Doors and Windows - Double Pane Window Repair

I have the outside pane of a double pane window that is broken. The window is in a rent house that I own. I believe that the windows are replacement windows, but I do not know if the window tilts or if it can come out. How is a double pane window repaired? Is there not gas between the panes? Any advice would be appreciated.

NC

If you examine the frame around the edge of the glass, there should be a removable "stop", either on the inside or the outside, depending on the style of window. Usually you can remove this by inserting a thin putty knife or chisel into the groove of this stop and lightly tap with a hammer toward the center of the glass. Once the stop is removed, you will be able to measure the size of the glass.

Getting the thickness of the IGU (insulating glass unit) right is critical. Usually, laser meter or a glass caliper us used to determine the thickness of the IGU. But you might have to deglaze the entire thing and remove it in order to measure it.

IGU's are sometimes glazed with double-faced tape, which will be on the side of the glass opposite the stops you removed. Other times they will be glazed with silicone caulking. Either way, the glass must be cut loose. You can make your own tool for this:

You can either use a dinner knife, and bend it at a 30 degree angle, or buy a cheap pizza cutter, and bend it in the same manner. You'll use that tool to cut the glazing loose from the glass.

Once you have it loose, then you can measure the thickness of the glass. If it's a vinyl replacement window, it's likely that the glass is either 3/4", 13/16", or 7/8" thick. Hopefully you can tell the difference. Then you can call a glass company and tell them what you need.

Or, you can just call a glass company and they'll come out and measure and replace it for you.