Replies

1. 
   fredsmart48 | Nov 08, 2002 03:38am | #1

   I have been thinking of building a thermal pane. I am not sure it will work I think the only way is to try and see.

   Take two piece of glass and put a piece of 3/8" or 1/2" lexan in between it and seal it with silicone, 3/4 would be better. The problem you need to get all the humidity and fumes out from between the glass

   If you want the window operator for casement that can be gotten at the big box stores

1. 
   JeffKurtz | Nov 09, 2002 06:13am | #4

   Why a thermal pane?  I don't think you'll manage to keep it sealed.  I'd just go with standard glass plus a removable storm.  (Actually, thermal pane windows have very little additional R value compared to standard glass.  Trouble is we often associate the latter with cold and drafts which have nothing to do with the glass but everything to do with poor caulking and seals.)

   Jeff

1. 
   Marcello | Nov 11, 2002 08:59pm | #5

   Monolithic 1/4" float glass has a U-value of 1.09, R-value of 0.92

   Insulating glass with Low-E, air filled, (thermal pane) has a U-value of 0.35, R-value of 2.86; argon filled U-value of 0.30, R-value of 3.33

   The double pane glass by themselves do not have much added comfort, it is the air or gas space between the panes that makes the difference.  With the use of insulated glass you will avoid condensation of moisture on the indoor surface of the glass particularly in cold climates. I agree, it will be difficult to seal the components together to make it an efficient unit.  If not done properly what is the point in insulating glass. Better order the glazing from the factory or local supplier specific to your dimensions.

   Marcello

   Edited 11/11/2002 1:02:43 PM ET by TMARCELLO

2. 
   mrles | Nov 08, 2002 04:46am | #2

   If you are replaceing the entire window frame and all that could turn into a lot of work. If your frame is still good making the part that  holds a single pane glass isn't that difficult. I did that a few years ago on a rent house I own. All I did was copy what I had already. I put it together with dowels and yellow glue.

   Good Luck

   les

1. 
   user-6181520 | Nov 08, 2002 04:45pm | #3

   Yes, frame and all. Good news the opening is brick,

   no siding to worry about. The bad news, the opening

   is 66"wx104"l, very large. With cheap vinyl approx.

   600$ each. Did I mention I have 12 windows? I thought

   a better window could be made,if I find a wholesale glass supplier

   and tried to make a production run.