Replies

1. 
   DanH | Nov 28, 2019 01:40pm | #1

   Have you investigated buying replacement sashes from the window manufacturer? I know that Andersen will sell replacements for virtually all their windows, and the prices are not outrageous.

2. 
   ktkcad | Nov 28, 2019 01:57pm | #2

   Failure of the seal between the glass panes and the 'metal' holding them together is the major cause of the initial gas leaking out and moist 'air' leaking in between the window panes. Late 1980s & Early 1990s windows are notorious for this because UV deteriorates the material used at that time in this seal. Most manufacturers make replacement panes for their windows and they are reasonably priced. If your manufacturer has been bought out by window conglomerates and you are forced to use independents for replacement, costs will be higher.

3. 
   pestocat | Nov 29, 2019 01:41pm | #3

   Dan,
   Replacing the sashes was not considered as one of the windows is fixed. Also the windows are wood frame and stained on the inside and painted on the outside. That would be a lot of extra work to paint, stain, and replace that fixed unit.

4. 
   pestocat | Nov 29, 2019 01:50pm | #4

   Ktkcad,
   Yes, the replacement windows are low cost, it's the labor to come out and measure, then order the glass and then come out again to make the replacement. In my case they actually came out 3 times. On the first trip, the estimator guessed the dimensions without taking out one of the holding strips and guessed wrong. The replacement didn't fit. So another order and then come out again to make the replacement. The fixed window is really a 2 person job, one inside to hold the glass with a couple of those suction handles and the other on the outside to pull out the strips and then ease it out.

5. 
   edwardh1 | Nov 29, 2019 06:07pm | #5

   I had a lot of 1984 windows in the 1999/2005 era fail, they were Caradco brand casement and I was able to remove the sash (wood frame and the glass) , take it to the glass place and pick it up 2 days later with new double pane glass in it, size was 18x66 approx so less labor , trying to do one now -glass place wants to "send a glass tech out to the house..." Im asking the can I deliver it question.
   I put a plywood plug in while sash is out

6. 
   suburbanguy | Dec 01, 2019 04:27pm | #6

   A $1000 for 2 windows????!!! Sorry to say buddy, but you got ripped off. I had a quote to replace 25 thermopanes with Cardinal brand panes. The windows themselves came in at about CAD $2,700 and the installation at CAD $400. (and that's in expensive Canada!!) Mine are 20 years old and a couple have gone. There are 10 at about 2 feet by 5 feet and 12 at about 2 feet by 4 feet. I was going to do the installation myself but the panes have to be transported and kept on their edges, to avoid flexing, which makes it difficult unless you're in the window business. I'll do the exact measuring in the spring to within 1/16 inch.) My windows are vinyl and the stops come out easily. The technology with coatings, inert gasses and seals has improved so much that it is worth this small expense to change-out all the glass.
   Interesting warranty. Cardinal, for example, gives a 20 year warranty because their seals are so superior, but only to OEM window manufacturers. Otherwise, it will only be 5 years.
   ...and FWIW, my window manufacturer is out of business and these prices are from a lumber store, (that sells a lot more than lumber), with large commercial sales.

7. 
   sawdust_steve | Dec 02, 2019 10:33am | #7

   I just went through this operation on 10 vinyl sliding windows. I removed one window at a time used plywood to block the opening temporarily and left the window at my glass place to be worked on. I dont think I paid $1000 for all of them...

1. 
   suburbanguy | Dec 02, 2019 11:38am | #8

   Sawdust_Steve You're absolutely right. Checked the quote and it was $2,611 plus tax and that included the optional grill dividers.--for 25 windows.

8. 
   pestocat | Dec 03, 2019 06:06pm | #9

   My main problem is that some of the windows are fixed. As such someone needs to come out and get on a ladder and use those vacuum handles to lift the glass down. This has to be a 2 person job. Also labor is costly in this area.

9. 
   suburbanguy | Dec 03, 2019 07:06pm | #10

   You can pick up those "dual suction cup lifters" from H.F. for $7.99 They get very good reviews. Get up on a ladder and lift them out yourself with the help of a friend. As long as you don't drop them, you're OK. It's putting new ones in where you want to treat them carefully. Labour is very costly here in Canada too, about $1000 - $1300 per day for a skilled trade. Putting glass into frames is not one of those premium skills. Try to find an independent tradesman who doesn't have large overhead expenses. A lumber store that does a lot of commercial sales to tradesmen might be able to give you a name or two.