If you have a broken window, then you can actually replace the glass yourself.

1. Remove the Glass

The first thing that you need to do is remove the glass from window. To do this, wear protective gear to cover as much of your skin as possible, especially your hands. Depending on the extent of the damage, this might be easy or fairly involved. Shattered windows are easy to remove and simply involve taking the fragments out one by one. For windows that are only cracked, you will need to remove the putty first so that you can remove the glass as a single piece.

2. Remove the Putty and Glazier's Points

If you did not remove the putty already, you will need to do so now. The old putty will simply not be fresh enough for the new glass that you are going to install. As you remove the putty, you will also need to remove the metal triangles around the edges of the frame, which are known as glazier's points.

3. Prepare the Frame

Now you want to get the frame ready for the new glass. In order to do this, you should use a product like linseed oil to prepare the frame. Linseed oil will make your putty much more effective at actually holding the window in place. 

4. Add New Putty

You'll want to create a thin layer of putty that extends around the entire perimeter of the frame. Ideally, this layer should be in the 1-2 millimeter range.

5. Insert the New Glass

Next, you'll be actually putting the new glass into the frame. You'll want a pane that is very slightly smaller than the dimensions of the frame, since the putty will be creating a small cushion. Gently slide the glass into position, ensuring that it is fitted properly. If it doesn't fit snugly, then you shouldn't try to force it. Instead, you should either get a different pane of glass or get the glass recut. A window that does not fit will undermine the insulation of your home.

6. Add Glazier's Points

Now, you will need to actually fasten the glass to the frame. To do this, add a glazier's point to each side of the frame. Every 10 or so centimeters, you should add another glazier's point. This will help distribute the load and ensure that the window is stable. The last thing you want is for your window to fall out after you go to all the effort of installing it.

7. Finish

Finally, you'll need to remove excess putty from the window and beautify the frame. Painting over the putty is common and helps preserve the overall aesthetic of your home.

To learn more, contact a window repair company like L. M. Martin Inc.