What's actually causing this
Window panes break from impact, stress fractures from temperature cycling, or settling of the window frame. Single-pane windows in older homes are the most common repair candidate.
What you'll need
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- Work gloves (cut-resistant) Shop →
- Safety glasses Shop →
- Putty knife Shop →
- Glazing compound Shop →
- Glazing points Shop →
Step-by-step fix
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1
Remove the broken glass
Wearing thick gloves, remove the largest pieces first. Score remaining shards with a glass cutter and snap them out. Dispose in a puncture-proof container.
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2
Remove old glazing compound
Use a heat gun or hair dryer to soften old glazing putty, then scrape it away with a putty knife. Remove all glazing points with pliers.
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3
Measure and order new glass
Measure the opening and subtract 1/8 inch from each dimension to allow for expansion. Take these measurements to a hardware store for cutting.
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4
Bed and set the new glass
Apply a thin layer of glazing compound in the channel as a bed. Set the glass and press it firmly. Insert glazing points every 6 inches to hold the glass in place.
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5
Apply glazing and paint
Roll glazing compound into a rope and press it against the glass at a 45-degree angle using a putty knife. Smooth it flush. Let dry 7 days before painting.
Door and window contractors in Indianapolis typically charge $65–120/hr. Window replacement averages $300–800 per window, while entry doors run $800–2,500 installed.
Permits and inspections requirements vary by Indianapolis. Check with your local building department before starting.
Brick and masonry common. Wood siding on older homes. Asphalt shingles standard. Freeze-thaw causes expansion cracking. Winter salt corrodes metal.
Freeze-thaw cycles in Indianapolis stress window seals, weatherstripping, and door frames. Check for drafts annually and replace worn weatherstripping before winter.
DIY in Indianapolis: Indianapolis is very DIY-friendly with the lowest labor costs among major metros. Affordable permitting and inspections support homeowner work. Very hard water management and freeze prevention are common DIY focuses.
- The window is double-pane (foggy between panes means the seal is gone).
- The glass is tempered, laminated, or has embedded wires.
- The window frame is rotted — the glass replacement won't hold.
- The window is larger than 3 square feet — large glass is difficult to transport and install safely.
Let Uncle AI diagnose it first.
Describe the problem. Uncle AI asks the right questions and tells you exactly what's broken — and whether you should fix it yourself or call someone in Indianapolis.
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