How to Replace Garage Door Window Glass Step by Step

Whether it's for aesthetic purposes or to brighten the inside of the garage, many homeowners choose garage doors with glass windows. 

However, these garage doors can inevitably suffer from broken glass windows, caused by factors such as harsh weather, wear and tear from use, or kids kicking a ball. 

Once the glass window is damaged, it’s important to replace it immediately to avoid any safety risks. This article will discuss how to replace your garage door window glass step by step.

Safety First

Sectional garage doors are large building materials and are very heavy, while the glass is easy to scratch and can hurt your hands. So, safety is the top priority when replacing the glass window on a garage door. It's best to have a professional repair technician come to do the job.

If you decide to replace it yourself, be sure to wear proper gloves to avoid getting cut by glass shards. It's also a good idea to wear full safety gear, including gloves, protective clothing, and goggles. 

Additionally, make sure to turn off the power to the automatic garage door to prevent any accidents.

Prepare the Tools and Materials

To make the process of replacing the garage door window glass go smoothly, you should prepare all the tools and materials needed before garage door repair starts. 

The main tools include: safety goggles, gloves, putty knife, screwdriver, pliers, tape measure, and glass adhesive. You will also need the new glass, glazing putty, glass clips, sealant, and paint.

Remove the Old Window Glass

If you're replacing broken glass, carefully remove all the shattered glass using glass clips. Be sure not to cut yourself and avoid throwing glass shards around.

If needed, you can use a vacuum cleaner to collect all the broken glass.

If the glass window is still intact and you're just upgrading the garage door window, start by using a screwdriver to remove the decorative trim around the old window.

Then, remove the fasteners holding the old window frame in place and take out the old frame.

Next, use a putty knife to remove the adhesive around the edges of the glass. Using a hairdryer or heat gun to soften the putty can help speed up this process.

Measure the Window Opening

To ensure the new glass window fits perfectly on the new garage door, you need to measure the new glass carefully. Take multiple measurements for the height, width, and depth of the window frame.

Note: To accommodate the expansion and contraction of the frame material, subtract a small amount from the width and height after measuring—usually about 1/8 inch. This ensures that the new glass will fit securely without being too tight, which could cause it to break under pressure.

Install the New Window Glass

Based on the measurements you took earlier, choose a glass window with the right size and material. Apply a layer of glass adhesive around the edges of the window frame, then carefully insert the prepared glass into the cleaned window frame. Apply more adhesive around the edges of the glass to ensure a proper seal. 

If the seal is not perfect, it could affect the garage door's insulation and safety. Finally, check the alignment of the glass and adjust it to ensure it is perfectly centered.

Reassemble the Window Frame

Place the window frame back into the garage door window opening and secure it in place using screws or bolts. Once the glass adhesive has dried, you can paint or finish the window frame to match the garage door for a better fit and appearance.

Test the Garage Door

Once the paint is completely dry, turn the power back on for the garage door. Use the garage door opener to open and close the door several times, testing its smooth operation. Ensure that the newly installed glass window doesn’t interfere with the door's movement. Also, check that the new glass window is secure, properly aligned, and free from any loose fittings, shifting, or air leaks.

Clean and Final Inspection

Once the test is complete and everything is working properly, use a cleaner to wipe down the new garage door window glass, removing any dust or excess adhesive.

Inspect the surrounding area to ensure the job is neat and secure.

Conclusion

Don’t let a broken garage door window pose a risk to you and your family. If you notice any damage to the glass, don’t hesitate—contact a professional for repair and replacement as soon as possible.

At Xufeng Door, we are committed to providing high-quality garage door services. Whether it's day or night, you can reach out to us anytime.