I have a small picture window that cracked during the cold winter months, and I need to replace the glazing. I've already got a new glazing unit which consists of two panes of glass sealed together; my windows are Jeld-Wen vinyl. While I've watched some YouTube tutorials and gathered a couple of tools, I'm hesitant to start because the videos don't seem to match up with how my windows are constructed. I don't see any seams where the trim can just pop off like in the videos. The only joints I can find are at the corners, and it looks like the exterior trim is made of four large pieces surrounding the window. I did notice two small slots at the bottom but I'm unsure how to proceed with those. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
You’re definitely on the right track! Some windows have their glazing held in by interior stops, which you can remove carefully—often with a beekeepers tool or a similar flat tool. Just remember that you might need to cut through any tape around the glass from the outside. If you search for "taped-glazed vinyl reglaze instructions," you'll find plenty of general guides that can help. Good luck!
From what I can see, it appears you might not have any easily removable trim on the outside. Most of the time, there's a small strip on vinyl units that can be removed with pliers to let the glass come out, and the glass is glued on the inside of the window frame. In your case, since it’s a fixed window, you’ll need to dismantle the internal frame a bit to access the glass.
Typically, when replacing thermos or glazing units, you usually work from the inside of the window. It looks like your removable pieces are likely located on the interior side, not the exterior. You should examine those small inner pieces; they might just pop out without too much trouble!