window replacement question

[knightryda01]

Hey guys,

Had just kind of a general question on windows. Got a crack in one dual pane insulated windows. I got a buddy who does glass work. He says he can just replace the glass in the window and not replace the window. Any pros and cons to doing this instead of replacing entire window.

I also have some windows in my house that get condensation during the winter. He said he can replace seals and or glass with seals. My windows are straight out of the 80's and probably need replacing, but i want to save money whenever possible.

Just wondering if anyone has been in this type of situation.

 

[The Cobbler]

if the windows are to your satisfaction as far as operation, looks etc then replacing the thermo unit would be more economical ,

 

[usa#1]

Depending on the window brand, sometimes a replacement sash is cheaper than purchasing replacement glass. For vinyl windows replacing glass only is pretty easy. If you have wooden sashes it can be more difficult to remove the glass without damage to the sash. Replacement sashes can be ordered at building supply places or big box stores like Lowe's.

 

[James-W]

A lot of these windows have a gas between the window panes, or at least they did when they were new. When the glass cracks the gas leaks out. Can your buddy put gas back in between the window panes?

 

[bad_idea]

I had to have a few windows resealed on my last house when I sold it, came up on the home inspection. That became a nuisance. There are different colors of clear glass. Buyer raised hell that they used the wrong color of glass, that the windows didn't match the old ones. I couldn't tell the difference, but it was life changing for that **** retentive *****. If you are married, the wife may notice and it may drive her nuts. Also, there are different gases they fill them with; the buyer complained about that too. BTW, I used the glass guy he requested - never looked at the cost - just wanted that house gone.

 

[RWorth]

If your windows are from the '80's I'd replace them for new. I built my house in 84 when I had no money so bought cheap windows. Over the last 4 years I've replaced all the windows in my house except 1 side. Going to do that this spring. I bought all new Andersen Casement, (crank out) windows, I went with new construction windows and re-trimmed and re-sided at the same time. The windows were in the $350.00 Range each. They are quiet and they are warm. I would highly recommend new.

 

[Falcon67]

Daughters house has two broken panes is stock aluminum frame 3-0x5-0 insulated glass windows. Cost to replace panes right at $300. Window right at $460 for just the window. Do the panes.

 

[Milton Shaw]

I just replaced a double pane sash on one of my windows. If the sash is removable, just remove it and take it to a glass place. Call around and see who can do the type window you have. Some places can do aluminum and some do plastic and wood windows, Just call around. I got one done for $50 for a single sash about 28" square. Lots cheaper than doing the whole window again. I covered the hole up with plastic around a screen assy for the window while I had the glass out for repair.

 

[lakelandcat]

Double and triple pane windows have Argon gas between the panes, that help them to insulate and keeps down condensation. you can replace the glass but with out the Argon its pointless. Replace the whole window.

 

[Kevin54]

Double and triple pane windows have Argon gas between the panes, that help them to insulate and keeps down condensation. you can replace the glass but with out the Argon its pointless. Replace the whole window.

^^^THIS^^^

Someone coming to the house doesn't have the equipment the factory does. Bite the bullet and get a replacement window

 

[6768rogues]

A single pane window center of glass insulates to about R-1. Double insulated glass about R-2. Argon and low-e each add about one more R value. Getting one without argon will be so negligible that you will never notice any difference. If the unit is in good shape and the glass is easy to change, just do the glass.

 

[rburke65]

Well I would just replace the glass unless the rest of he window is failing.

 

[tcianci]

A comment about the double pane glass. Nearly any glass shop except a very large one is going to send out for the thermal glass to rebuild a sash so rest assured that you're going to get real thermal glass, not just 2 panes of glass built together without a real seal. Argon is the choice of gas for filling the windows. If you're fussy about color, you need to know what type of coating (if any) was on your original windows. It's the Low E coatings that give the glass a specific cast. Lastly, if you opt to purchase the glass and rebuild the sash yourself, any low E coated glass will come with a sticker applied to indicate which side goes to the weather. If any windows you have that need work are built from aluminum without a thermal break, you may want to consider a whole new unit.

 

[RVDan]

If you're trying to save money short term just do the glass. If you're trying to save money long term replace the whole window.

I replaced all my windows and I calculate that I will break even with the energy savings sometime early in the year 2035.

 

[3onthetree]

I've replaced a handful of condensated vinyl panes and a cracked glass. About $125-200 for around 36x24 IIRC. Oh, crack was from doing the temporary trick of drilling a small hole to rid the condensation. It worked, but next freeze/thaw it cracked eminating from the hole.

Most glass shops just measure the pane, spacer color and send out for new one from a window manufacturer. Unless your buddy can vacuum the seal and insert argon, it will condensate.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Someone coming to the house doesn't have the equipment the factory does. Bite the bullet and get a replacement window

In most cases, if the window is operating properly and has no leaks, you do not need a whole new window. You do need to take the sash out, take it to a place that specializes in repairing thermal pane windows and have them repair it.

Worst case, they may have to special order a replacement sealed unit which could take a week or more, but the cost of having the sealed glass unit is MUCH less than a whole new window and MUCH easier to install !

 

[My Old Tools]

Every one that I have had done, they come out and measure, including any dividers. They order a new sealed unit. Then they come back and install it. I'm pretty sure that's what your buddy will do too.