KatyE

Does anyone know where I should go or who I should contact to sell the wavy glass from my windows?
I know, I know. I'm crazy for getting rid of it. But the sad fact is that we can not afford the heating bills that result largely from the drafts from the windows. We just had an energy test done today, and although I have no idea what this means, he said that our house was at 1000, whereas most new houses are at 100. Okay, so I was not surprised to find out that our house is extremely drafty. Also, the wood sashes are loaded with lead (the most lead in our house that the inspector had even seen), although they didn't give us too much trouble because they are all painted shut, so lead dust hasn't been much of an issue. However, that also means that we run the air half the year (also expensive), because there is no way to get fresh air into the house.
So....they must be replaced, and we can not afford to replace with custom wood, using the old glass. Fortunately, there is a "get the lead out" program in our city that offers 0% loans to complete lead abatement. So vinyl it is.

I would hate for all of that history to go to the landfill, and frankly, I would really love to use that glass to fund one of the other 856 projects that need to be completed in our house. But I have no idea where to look. I can't sell the whole windows, as the lead program specifies that the wood must be disposed of. But I asked if I could cut the glass out before abatement begins, and they couldn't see why not. Ah, the wood was in questionable shape anyway. But I will have about 30 panels of wavy glass from 1890, the largest of which is 56"x40". I know that there is a market for the stuff, but how do I tap into it? Anyone know? Also, does anyone know what would be a reasonable price for this glass?

oldognewtrick

KatyE, try listing on EBAY or Craigslist. You can try material recyclers but I don't know how much value you really have in the glass panels. Try Google also.

gatorfan

Wavy or not, that glass isn't letting any air through. Replacing it is probably the LAST place you should be spending money.

The first thing you need to do is check your attic and makes sure you have proper insulation for your zone. While you're up there, make sure your vents are sealed to the ceiling. Hopefully the inspector also ran a duct test to tell you if they were leaking. If so, fix them.

Next, you need to locate and seal anywhere air is infiltrating your house-- gaps around windows/doors and sills, sills and framing, and anywhere a pipe or wire passes through a wall or floor are the first places to look. You can retrofit your old windows with seals.

Putting money into new windows is one of the last places to put your dollar. I think you'll find that the money you lose through the window is far less than what you'd spend to replace it-- plus you'll lose the character.

Matt
(owner of a 1910 house full of wavy glass)

mudmixer

A window is just a hole in a wall that transmits a lot of energy, no matter what the composition is (1 or two layers), with or without fancy gas in between. - It is in the same general category.

To find a home for the old, wavy glass, contact an architectural recycling dealer. The glass older than 1910 could be more valuable to a serious buyer. The glass may not be the right size, but IF it is large enough it can be trimmed for other applications and have value.. If small, just toss it.

Dick

frankc

Depending on your location you can contact local demolition salvage businesses to sell your windows. You can call Architectural Arts in Memphis, TN for more information and a quote on your windows.

oldognewtrick

Frank, this post is about 2 and a half years old, I think the OP has moved on already.

KatyE

Actually, the glass is still in a crate in my basement, and I appreciate the suggestion, Frank.