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Can I retrofit old wood frame windows?

Hunter8it | Posted in General Discussion on September 29, 2012 12:27pm

I have a bunch of old single pane wood casement windows in my house.  Each individual panel is easy to take out because they all open with a crank.  Can I open up each frame, take out the single pane glass and insert a double glazed pane?  Do they even make just double pane panels with no frame?  Is it possible to buy used viynal or Al double pane and take them apart to get the double pane window out, if I find the right size?  It would be a nice way to keep from having to replace the whole thing, it’s sizable.

thanks

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  1. oldhand | Sep 29, 2012 02:17pm | #1

    other ideas..

    If the windows aren't really "tight" your money would be best spent on weatherstripping improvements. If they open to the inside you might also consider storm windows.

    You can buy double pane glass  made to any size at a glass shop but they are pricey, also thicker and heavier than the originals.

    Finding salvage panes the exact right size would be unlikely.

  2. DanH | Sep 29, 2012 02:33pm | #2

    If the windows are of certain well-established brands (such as Andersen) then you MIGHT be able to buy replacement double-pane sashes.  Would not be cheap.

    As to whether the glass in your current sashes can be replaced, odds are not (at least not without substantial effort).  Sashes of this sort are usually assembled AROUND the glass, vs being assembled first and having the glass inset with glazing compound, so the slots in the sash frame are not sized for double-pane glass, and routing them wider may not be practical.

  3. User avater
    hammer1 | Sep 29, 2012 10:01pm | #3

    The answer is yes, sort of. Insulated glass is often 5/8" or more thick. You would have to rabbet out the existing sash for the extra thickness. The next question is how they will be glazed? Then, will the older sash hold the extra weight?

    I have rebuilt some double hung windows for a state house and some other commercial, historical buildings. We made new sash to fit the existing jambs. They were true divided light sash, made deep enough for individual insulated glass panels. They were glazed in a traditional manner, bedding and glazing putty on the exterior. The windows were large but the panes were not. This might be a problem with a large glass size in casements. Many glass companies can make insulated panels. One problem with insulated glass is that the seal fails in time, fogging up the glass. It seems to be more of a problem with casements because of the large expanse as well as the twisting pressure than may be placed on them when closing and locking in place.

    I have a couple pictures of replacing insulated glass in casement sash, just so you can see a type. They were originally insulated and I was able to get replacement glass from the manufacturer along with new glazing bead to fit the existing system. You would have a hard time salvaging the glass as well as the glazing system on windows like these. The glass seal may not last long either. I wouldn't put much faith in salvaged insulated glass.

    I have insulated casements in my own house. I also have window quilts that I close at night. These are great, real energy savers. Might be a consideration if your existing windows are in good shape.

    http://www.1windowquilts.com/

    1. DanH | Sep 29, 2012 11:15pm | #4

      One problem you run into is that (since for some reason glass manufacturers seem to have lost the art of making glass-edged panes) there will be aluminum spacers between the panes, and these will show if the traditional size rabbet is used.  An extra-deep rabit is needed to conceal the spacer, and this may take away too much "meat" from the sash frame.

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