Broken Pain!
#1
03-21-10, 11:21 AM
Broken Pain!
Guys I think I know the answer but thought I would ask. My mom has a home that was built about 9 years ago. This winter the inside pain broke. Crack goes from corner to corner of window. This is is a double pain double window with a half circle (sure there is a name for it) over top. My issue is this is a cheap builder grade window with no info anywhere on it. Can a glass guy cut a piece of glass for it and have no condensation issues between the pains next winder. Or am I going to have to take it to every window guy in town to see if they can match it up.
#2
03-21-10, 11:39 AM
Super Moderator
If the window sash is removable...you would be best served to take it to a shop and have them look at it. Most sashes (even vinyl with welded corners) can be repaired. They will have to disassemble it, measure the insulated glass unit (IGU) and order a new one. When it arrives they will install it and reassemble the sash.
Use plywood or similar to cover the window.
Are you sure there are no markings or labels? Does the sash tilt in? Check the bottom and sides of all movable sashes. If its a double hung window...often the top sash will have something as they rarely get opened.
EDIT: I forgot you were in VA. A picture might be helpful...I'm pretty familiar with some of the brands that were used there.
Use plywood or similar to cover the window.
Are you sure there are no markings or labels? Does the sash tilt in? Check the bottom and sides of all movable sashes. If its a double hung window...often the top sash will have something as they rarely get opened.
EDIT: I forgot you were in VA. A picture might be helpful...I'm pretty familiar with some of the brands that were used there.
#3
03-21-10, 01:12 PM
Airman, is there no gold sticker on top of the movable unit ? That gold sticker will contain information that could get us closer to the manufacturer.
#4
03-21-10, 07:03 PM
Nothing! Only bottom sash is operable. Top is fixed. Nothing any were on the window. I even took other windows out to see if they had something on them. They are very cheap! Hardware that connects the window pane to the frame is all plastic. I'll try to get some pics but will take me a day or two.
#5
03-21-10, 08:12 PM
Group Moderator
Are you asking if you can DIY, or what? The glass is surely a double paned insulating glass unit (IGU) which you can get from any glass shop. But there will be a 1 or 2 week lead time, and the measurements for it have to be EXACT for it to work. Not just the height and width, but the thickness of the IGU is critical.
So your best bet might just be to call up a glass shop, have them come out and do the measuring, and have them replace it for you- it's something they do all the time.
So your best bet might just be to call up a glass shop, have them come out and do the measuring, and have them replace it for you- it's something they do all the time.
#6
03-22-10, 06:47 PM
No I would not do it myself! For the few dollars it will cost me for them do to it it is not worth it. I just thought that one piece of glass could not be replaced and not have any condensation issues come next winter. I was thinking that they evac the air at a factory am I wrong in my thinking?
#7
03-22-10, 07:16 PM
No, you're right, the IGU is made as a unit and the air is evacuated and an inert gas inserted to prevent condensation at the point of manufacture. At one point glass manufacturers had to have factories west of the rockies and east as well as the IGU's would destroy themselves at high altitudes, since they couldn't equalize pressure. Not sure if that is the case, now or not.
#8
03-22-10, 07:16 PM
Group Moderator
No, you cannot replace one piece of glass on a double paned IGU. They are made and sealed in the factory where they are made, and that's not something that can be done out in the field.
There is not a vacuum between the 2 pieces of glass, that's a common misconception. It is either ordinary air (nitrogen based dessicant absorbs any moisture trapped between the panes) or it has Argon pumped in between the glass.
There is not a vacuum between the 2 pieces of glass, that's a common misconception. It is either ordinary air (nitrogen based dessicant absorbs any moisture trapped between the panes) or it has Argon pumped in between the glass.
#9
04-13-10, 07:13 PM
OK guys I'm a looser for taking so long! I tried to take some pics but they did not turn out that good. But I did find a # it is
25oct2002 ( I figured this one out)
20:47:15
MWTVJC3H3052 V could be a U!!!!
CL2x1
25oct2002 ( I figured this one out)
20:47:15
MWTVJC3H3052 V could be a U!!!!
CL2x1
#10
04-14-10, 04:28 AM
airman.1994,
Unless you know the manufacturer, the numbers won't be of much use to you.
Simplest thing is to call a glass shop and have them come measure the window and order a new IG unit for it. It'll take about 2 weeks to get, and then they can come install it.
Based on the number that you posted, it may be a Milgard window.
Unless you know the manufacturer, the numbers won't be of much use to you.
Simplest thing is to call a glass shop and have them come measure the window and order a new IG unit for it. It'll take about 2 weeks to get, and then they can come install it.
Based on the number that you posted, it may be a Milgard window.
#11
04-14-10, 07:01 AM
Super Moderator
Could also be MW windows...but they have been purchased by someone since 2002.
Might be under warranty...but w/o proof of purchase, and because the company has changed hands...I doubt it.
Best bet is to call a local shop.
Might be under warranty...but w/o proof of purchase, and because the company has changed hands...I doubt it.
Best bet is to call a local shop.
