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how do i remove glass from window for replacement?

I have what I think is aluminum windows. looking at the window it has 2 sections, the top half and bottom half, bottom half being the part you slide to open. each half has six sections, pieces of glass divided by strips. I need to replace one piece and cannot figure how to remove the damaged one. I have gone over all the edges with a "blade" to remove any seal but it still doesn't budge. There are pieces on the exterior side that appear to "frame" the glass and possibly hold it in place, it doesn't look like any form of putty, it looks like plastic. I need to find out what that is and If i need to remove it and should i be able to reuse it.

Public Comments

1. Cut a raw potato in half the glass should stick into the fleshy white part then you throw it away.


2. Remove the plastic "frame" pieces first very carefully because you'll have to re-use them or try to find new ones. They snap into a grove in the frame of the window. . Then look at the plastic that is between the six sections. Usually, the bottom is one piece of glass and the top is another. The plastic piece between the six sections is just a piece to make it look like 6 different pieces. Either way, you'll have to remove it. It probably snaps in a groove. Then measure the glass to see what size you'll need to purchase and go get the glass along with a tube of glass adhesive. Some people use clear silicon caulk, but if you do and you have to ever replace it again, you're going to have a rough time getting the old glass out. Then the glass itself has a type of glue on it to seal it and hold it in place. So with gloves and eye protection, you need to remove the glass. If the glass is broken all the way to the edge, then it's not to bad. If not, then it's hard to get it out. I usually break the glass out from the inside to where i have smaller, easier to handle sized pieces. Remove all the glass and do a visual inspection to make sure there are no little pieces left sticking to the glue. Use your adhesive around the window frame where the glass is going to touch it. Press the new piece of glass into place. Then put the trim work back on. If you bend the "frame" molding slightly in the middle, it will go back into place fairly easy but be careful because if it's pretty old, it will turn brittle.