I have an Anderson bay window. The center part of the window is a picture window type. The is a small elliptical shaped crack on the outside pane of glass about .5" long. Does anyone know of any epoxy/resin sealant I could put on the crack to prevent further cracking and that would also seal it from the elements? I called 2 glass companies today and they both told me the glass would have to be completely replaced. I went to the local Wal-Mart and looked at the windshield repair kits for repairing chips and cracks, but was hesitant to use that method right now.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks..

 

Nothing will prevent further cracking. That will happen from thermal and physical stresses.

You can use a clear silicone or a silicone windshield sealant to help with any weather issues.

You can contact Andersen customer service for estimated cost of new glass.

 

Sounds like a cosmetic defect in the glass. (air bubble). I'd leave it alone. If it continues to bother you, contact an Andersen dealer, or use their website to get service. Andersen's glass has a warranty, but it doesn't cover labor.

 

If the glass chip has gone all the way thru to the air chanber, the whole thing will have to be replaced. It will begin fogging between the glass panes. As suggested above, Andersen has a 20 yr warranty on glass, and will supply a new glass unit, but labor to replace it is not included.

If the glass is not cracked to the inside air space, a windshield repair company may be able to fix it.

 

To clarify a bit..Andersen has a 20 yr warranty if the problem wasn't caused by improper installation or someone throwing a rock from a mower (might also include acts of god, hail storms, etc..not sure)....

Yeah...just checked..all the above applies.

Surprisingly...new glass is not normally that expensive...labor can be a bear though. Best to get a certified Andersen installer..that way you are covered for any install problems as well.

 

I looks as though it may have been a stone from my mower, but is hard to tell. I did contact Anderson customer service this morning. They need all the numbers from the lower corner of the window, as well as the dimensions of the picture window, then they can give me a estimate on glass replacement, should I need it. They also recommended an Anderson certified installer as any installation issues would be covered. All in all, they were very helpful. I am interested in the total price including installation.
So far, no windshield repair companies are interested in even coming to look at it.
I may just put a dab of clear silicone over it to seal out the elements and see if it starts to fog or crack more.
I will let everyone know what price I get for installation and new glass.
I really appreciate everyone response to my post. Thanks...!!!

 

Just wanted to let everyone know how my quote turned out from Anderson customer service.

Sash replacement (including glass) = $360.00
Shipping = $90.00
Installation = $297.00

I think I will just seal the small crack with clear slicone and hope I don't get moisture between the 2 pieces of glass and it does't crack any more. Bad thing is I live on a hill that get a lot of wind.

 

Just to add, I treated a windshield rock chip with super glue. It is extremely thin and will wick it's way into the smallest cracks. It actually works better on small cracks. Then you could apply some silicone on the outside.

just a thought
Bud

 

The problem with window glass is, its not really that strong unless it is all one assembly. Once it gets a small crack its going to get bigger with any flexing..and wind will make it flex esp on a larger piece.

Windshields are much thicker and have the plastic layer between the 2 pieces of glass. Of course thay also have to stand much more abuse and road vibration.

 

thanks for the tip on the super glue.. sounds like the best "do it yourself" tip yet.. short of replacing the whole window, which I am trying to avoid. I did apply a small dap of silicone to the crack this evening, but I think I can let that cure, then use a razor blade to remove it, then use the super glue idea, then re-apply the silicone.

I'm just trying to do something to prevent further cracking and try to seal from the elements.