I need help with replacing the glass in my old wooden window sash. The glass in the lower sash is broken, and I'm unsure how to properly fit the glass into the grooves since they aren't removable glazing bars. I'm feeling pretty lost on how to reinstall the glass correctly.
3 Answers
Honestly, sharing some pics would definitely clear things up. But from what you described, I wouldn't stress too much about taking the sash apart. Just make sure one groove is a bit deeper, and you should be able to slide the pane into place.
I think it would help to see some photos of both sides of the sash! You probably won’t need to take it apart. Often, one groove is deeper, allowing you to slide the glass in more easily. If you back it out, you should be able to fit it properly without disassembling anything.
It sounds like you might be dealing with traditional window construction where there's wood on one side and hardened window putty on the other. You’ll first need to remove that old putty, then measure the space for the new glass—make sure it fits snugly with no gaps. Once you’ve got the right size, you can set the glass in place and apply new putty around it. Also, adding window points can be a good idea to secure it better! Check out this guide for more details: [How to Glaze a Window](https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-glaze-a-window-single-pane).
I just scraped off what seemed like a bead of caulking and cleaned the grooves. I can see wood grain on both sides where the glass should go, but the sash doesn’t seem to come apart. It's puzzling!