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Window repair or window replacement?

7 years ago

Hi All--

My California rental property's rear window was damaged, caused by a tree services worker hired by me to remove some trees. My tenant showed me a hole and crack (photo attached) in a window that was presumably caused by some flying wood chips from a wood chipper. Photo is terrible and will try to get better ones. Tenant says hole is thumb size and there is a piece of wood chip inside the double-paned window. Three different questions here. Question 1. When the window gets repaired or replaced how is it done? Do they take window measurements and then come out with a brand new replacement window? Or does a glazier come out and simply replace the glass in the doubled-paned outer window? Or what? Question 2. All the windows were replaced about ten years ago and I cannot remember what kind of windows they are or who the manufacturer is. Any idea of how to figure that out? Is there a place on the window itself which will reveal who it's made by? Question 3. How do I deal with the tree services company? I have not paid them yet but I want to ensure my credit doesn't get ruined by not paying them until my window is replaced/repaired. Should I pay them half? What is the best way to deal with the tree company? I plan on contacting them by phone first, then following up with an email. Any or all suggestions on what to do will be greatly appreciated, as I am on the East Coast and they are on the West. Thanks in advance.

Featured Answer

sdello

7 years ago

If that's a standard sliding window the panes should be removable. IMHO, the easiest way to have it repaired is to take it to a glass shop, have them replace the IGU and then just reinstall the window. I suspect you can just lift the pane up and swing the bottom out of the track and remove the whole pane.

Comments (8)

sdello
7 years ago
IGUs (Insulated glass units) are replaced as a unit and can't be field repaired on one side. Can the window sash be easily removed from the window? If so take it to a glass shop and get an estimate on the repair. If the frame comes off easily then one can take just the IGU to a shop and have it replaced, then reinstall in the frame.

I can see three options: 1) have the tree guy coordinate the reapir with your tenant, 2) Call a local glass company, have them go to the property amd do the repair and deduct it from the tree guy's invoice. 3) Ask your tenant to handle the repair and compensate him/her accordingly.

You don't say the size of the window and you're picture doesn't hint at the level of effort to remove and replace the IGU on this particular window, so it's difficult to guestimate the level of effort to fix it.
Mike C
7 years ago
The company name on my window unit is on the lock/unlock latch.
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Mason Truelove
7 years ago
its good to have a picture to attach here.:)
dfaustclancy
Original Author
7 years ago
Here is a photo from a year ago, showing the window with no damage.

At least you can see that it is a slider window with the left portion being damaged. Put in approx 12 years ago.
millworkman
7 years ago
or for a couple hundred more they will do the glass replacement onsite.
sdello
7 years ago
I suspect it takes two trips: one to measure the pane to order a replacement and a second trip to replace the pane in the window.
millworkman
7 years ago
Correct sdello.

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