Choosing New Windows

Posted on: 5 October 2015

Double pane windows are nice additions to your home because they are more energy efficient. The air between the panes acts as insulation that keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. One problem with the windows is that the seal that holds the panes together can fail. When that happens, moisture and outside air can seep inside the gap and cause condensation, fog, and stains. Fortunately, you can repair the windows so they look like new again. All you have to do is replace the glass.

Remove The Glass

The glass used in double pane windows looks different from single pane glass. Instead of a pane, it is an insulated glass unit. There are two sheets of glass with a gap between them. The sheets are sealed around all the edges, so you have a single unit to take out and install. You can remove the glass unit by prying it out of the frame. You could also remove the window sash and take the whole thing to a glass shop. Do this if you want to repair the window yourself, or if you want to leave the window at the shop for them to repair.

You may find a glass repair company that will come to your home and do the work on the spot. This costs more than taking the damaged window to the shop to be repaired, but it is much more convenient. If you don't know how to remove the sash or the glass, or if the glass is too heavy for you to handle, then calling a mobile glass contractor is the best option.

Measure The Glass

If you plan to put the new glass in yourself, then let the shop measure the length, width, and thickness of your glass. They can also identify the brand and check if it is still under warranty against seal failure. The glass may be in stock, or you may have to wait for it to be special ordered. Once you have the insulated glass unit of the right size, you're ready to fit it back into the frame.

Replace The Double Pane Glass

One reason it's best to let a professional install your new glass is because it is heavy to handle. If you have to fit the glass into the frame while it is still attached to your house, it's easiest to hold it with a suction tool. The tool allows you to hold the glass on the smooth surface so your fingers are out of the way when you slide the glass into place.

Be sure you clean old adhesive and grime out of the track before you insert the glass unit. When the glass is in the frame, place the stops over the edges and seal them with caulk. The difficulty of removing and inserting the glass unit depends on the type of frame you have. If the glass doesn't come out easily, it's best to let a professional do the job. It's easy to break the wood stops when jiggling the old caulk loose, and you'll need those to hold the new glass in place. New insulation glass units often come with a lifetime warranty against seal leakage, so you shouldn't have to replace the glass again unless it is cracked.

Contact a service like Healy Anytime Glass Co for more help.