Replacing window glass is not as easy as it used to be, especially with aluminum-framed windows.
Wooden window frames were much more common in the past, and when a glass pane got broken, it was a simple fix-it job for a homeowner or repair person.
Repairing and replacing aluminum-framed windows is not as simple, making it a job best left to glazing professionals like Vern’s Glass in Victorville, CA.
Repairing and Replacing Glass in Aluminum Framed Windows
Vinyl framed windows are standard in many homes built in the last few decades. Before that, aluminum-framed windows were state-of-the-art in window manufacture. Today, many older homes today still have their original aluminum window frames, and they often need repair or replacement.
Aluminum window frames sometimes only hold a single pane of glass. When these single-pane windows get broken or stop working correctly, it is usually best to entirely replace the window and frame with a double-pane or triple-pane window because of the extra insulation gained from the multiple glass panes.
Today, many homes also have double-pane aluminum windows, and it is often possible to replace broken glass in these windows without replacing the entire window frame. However, getting the right size replacement pane of glass and installing it is a job best hired out to a professional glazing company.
Many aluminum-framed windows have grid patterns or tinted glass, and finding replacements to match can be a challenge. However, glazing pros have the industry contacts and suppliers to locate these hard-to-find replacement parts for you.
What to Do When an Aluminum Framed Window Breaks
Broken windowpanes and shattered glass can be scary and hazardous. A missing windowpane might look like an invitation to intruders, as well as letting in the wind and rain.
If you have a broken aluminum-framed window, take these steps:
- Keep pets and children away from the area for safety.
- Use heavy work gloves and sturdy shoes to pick up the larger shards of glass.
- Vacuum smaller pieces and then use a damp mop to finish, or,
- Leave the broken glass for the repair team to safely clean up and haul away.
- Cover the broken window with a sheet of plastic or plywood if possible.
- Contact a glazing professional for emergency repair services.
If you live in the High Desert region of southern California, contact Vern’s Glass in Victorville for prompt and reliable service.
