Can Broken Glass be Replaced?
Our clients ask all the time – “Do I need to install completely new windows – or, can broken glass panes be replaced?”
At Window Makeover, we replace broken or missing glass panes all the time. So, YES – we save homeowners significant money by NOT replacing entire window systems and just focus on replacing glass panels. Depending on your specific window, the entire insulating glass (IG) panel needs to be replaced, not just the broken piece of glass.
An IG panel, consists of two glass panes bound together into a single unit with a seal between the edges of the panes. The glass panes are separated by a spacer bar, which separates the two panes of glass and seals the air space between them. An IG panel forms a very compact multi-layer sandwich of air and glass, which creates the insulation barrier needed to protect the interior temperature of your home from the outside.
With replacement, the broken pane is removed, the frame cleaned up, the popped in and then sealed in place. With caulking or weather-stripping to block drafts, your window will be as good as new at a fraction of the price of a replacement window.
Depending on your need, Window Makeover can build a new IG panel to any size or shape, glass type or tint (Low E or clear), and insert it into your existing window frame.
If the muntins or mullions, the dividers in a window, are also broken, you may be dollars ahead to replace the entire window and not just the glass.
If your windows are afflicted with more than just broken or foggy panes, we may suggest a more complete restoration. This is especially true when window rot starts to grow. If the wood frame shows signs of rot, it can be remediated while restoring the the integrity of the window frame. Projects like this not only save the homeowner money, but can keep a home’s historical character intact. Restoration is the best choice for historically significant structures.