How to replace Window Glass DIY?

How does one go about ordering replacement glass for a window? The glass broke, and needs to be replaced. The window is tempered glass - for the window next to the front door.

These are the dimensions-details:
12.5 x 54.25 Glass Inside

17.5 x 59 outside edge to edge

5 rows and 2 columns

Door width - 1 3/4 inch

Vinyl

Original window is Milgard, but I could not find any information on Milgard web site on how to order replacement glass.

Background: I do many DIY projects at home. But, this will be the first time I will be replacing windows-window glass.

Really appreciate any guidance u can provide!

 

Is this a IGU or just a single piece of glass?

Both can be ordered at a local glass supplier, both are relatively easy to replace. IGU's are installed into the sash and how that comes apart needs to be figured out.

 

It is insulating- IGU.

How does one take exact measurements of the glass without removing IGU first.

 

I always take mine apart to get the correct size.

 

the glass shop will give me back a glass and then I have to fill inert gas in it? that seems complicated.

If i take the IGU with me to glass shop, will they give me a rebuilt one (with inert gas filled et al)?

Really appreciate your responses!

 

The whole glass IGU is purchased and installed as one piece. It comes with the two pieces of glass attached together with a gas tight spacer around the perimeter and filled with argon if that's what you ordered.

It is best to remove the IGU so you can see the edges of the glass and accurately measure it's size. Then you can put it back in place temporarily if one pane is still intact or board up the window.

 

They cant be repaired, they will make a new insert that just replaces the existing one.

With vinyl windows it's a 5 min job to remove. Pry out the snap in trim pieces to expose the IGU then they just get tapped back in place. Working on the old unit is good to experience how they go together,

What type of windows do you have?

 

Vinyl, Milgard.



Any idea of what this would cost?

 

btw:, the local glass repair shops appear to provide full service incl. installation. Or, are there specific shops I can go to that provide the IGA to consumers (DIY folks like us) at low cost?

I am in Seattle area.

 

Low cost is subjective, my local shop will order them or repair them or probably come out if I requested.

Interesting thing about my shop, if you get the grills the warranty is about half as long as the ones without! Since the available grills didn't match the size I had were just slowly deleting them since I hate them anyway.

 

thank u for your guidance.

 

I've replaced 2 IGU units in my house. The glazing strips (pieces of plastic holding window in) on the outside need to be removed (take a sec to understand how, watch some videos). Once you figure that out the IGU will either come right out or as in my case was also held in with double sided tape (probably to assist in the original manufacturing process). You can measure the old IGU after removing the glazing strip. I took the opportunity to detail out the channel where the window sits so the new one would not have any issues.

For dimensions make sure the IGU has room for expansion. In my case one of the windows had settled/distorted enough that I reduced the original size a smidge)

I went to a local glass company which advertised they replace IGUs. Gave them the necessary specs (IGU thickness, E coating desired, etc) and in a few days picked up the unit. Set it in the vinyl frame, popped in the glazing strips and done. 3 Years ago for me for a 36 x 58 non-tempered unit it was around $250. Tempered glass is $$ so plan accordingly.

 

Thank u Tumble - thats useful, and thats also what I want to do.

I am having difficulty finding a local glass company that would provide IGUs for DIYers to install on their own. They all seem to be providing white glove treatment of coming for a inspection and then doing the install themselves, and that is included in the cost. Some of them are tuned to installing a package of windows and dont do single windows.

I will continue to search - if anyone knows of a local glass company that would provide IGUs or a local IGU manufacturer in Seattle area, it would be great.

.

 

These guys are out of Vancouver and ship (which seems kinda risky but its their issue). It has the option for tempered glass.

https://www.onedayglass.com/

I did a quick g-search on "insulated glass unit replacement Seattle" and came upon a bunch...for ex.

https://windorco.com/services-2/

Not recommending any of them, just that there are plenty out there.

 

Windorco seems like the perfect find. They explicitly mention that they manufacture and also support DIY.

Thank u so much Tumble. I think i have the right pointers now, and I am now following up with glass shops!.

 

The glass replacement (IGU) costed around 270$, and another quote was 520$ with installation.

I chose installation this time because I was not sure whether I would choose the right matching glass (among so many different options) and measure the glass correctly. Hopefully, I will watch the install process this time, and then DIY next time same thing needs to be done.

Thank u all for your help.