There are several steps to take when fixing a broken garage door window. You can learn more by checking out our guide here.

A broken garage door window may not look like a big issue but ignoring it is the worst mistake you can ever make. You need to replace a garage door window as soon as possible because it can become a safety hazard. That open space may invite all kinds of scary animals inside or even inform burglars that you’re not keen on security matters.

If you don’t want any of this to happen, you need to fix the broken garage door window immediately. The good news is that you’ll only need a few tools, materials, and a few hours of your time to get the work done. Here are the steps you need to follow.

Understand the Type of Garage Door Window

Before you even think of replacing the broken garage door window, you should first understand its type. If your garage was built earlier than the year 2000, it probably has glass windows held by individual panes within the frame. These are simpler to replace.

The modern ones, usually made after the year 2000, are made of single long glass panes with two frames screwed together. You’ll need professional help to replace them. If you choose to do it yourself, make sure you get the correct measurements of the height, and the width, as any mistakes will cost you a lot.

Ensure Your Safety Before You Start Working

Replacing glass garage door windows can be a dangerous task; hence observing proper glass safety measures is paramount. Ensure you have the necessary gear to protect yourself from any injuries such as scratches, cuts, and falls. Also, wear gloves to protect your hands from glass injuries.

Don’t forget safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris, dust, and too much light. Also, wear a long-sleeved shirt, tie your shoelaces, and wear jeans. If you have an apron and a pair of gumboots, you’ll be better off.

Prepare the Tools and Materials Needed

Before you start working on your garage door window repair, you must ensure you have everything you’ll need for the job. If you usually do your repairs yourself, then you probably have several of the required tools at home. If you don’t, then you can find plenty of them in hardware and home improvement stores.

Here is a list of the tools and materials you’ll need to repair your cracked garage door window. Remember, the list may vary depending on the situation:

  • Screwdriver
  • Putty knife
  • Paintbrush
  • Replacement brush
  • Paint and premier
  • Glazing compound

Remove the Garage Door Window Frame

Now that you have all your tools ready and have the safety gear on, it’s time to get to work. The first step is to remove the remaining pieces of the window frame from the opening.

You’ll need to tear down the extensive trim or molding. Examine the window, both internally and externally. You’ll notice that four pieces of molding secure the glass on both sides. On one side, you’ll see small nails that may not be too putty.

Start working on the side with the nails. If both sides have nails, you can start from any side. Just find out what works for you.

Be careful while removing the broken window, so you don’t break the molding. Cuts are also very common here, so you must watch out for any garage door repair safety issues. Clean the frame afterward before you start inserting new glass pieces in place.

Measure the Window Frame

Before disposing of the broken glasses, take some measurements to help you determine the size you’ll use for the new one. Measure the thickness of the glass shard and the height of the broken window’s frame from the top of it to the bottom. Don’t forget to measure the width side to side as well.

Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement. What you get is the size of the new pane you’re going to install. To prevent future glass breakage, you should consider purchasing a much stronger one.

Tempered glass is four times better than regular glass, and it breaks into smoother shards as opposed to pointed edges. Laminated glass is also an excellent glass option because of the coating. They come with a thin plastic film that resists breaking into sharp pieces.

Install the New Piece of Glass

Before you start inserting the new glass into the open place, make sure you have them precut into the right sizes. You’ll need to apply the glazing compound in the thick lines of the edges of the frame. Push the glazier’s points into the putty in about 4 to 6 inches, so it holds the window in place.

Let it dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and you’ll be ready to go.

You can also install the new pieces into the frame using screws. To do this, screw the inner window frame into the garage door to hold the glass firmly.

You should have another person outside to help you hold the outer frame in place, so you don’t end up damaging the window frame from outside. A clip design can also do a great job of holding the glass in place.

Once you’re done, paint the frame so that it matches the entire window. Let the paint dry well before touching the window. Clean the frame to remove dust, and any fingerprints left behind.

Repair Your Garage Door Window Immediately

Even if your garage door window is in a hidden place, you can never ignore a breakage. The good thing about this is that you can even do the job yourself if you have some DIY skills.

If you’ve never replaced a window, you should get professionals’ hands to do the job. Garage Harmony will be at your service to ensure you get reliable and professional garage door window repair services. Contact us today, and let’s schedule a garage door window repair.