[WireNut]

The home improvement circle is gone so I'm putting this here.

What’s holding this window in and how can I remove it without taking a hammer to it?
After removing all the inside moldings I assumed the window would come right out.
Not the case. I lightly tried a pry bar, just a little bit with no luck. Its 2 pane’s of glass between an aluminum frame.
From what I can tell, it looks like the outer pane of glass is either glued to the outer vinyl molding of the window frame
or putty is holding in place.
 
How the hell can I get this out?
A golfer busted it. Looks like I’m going to be stuck with the bill. My first estimate was $450.00.

When I get this out I am going to replace it with 1/2" thick Lexan that I can get thru work cut to my dimensions.
It's bullet proof, clear as glass, and I'll never have to worry about it getting busted again.

Thanks, Steve

[JerryM]

Is the $450.00 you mention to only remove the window, or to replace it?

[JerryM]

Also, the Home Improvement Circle isn't *gone*. It just needs a Facilitator.

 

[WGH]

Best guess is the insulated glass is set in the wood frame with caulk, if so you will have to cut the caulk with a sharpened flexible putty knife without cutting yourself. You may have to hammer the putty knife in between the wood and glass all the way around on both sides. It will be slow going but eventually the window will release.

Or the window has to be completely broken out. As an example, the only way to remove old steel casement windows set in masonry is to break all the panes and fold the frame in on itself.

[thunderbrick]

Did the estimate come from a window company, I assume?

If you know that window manufacturer (Andersen, Pella, etc.) you may be able to order it and DIY.  Just don't drop it.

[thunderbrick]

Best guess is the insulated glass is set in the wood frame with caulk, if so you will have to cut the caulk with a sharpened flexible putty knife without cutting yourself. You may have to hammer the putty knife in between the wood and glass all the way around on both sides. It will be slow going but eventually the window will release.

+1!  That means cutting the outside caulk.  If you don't have a ladder, or don't like heights, $450 isn't that bad a deal.

[WireNut]

Is the $450.00 you mention to only remove the window, or to replace it?

I believe it was for the whole deal, but the installer really didn't look at what needed to be done. He guessed.
They quoted me $450.00 so far. I have a second quote scheduled for Tuesday.
They never stated anything about how many panes I am going to get, glass thickness, nothing. Just approx $450.00 for something.

   

[WireNut]

Also, the Home Improvement Circle isn't *gone*. It just needs a Facilitator.

 

The Home owners circle is valuable to any home owner. Hope to see a new facilitator soon.
 

[WireNut]

Best guess is the insulated glass is set in the wood frame with caulk, if so you will have to cut the caulk with a sharpened flexible putty knife without cutting yourself. You may have to hammer the putty knife in between the wood and glass all the way around on both sides. It will be slow going but eventually the window will release.

Or the window has to be completely broken out. As an example, the only way to remove old steel casement windows set in masonry is to break all the panes and fold the frame in on itself.

WGH, I believe you are right. That's what it looks like. The golfer that broke the window works for Lowes as a home outdoor specialist.
He say's $450.00 is to much for a hour's worth of work. DUDE, YOU DON'T HAVE A CLUE.

If he could do it in an hour for $450.00, I'd pay half. But if I can get the window out myself and replace it with 1/2" thick Lexan I'd rather do that.
It will last forever even from a direct hit from a bullet.

No glass company is going to do that. Being a machinist comes in handy sometimes.

I just have to get that old glass out and I know what to do.

Hmm, sounds like a new business. Replace your broken glass with bullet proof clear Lexan.

I'll keep you posted on the progress.

Steve.

[S Clark]

I've replaced several windows around my house.  It does look like they used a silicon caulk to set the glass into the frame.  The grey putty that seals the window to itself might soften with a heat gun(mine did), which would let you take the window apart, saving the complete pane for a pattern.  If not, then use a utility knife to remove the caulking.  They also make inexpensive suction cups that can be helpful in pulling a window. 
You can always just bust it out... that might be the easiest way. 

[JLM]

Looks like a custom made window (not factory done).  If heat/utility knife doesn't work, carefully try a reciprocating saw.  What's the outside look like (that will have to be dealt with too, hopefully with a putty/utility knife)?  If 2 trips by the contractor is needed, he could remove, you could get the Lexan cut, and he could install. 

Years ago the neighbor kid put a ball through our living room window (not on a golf course).  Fortunately it was a Pella (the original style with removable inside pane) and the window was made up of 4 identical windows.  So we were able to move one of the other inside panes over to cover the hole.  But it made replacement more expensive.

[Phil A]

Sorry to hear about the window.  That's why I don't play golf.  Seriously, I played once about 20+ years ago and I hit more houses than greens.  I've seen people living on golf courses have awnings over windows as well.

[rodge827]

The lot behind my house (200x800) was cleared a while back. It was a great place to practice short shots until I sculled one into the front window of a Ford F150. 
I go to the range now...its much cheaper! 

[WireNut]

You are all right. My neighbor came over tonight and he said the outside glass pain looks to be glued in place by a product called JB-Weld.
I looked up JB-Weld. It's like epoxy. I know epoxy, it hardens like a rock. His suggestion is to bust it out with a hammer and cut the rest out with a dremel tool.
Funny, I was thinking the same thing. If only I could get the golfer to help me in any little way would help.
I'm stuck for now.

When I get this out you bet your ass I will replace it with Lexan. Never aging will it be broken.
Sound like a good business to get into.

Any more suggestions please help. I can use all the help I can find.

Steve

[thunderbrick]

I doubt it would be something rigid like JB Weld.  Needs to stay flexible for expansion, etc.

Your golfer is an idiot.  Maybe an hour in labor, that's the cheap part.  And I'll all but guarantee that's a stock-sized window.  Can you imagine the cost of custom half-round windows???   

How high off the ground is the window?

[ArthurDent]

Maybe a dumb question, but besides being an idiot (if not a stand-up one, he didn't run & hide), is he a homeowner, & does he have insurance ? Most golf courses have signs that clearly state any damages are the player's responsibility, and if he has a HO policy it should cover all the costs. If nothing else call your agent and ask how they recommend you proceed. Unless he's got some hack insurance company it shouldn't be an issue.

Just thinkin' out loud.

[rodge827]

You are all right. My neighbor came over tonight and he said the outside glass pain looks to be glued in place by a product called JB-Weld.
I looked up JB-Weld. It's like epoxy. I know epoxy, it hardens like a rock. His suggestion is to bust it out with a hammer and cut the rest out with a dremel tool.
Funny, I was thinking the same thing. If only I could get the golfer to help me in any little way would help.
I'm stuck for now.

When I get this out you bet your ass I will replace it with Lexan. Never aging will it be broken.
Sound like a good business to get into.

Any more suggestions please help. I can use all the help I can find.

Steve

Anything you can get out of the golfer is a plus.

https://www.reddit.com/r/golf/comments/hj8h9/who_pays_for_the_broken_window_the_homeowner_or/

Call a window replacement company and have it professionally replaced and then install clear Lexan to the exterior pane.
Radius windows are a PITA to work with. Over time your house has settled, expanded, and contracted. Your window's radius might not be "true" anymore. Heck it probably wasn't "right" when it left the manufacturer.
Also check with your insurance company abut using Lexan only, it might not be suitable for window replacement 

Chris

[aldcoll]

I cant make out enough detail in the pictures if the wood frame exposed is actually part of the window or the rough framing?  I would be curious about the exterior trim as it looks like you will be exposing that also.

My experience with windows is vast in old double hung sash windows.  I have seem plenty of the eye brow ( as your window is called) are mostly sold in a sealed unit.  Not to say that yours isn't a custom let's do something different.

But then why is the sheet rock so close to the edge?

At some point you will let us know how the mystery is solved.   And yes Lexan is the answer.

[thunderbrick]

Just noticed.  That is an Andersen window.  Just order the new glass insert and have a reputable glass firm install it.

It is NOT a custom window.  Andersen's catalogs (in the old days) would give you the correct model based on the actual visible window opening, perhaps measured from the exterior.  I'm sure the website would do the same.

How high is the window from the ground?  Got a ladder?

[Peter J]

What you have there is an insulated glass assembly set in a frame. The glass assembly is made in a controlled environment and then installed in the frame, probably with a flexible caulk.

Call a local glass place, not home center, they do this all the time. More hassle than it's worth for most homeowners and even someone like me who works on houses for a living.

If you were a client, I'd advise against Lexan. While strong, it will haze with prolonged UV exposure, not to mention it will scratch much easier than glass. There's a reason windows are made from glass, I'm sure you could find some parallel in the machining world.

And FYI there is no such thing as silicon caulk. Silicon is an element, on the Periodic Table even. Silicone and caulk made with it are certainly not found there. It's a common mistake, but just happens to be a pet peeve of mine, I'm climbing off soapbox now, retreating to my insular place in front of monitor