If your storm door is cracked or shattered, replacing the glass is a cost-effective alternative to a new door. Remove the frame, swap out the damaged glass, and reinstall everything back into place.
A storm door with a clear, intact glass panel not only improves your home’s energy efficiency but also boosts curb appeal. This guide will walk you through the steps to safely remove a broken glass panel and install a new one in a solid storm door.
| Project difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate Estimated time to complete: 30 minutes to 1 hour Project cost: $212 |
Supplies Needed
Materials:
- Replacement storm door glass panel
Tools:
- Measuring tape
- Gloves
- Safety goggles
Preparation for Glass Panel Replacement
Replacing a storm door glass panel takes a bit of preparation. You’ll need to remove the old panel, take accurate measurements, and find a compatible replacement. Here’s how to do it.
Remove the Old Glass Panel
To remove the old glass panel from your storm door, start by locating the release latches. Pull both latches inward toward each other. Once released, carefully lift the glass panel up, then tilt it toward the inside of your home to take it out.
Keep in mind that not all storm door glass panels use release latches. Some panels are secured in other ways, such as with screw-in retainer strips, thumb-turn retainers, or a compression fit. If your storm door uses one of these methods, the removal steps will be different.
- For screw-in retainer strips, gently pull out the strips and lift the glass panel.
- With thumb-turn retainers, twist the knobs or levers to unlock the panel before lifting it out.
- For a compression fit, carefully pry the glass loose from the frame by applying gentle, even pressure along the edges to avoid cracking the panel.
These are just a few common methods that people use to secure storm door glass panels, but there may be others. Be sure to check what is holding your specific glass panel in place so you can follow the appropriate removal method.
Measure the Glass Panel for Accurate Replacement
The next step is to measure your glass panel accurately to ensure you get the correct replacement. Taking precise measurements will help you find a panel that fits properly and avoids installation issues.
To measure for a replacement storm door glass panel with a frame, start by removing the existing panel if possible. If the panel has damage but is still mostly intact, carefully remove it to get the most accurate measurement of the entire insert.
Once removed, measure the width of the panel from edge to edge, including the frame. Take measurements at the top, middle, and bottom, and use the smallest number to ensure a proper fit.
Next, measure the height of the panel from top to bottom, also including the frame. Measure along both sides and the center, and again use the shortest measurement for the most accurate result.
Look for Glass Panel Replacement
Now that you have the measurements, you can start looking for a replacement glass panel at major hardware stores or online marketplaces. Provide the exact measurements along with any other details, such as the brand and model of your storm door, to help ensure a proper fit.
Before purchasing, double-check the dimensions and review any model-specific requirements. Taking a few extra minutes to verify compatibility can save you the hassle of dealing with a panel that doesn’t fit once you’re ready to install.
Should You Replace the Glass or the Panel?
To get expert insight, I spoke with Jason Cabral of GA Handyman Contractors about how to decide whether to replace just the glass or the entire glass panel with its frame. He explained that it’s important to check the condition of both the glass and the frame before making a decision.
He added, “If the glass is cracked but the frame is solid and not warped or corroded, you can usually just replace the glass. But if the frame is bent, rusted, or no longer seals properly, it’s safer and more efficient to replace the entire glass panel with its frame to ensure proper fit and function.”
It’s much easier to find a replacement glass panel that includes a frame, as this simplifies installation. However, if you decide to reuse the old frame, make sure it is still in good condition.
| Pro tip: “To ensure the replacement glass fits, measure the exact width and height of the existing panel, preferably with the panel removed. Also, check the thickness of the glass and look for a manufacturer label or model number—many storm doors require custom-sized glass or proprietary parts.” – Jason Cabral |
Install the New Glass Panel
Here’s how to install a new storm door glass panel. Follow these steps to place, secure, and adjust the panel so it fits safely and stays in place.
Step 1: Place the Glass Panel
Once you have your new glass panel, you’re ready to install it into the storm door. Start by tilting the top edge of the panel into the upper part of the door frame, making sure it sits securely.
Then, gently lower the bottom edge into place so the panel fits snugly within the frame. Check that the panel is aligned evenly on all sides before securing it with latches, screws, or retainers as required.
Step 2: Secure the Glass Panel
Locate the release latches on the glass panel and place your fingers on them. Press the latches inward toward the center of the panel to unlock it.
While holding the latches, carefully lift and guide the glass panel into the door frame. Adjust the panel as needed until it sits fully and securely in place.
If your storm door secures the glass panel in different ways, the installation steps will vary. For screw-in retainer strips, place the glass panel in position and then reattach the strips to hold it securely.
For thumb-turn retainers, slide the glass into place and twist the knobs to lock it. With a compression fit, press the panel evenly into the door until it is fully secured.
Step 3: Check and Adjust the Glass Panel
After securing the glass panel, make sure it sits evenly in the frame. Look along all edges to confirm it’s straight and fully seated. Gently press around the edges to ensure the panel is snug and there are no gaps.
If the panel feels loose, adjust the retainers, latches, or screws until it is firmly in place. Check that the panel doesn’t move or rattle when the door is nudged. These checks ensure the glass panel is secure and properly installed.
FAQs
You can buy replacement glass for storm doors from several places. Home improvement stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Menards often carry them or can order them for you.
If you know your door’s brand, check the manufacturer’s website, such as Larson, Andersen, or Pella, for parts that fit your specific model.
Local glass shops are a good option if you need custom sizing. Online retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, Walmart, and eBay also sell replacement glass, but be sure to double-check the size and style before buying.
Yes, you can replace your storm door window with a different type of glass. Most storm doors allow you to swap out the glass panel, or you can replace the glass in the existing frame. Just make sure to use safety glass, like tempered glass.
You can choose clear, frosted, tinted, or energy-saving Low-E glass. If you need a custom size or special design, a local glass shop can help.
Jason Cabral said it’s possible to use a different type of glass when replacing your storm door window. He explained, “You can use a different type of glass, but it must be tempered safety glass to meet building codes and ensure safety.
“Plexiglass or acrylic is lighter and shatter-resistant, often used in DIY repairs, but may scratch more easily and not insulate as well as glass. Always match the type to the door’s design.”
Yes, you can replace the glass in a storm door with an insect screen, but only if the manufacturer designed the door for that option. Some storm doors, especially full-view models, come with swappable panels that let you switch between glass and screen as needed.
If your door has this feature, the process is usually simple and doesn’t require extra tools. You can learn more in our guide on How to Swap Storm Door Glass with a Screen.
However, if the manufacturer didn’t design your door for interchangeable panels, you may not be able to make the change without altering the frame or choosing a compatible model.
You should replace your entire storm door when it no longer works properly or is too damaged to fix easily. Common signs include a warped or bent frame, broken glass or screen, or a door that won’t close all the way. Gaps around the frame, drafts, or water leaks are also signs that the door is no longer doing its job.
If the wear has damaged the hardware and finding replacement parts is difficult, or if the door looks outdated and affects your home’s appearance or energy efficiency, getting a new one may be a better choice. To get started, check out our guide on How to Remove a Storm Door.
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Main Image: Removing a glass panel from a storm door. Photo Credit: Whitney Lehnecker / LawnStarter
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