Author Topic: Cracked window pane-DIY or hire? The tale of the rebellious weedeater  (Read 2238 times)

thegeebees

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Hello! We are pretty new to MMM but not new to DIY. Between us, we've executed a complete facelift on an old house and sold it for a large profit (well, large for us). One thing we've never done anything with-windows.

Our weedeater decided to get fresh the other day and lob a rock into one of our front windows. It left a dime sized hole and cracked out so big that you can see it from the street. Still riding high from it's rebellious success, the weedeater waited for another opportunity and promptly lobbed another rock in front of window two. Yep, two front windows have holes and multiple cracks. We've placed the weedeater on a long term time out from any playing near the windows but we are left with repairs needed before the HOA fines us.

There's a couple of companies who will pull the single damaged pane and replace it but I'm waiting on quotes. How time intensive/wise would it be to DIY this? The pane in question has the narrow white "decorative" sashes or grids running through them so we'd need very specific glass.

Thanks for any advice!

GuitarBrian

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Re: Cracked window pane-DIY or hire? The tale of the rebellious weedeater
« Reply #1 on: February 23, 2018, 07:01:13 AM »
I'd order the glass today. It might take a few days to get in. Get your measurements, and a photo, and go down to a glass store. They will have everything for making and building replacement panes. If they look like their selling mostly new windows and doors, find another shop.

Once you have the glass, you can decide if you want to pull apart the frame and install it. Or hire a guy.

See if you can get the new weather seal ahead of time. It will save time.

lthenderson

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Re: Cracked window pane-DIY or hire? The tale of the rebellious weedeater
« Reply #2 on: February 23, 2018, 07:33:59 AM »
When rehabbing houses, I just remove the window, take it down to the local glass company and have them replace it. They have all the correct tools, sealants, etc and can generally turn it around in an hour. If there is damage to the trim pieces of the window, it can take a couple weeks for them to order the correct parts if they are unable to make the piece themselves. The last window I took down for a broken pane (that I poked a hammer through while siding the house) cost me about $40 in parts and labor to fix.

Fishindude

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Re: Cracked window pane-DIY or hire? The tale of the rebellious weedeater
« Reply #3 on: February 23, 2018, 09:36:09 AM »
When rehabbing houses, I just remove the window, take it down to the local glass company and have them replace it. They have all the correct tools, sealants, etc and can generally turn it around in an hour. If there is damage to the trim pieces of the window, it can take a couple weeks for them to order the correct parts if they are unable to make the piece themselves. The last window I took down for a broken pane (that I poked a hammer through while siding the house) cost me about $40 in parts and labor to fix.

This is what I would do.
Meanwhile ..... you have some serious operator error using that weed eater.   Suggest you keep the cutting line or blades cutting weeds and out of the gravel.

thegeebees

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Re: Cracked window pane-DIY or hire? The tale of the rebellious weedeater
« Reply #4 on: February 23, 2018, 09:16:15 PM »
When rehabbing houses, I just remove the window, take it down to the local glass company and have them replace it. They have all the correct tools, sealants, etc and can generally turn it around in an hour. If there is damage to the trim pieces of the window, it can take a couple weeks for them to order the correct parts if they are unable to make the piece themselves. The last window I took down for a broken pane (that I poked a hammer through while siding the house) cost me about $40 in parts and labor to fix.

This is perfect. Thank you so much!

Fishindude, said rebellious weedeater was being operated by the masculine spouse. I didn't have to say a word about operator error, he was kicking himself already. He didn't notice the first window until the second one broke. Live and learn.

thegeebees

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Re: Cracked window pane-DIY or hire? The tale of the rebellious weedeater
« Reply #5 on: February 27, 2018, 01:54:33 PM »
As the OP, I had to come back and update in case anyone ever looks for this same topic. A mobile glass repair service quoted us at $467 for the two windows. The glass shop nearby quoted us at only $200 total if we brought them in ourselves. Unbelievable savings, and I've lived 34 years without realizing this was even an option.

You guys are awesome!!!

lthenderson

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Re: Cracked window pane-DIY or hire? The tale of the rebellious weedeater
« Reply #6 on: February 28, 2018, 07:21:59 AM »
Glad to hear it worked out well.

Mgmny

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Re: Cracked window pane-DIY or hire? The tale of the rebellious weedeater
« Reply #7 on: February 28, 2018, 01:55:43 PM »
As the OP, I had to come back and update in case anyone ever looks for this same topic. A mobile glass repair service quoted us at $467 for the two windows. The glass shop nearby quoted us at only $200 total if we brought them in ourselves. Unbelievable savings, and I've lived 34 years without realizing this was even an option.

You guys are awesome!!!

I was thinking the same thing... I had a mobile glass replacement company come out and quote us about $200 a window to replace glass that has condensation - i didn't even think of popping them out and bringing them somewhere! Genius!

Thank you!!!