Doors and Windows - Replacing broken glass in fixed vinyl window
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ROFL
05-07-02, 11:48 AM
Broken glass in a fixed window... haha. Anyhoo...
I have a rental property that had single-hung double-pane vinyl windows installed by the previous owner several years ago. This weekend while cleaning up for incoming tenants, I found a crack in the inner pane of a fixed window in the kitchen alcove. What are my options for replacing the broken glass? I assume I should be able to replace just the IGU rather than the entire window. These windows were installed with the nailing fins in place. I'd rather not mess with removing trim if I can avoid it.
I can't find a brand name on the windows (maybe I just don't know where to look?), but they look like the typical vinyl windows you see at the big box stores (2 3/4" frame, double-pane single-hung, w/nailing fin). I'm thinking they might be Wenco brand windows from Lowes because of the 2 locks on the sliders (vs. 1 lock for the Viking windows at Home Depot which bears the Viking logo) and the very narrow extrusion for opening and closing, though I can't be sure. Should I be able to get a replacement IGU from a big box store or do I need to go to a glass shop? Tenants are moving in on the 15th, and I'd like to have this fixed up before then if at all possible. It's a fixed pane window, so not one that the hardware stores typically stock, but it appears to be of a "standard" 3'x4' size. In the interest of time, I've thought about buying a 6'x4' slider off the shelf and plundering an IGU out of it. How crazy is that? If I tried this, would it be sufficient to verify the daylight opening (glazing bead to glazing bead) of my broken window matches that of the stock windows at the local big box? I'm sure they wouldn't take kindly to me ripping their window apart to measure the IGU itself.
As far as IGU removal and installation goes, my understanding is that I need to pry off the glazing beads on the exterior, then slide a putty knife all along the perimeter of the IGU from indoors to cut through the adhesive holding the IGU to the frame. Then, the IGU should pop out to the outside. To put in the replacement IGU, clean up the adhesive residue, then apply new adhesive (tape or glue?) and put the new IGU in place. Replace the glazing beads and I should be done. Does that sound about right?
Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated...
I have a rental property that had single-hung double-pane vinyl windows installed by the previous owner several years ago. This weekend while cleaning up for incoming tenants, I found a crack in the inner pane of a fixed window in the kitchen alcove. What are my options for replacing the broken glass? I assume I should be able to replace just the IGU rather than the entire window. These windows were installed with the nailing fins in place. I'd rather not mess with removing trim if I can avoid it.
I can't find a brand name on the windows (maybe I just don't know where to look?), but they look like the typical vinyl windows you see at the big box stores (2 3/4" frame, double-pane single-hung, w/nailing fin). I'm thinking they might be Wenco brand windows from Lowes because of the 2 locks on the sliders (vs. 1 lock for the Viking windows at Home Depot which bears the Viking logo) and the very narrow extrusion for opening and closing, though I can't be sure. Should I be able to get a replacement IGU from a big box store or do I need to go to a glass shop? Tenants are moving in on the 15th, and I'd like to have this fixed up before then if at all possible. It's a fixed pane window, so not one that the hardware stores typically stock, but it appears to be of a "standard" 3'x4' size. In the interest of time, I've thought about buying a 6'x4' slider off the shelf and plundering an IGU out of it. How crazy is that? If I tried this, would it be sufficient to verify the daylight opening (glazing bead to glazing bead) of my broken window matches that of the stock windows at the local big box? I'm sure they wouldn't take kindly to me ripping their window apart to measure the IGU itself.
As far as IGU removal and installation goes, my understanding is that I need to pry off the glazing beads on the exterior, then slide a putty knife all along the perimeter of the IGU from indoors to cut through the adhesive holding the IGU to the frame. Then, the IGU should pop out to the outside. To put in the replacement IGU, clean up the adhesive residue, then apply new adhesive (tape or glue?) and put the new IGU in place. Replace the glazing beads and I should be done. Does that sound about right?
Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated...
Tn...Andy
05-08-02, 04:03 PM
You'll have better luck finding the Holy Grail than getting a replacement part out of a BigBox store. Take the old one completely out so you can measure the size plus the overall thickness of the unit, then go to the glass shop.
As to putting the new one in, you've got it. As for a replacement adhesive, I'd use clear silicone and don't overdo it.
As to putting the new one in, you've got it. As for a replacement adhesive, I'd use clear silicone and don't overdo it.