Putting tempered glass into existing windows

13 years ago

Hi,

I'm in the middle of a long and torturous home renovation (is there any other kind?) and yesterday the inspector found that contractor #1 (we are on #3 now) installed windows that are non-tempered over the tub. Contractor #1 has disappeared with any and all paperwork, so we're not even certain who manufactured the windows that are installed. It's a long, sad story.

Bottom line is, I'd like to know if we can meet code by having an after market "glazing" on the existing glass in place or if the panes can be removed, re-glassed and reinstalled. If the answer to either of these questions is yes, I'd love to know what company to contact. I live in Fairfax County Virginia. In the worst case, I could rip out the existing windows and install properly rated replacement windows, but I'd like to avoid that if possible.

Thanks in advance,

Steve

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Comments (7)

lipton
Original Author
13 years ago
Here's a picture of the area in question.

{{!gwi}}

Here is a link that might be useful:
Michael
13 years ago
Steve, the tempered glass makes up about 2/3 of the price of the window.

Yes, those double hungs can be reglazed with tempered glass. However, the balances must be changed to support the heavier glass components or the sashes will drift down when unlocked.

To find the manufacturer, pull down the top sash and look up inside the header pocket. There should be a label there that identifies the maker or at least the supplier. If not, take a look at the glass spacer bar and check for name and code on it. That may lead you to the supplier. There are some manufacturers that label the side of the bottom sash. Tilt in the sash and check there too.

If you locate the manufacturer, ask them to make a complete sash and insulated glass unit and to send you new balances to compensate for the extra load.

Michael
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oberon476
13 years ago
I agree with Michael that it should be possible that the glass can be changed to tempered simply by changing out the IGU.

There are some windows that would require changing out the entire sash - but generally those are less common.

I am puzzled by the "heavier glass components" though. Michael, are you suggesting thicker glass as well?
californian
13 years ago
I believe tempered glass cannot be cut to size without special equipment, which is the reason sliding glass doors which require tempered glass go up astronomically in price if you want a custom size instead of a stock size. If your windows happen to be a standard stock size for which tempered glass is available you can probably get some tempered glass at a reasonable price, if not expect to pay through the nose.
Michael
13 years ago
oberon,

I'm assuming the glass in those units is single strength.

Isn't all tempered double strength? The weight change may
cause the balances to be too weak to hold the sash in place.

It's a good question to ask the manufacturer. Sometimes the balance is a recoil system and I have seen two recoil balances on some tempered glass units.

Michael
oberon476
13 years ago
Michael,

Thanks and you are correct that single strength tends to be difficult if not impossible to temper properly because it tends to cool too fast to the center of the lite when coming out of the furnace. Double strength is much less difficult to temper properly.

I didn't think about single strength in the original windows when I asked my question.

And I agree that that would be a very good question to ask the manufacturer.

Californian,

Tempered glass cannot be cut under any circumstance, special equipment or not. It must be cut to size and shape prior to tempering.
lipton
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks to all for the responses. I found an 84 Lumber sticker on the window sash, so I'm on my way to some answers. Thanks especially for the tip on the double strength glass. I'll let you all know if any other problems crop up.

Steve