It used to be that a broken window was a cheap fix—a piece of glass, some glazing compound and a few minutes’ work—and then tell the kids to play ball somewhere else next time.
But it’s not always that easy these days. There’s a lot of high-tech, double-pane insulating glass around that not only gets broken but also can lose the seal between the panes and permanently fog up. Replacing a piece of insulating window glass gets expensive. And often you have to hire a pro to do the job.
This article shows how you can cut this cost by replacing insulating glass yourself. Sometimes the job is so easy that almost any novice can do it. But other windows can be so difficult that you’re better off turning them over to a pro.
Most insulating glass sashes are easy to remove if they’re the type that you can open. But you can’t always remove stationary sashes. These have to be repaired in place. Here are the most common types of openable sashes and how to remove them.
- DOUBLE-HUNG windows slide up and down. Those with insulated glass almost always slide against vinyl jamb liners on the sides. To remove the sash, depress the liners slightly, then pull out the top part of the sash. Twist the sash to release one side from the counterweighted springs that connect to the sash bottom. To reinstall it, put the bottom in first and reverse the procedure.
- CASEMENT windows are hinged on one side and swing outward when you turn a crank. The swing arms that hold them usually have release catches. But if you can’t figure out the release mechanisms, simply unscrew the arms at the top and bottom to release the sash. Have a helper support the window while you unscrew it.
- SLIDER windows move horizontally. You can usually remove them just by lifting the sash and swinging out the bottom. If nails holding the trim in place prevent you from lifting the sash, cut the nails with a side-cutting pliers or a hacksaw blade, or pull them out.
Home Glass Co Inc of Milwaukee provides glass products and services for residential and commercial uses serving, Milwaukee, Waukesha and all of southeastern Wisconsin. Windows, Storefronts, shower doors, mirrors, tabletops and more. 414-434-0180