Telling the kids to go out and play is all fine and dandy until it results in you having to replace windows on a garage door. Accidents do happen, and it is essential that a homeowner be armed with the necessary information to handle these situations quickly to ensure the safety and security of their home. Having the knowledge and the skill to handle these types of small emergencies makes it simple to fix issues, such as a broken window, immediately and confidently. The security of your property, your belongings, and your garage depends on it. With a few essential tools and minimal supplies, you can fix any broken garage door window on your own quickly, easily, and at minimal cost.
Identification
The first thing that you will need to do is to determine what type of repair you are dealing with. There are numerous different types and styles of doors on the market and knowing what type of window you have on yours will allow you to gather the proper materials for the repair job ahead. There are two basic styles of garage door windows; framed and inserted. These repair jobs may include the need for such items or tools as:
- An assistant
- Masking tape
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
- All-weather caulking
- Screwdriver
- Power or cordless drill
- 1/8-inch drill bit
- Putty knife (optional)
- Wood chisel (optional)
- Plywood or thin wood strips
Once you have gathered your repairing materials and supplies, it is time to get started on the window. Choose the method below to repair your broken or missing garage door window glass.
Framed Windows
- To replace windows on a garage door that has framed windows, it is first necessary to remove the old framing material from the inside of the garage door frame, according to the San Francisco Gate.
- Remove all of the broken glass and any old caulking from the frame area. Safety gloves and glasses are recommended for this process to avoid any unnecessary injuries.
- With the proper type screwdriver, remove the existing screws that hold the frame into place. Reserve these screws to secure the new window into the framing area when you reach that point in the repair.
- With the help of your assistant, have them push the frame and glass from the outside of the garage door inward to remove the frame from the garage door.
- Remove any remaining broken glass or caulking materials and scrape clean with the putty knife if necessary.
- Place the new frame on a raised surface such as a piece of plywood or strips of wood with the outside of the window facing up.
- Align the template (which should come with the new window when you replace windows on a garage door) on top of the new window and secure with strips of masking tape.
- Using the appropriate drill bit and drill, drill holes in the frame at the designated marks.
- Install the new window in the existing opening with the rubber seals facing inward. Use the screws from the old window to secure the window to the opening.
- Apply all-weather caulking to window exterior if necessary to keep out any undesirable weather.
Inserted Windows
When you need to replace windows on a garage door that has inserted windows, the process is straight forward and relatively simple. Follow these simple steps for a successful replacement of an inserted garage window.
- Wearing gloves and safety glasses, remove any broken glass and old caulk on the window frame area.
- Using a putty knife, bend the tabs that hold the glass in place outward to allow for the removal of the remaining old glass.
- Remove all old materials including old caulk. Scrape the sides with the putty knife until clear of debris.
- Apply a fresh bead of all weather caulk around the edges of the inside of the window frame.
- Carefully lower the new glass into the prepared frame.
- Bend the metal tabs of the window back into place against the glass. Replace any missing or damaged clips.
- Apply a uniform bead of all weather caulk around the perimeter of the window where the glass meets the frame to ensure an air tight seal.
- Replace any trim or wood strips that hold the window in place.
When your garage door is compromised by a broken window, don’t panic. Follow a few simple instructions to remove the old and replace it with a new pane in a matter of hours. You will save yourself time, money, and you will be the hero of your home when you replace windows on a garage doors yourself.
Related Resource: Stain a Front Door
