in the photo above was a large wood-framed picture window with long cracks running across the glass. We replaced the glass unit and kept the original wood frame.
When the wood needs attention
Glass replacement works best when the frame is solid. Soft, rotted or badly split wood should be dealt with first, or a new window may be the better choice. We’ll tell you honestly what we see.
What it costs
Sealed glass units start from about $300 each, with a $500 minimum for installed jobs. Large and oversized units cost more, depending on size and glass type. Use See my price for an estimate, or see the glass replacement price guide.
Common questions
Will you damage my wood stops or trim?
We remove the stops carefully so they can be reused. Older stops can occasionally crack, and in that case we’ll let you know before replacing them.
Can you replace very large picture window glass?
Yes. Oversized units take extra handling and equipment and are priced after we measure.
Can I go from single-pane to double-pane glass in a wood window?
Often, yes, if the frame’s glass pocket is deep enough for the thicker unit. We check when we measure.
