From 2005-2011 I worked as a commercial and residential glazier for Jones Paint & Glass. During my time there I found that even experienced tradesmen in other fields would shy away from changing their own glass. Thankfully for me they never really caught on to just how easy it can be. Rest assured though, it is far easier than most think and maybe I can save you a dollar or two with some information.
The most common type of windows found in modern homes are constructed with vinyl frames and insulated double pane glass. This insulated double pane is known as an I.G.U. or Insulated Glass Unit. Often times a Unit requires replacing when it has become cracked or suffers seal failure resulting in internal condensation.
One:
In order to replace a failed unit first you want to order the new glass to reduce the amount of time your home is open to the elements. To do this you're going to need to know what to order. Industry standard for measuring for a new vinyl unit is to get a daylight measurement. This measurement is taken by measuring from the edge where vinyl meets glass from one side across the pane to where vinyl meets glass on the other side. You will measure width first, then height. Once you have this measurement add three-quarters of an inch to each measurement, this will be the size you order. For example, 26"x37" becomes 26¾"x37¾". Once you have this size you will need to know the overall Unit thickness. Industry standard is ¾" although it does vary slightly with some manufacturers. If unsure of the unit thickness then it's time to grab a thin putty knife and a soft face mallet and head outside to the exterior of the window.
Two:
Once you are looking at the window's exterior ascertain where the glass meets the vinyl and look for a line in the vinyl about ¾ of an inch in. After finding this crease place the blade of the putty knife into it and pry against the frame as if to slide the portion contacting the glass along the surface of the glass. You should hear a small popping and the vinyl piece known as the stop will loosen. Work your putty knife along the entire edge of this crease until this piece is removed. If it is stubborn you may need to give the putty knife a gentle tap to work in and free the stop. Once the stop is off you will be able to see the edge of the unit. There will be some space between the edge of the glass and the vinyl frame. Gently slide your putty knife into this gap until you touch the vinyl the interior pane of glass is contacting. Now take a sharpie and mark where the outer pane contacts the putty knife. Remove the putty knife and measure the distance from the edge of the putty knife to the edge of your line nearest this edge. Replace the stop by pressing the short edge back into the groove it came out of. You may need to coax it with a mallet gently again.
Three:
Upon receiving your replacement unit now it's time to remove the old one. Take a thin bladed utility knife or putty knife and slide it along the interior surface of the glass pressing it between the vinyl and the glass. Run it along all 4 edges, this is cutting a double-sided tape which serves to hold the glass as well as seal against weather. Once this tape is cut proceed outside and repeat the stop removal process described above, this time on all 4 sides saving the top for last. Before removing the top stop make sure to put on some grippy work gloves. This will help you avoid laceration and mortification. Remove the top stop making sure to brace the glass with one hand as you get the last bit of it out of its groove. It should then lean outwards to you as you allow it. If it doesn't use your putty knife again on the top between the unit and frame, prying against the frame to tantalize it out. Place the old unit in the trash.
Four:
Now it is time to prepare and install the new unit. Begin by scraping the remnants of the old double-sided tape from the vinyl lip the inside pane contacts. Replace with new double-sided tape. Check to make sure that at the bottom there are 2 flat vinyl blocks which support the unit. Space them one fourth of the opening width in on each side. Remove the protective film from the tape and retrieve the new unit.
Five:
Finally set the unit into the opening bottom first making sure to space it equally from side to side with both panes contacting the vinyl blocks. Then slope the unit in making contact with the sides and top. Replace the top stop, followed by bottom, and then sides. Wash the exterior of each pane, and of course remember to clean up your mess and put away your tools before a woman gets after you for it.
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