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vickish1's avatar
vickish1
Explorer
Oct 20, 2014

repairing shattered window

While living in our tt full time (tires off, skirt, septic, etc) one of the sliding windows above the couch shattered. Pretty sure it was due to bad navigation of a bird!
Its a 2000 Fletwood Terry. What are my options for reparing this? Do I have to replace the entire window, even the side that isn't broke?
  • It shouldn't be too difficult. Make two cardboard templates of the broken glass. Make sure to include the glass bite into the frame.
    Install the first in the window after cleaning out all of the pieces. This confirms the size and fit.

    Take the second template to a glass shop along with pieces of the broken glass. This will confirm color and thickness.

    Make sure you order tempered glass. This will take a week or so.

    The glass shop will send your template to their manufacturer where they will cut a piece of glass to match your template and then temper it.

    Good Luck.
  • Well at the shop, we have found it to be cheaper to replace the entire window-frame and all-than to try to replace just 1 pane.
    --Problem is, you must take pictures of the frame, measurements, any radius, and a picture of all the little stickers/numbers/info on the corners of the panes. It takes several weeks for Hehr to send windows, and usually they are wrong, but when you finally get the right ones, they replace very easy.

    Like I said. It has proven to be (A considerable amount cheaper) to replace the entire frame/windows/unit.

    Usually an RV dealer can get this ordered for you. However as someone mentioned, if you carry "comprehensive" insurance on your camper, then call insurance and let them handle is as they will.
  • My insurance company had a local outfit replace the entire window, including the two lower windows which were not broken, as a unit. I was happy with the temporary Plexiglas replacement as far as looks went. $100 deductible for me either way.
  • Not necessary to replace the entire window.
    Easy cheap to remove the rest of the broken glass and have a new piece cut to fit.
    There is likely a rubber or similar reveal strip on the outside. You remove that and this exposes the edge of the glass. Use a utility knife on the inside, the kind with the extendable blade, and cut the tape that holds the glass to the frame and remove it. Clean up the frame, wash the edge with acetone and put a new piece of glass in the opening.

    Very simple to do.
  • I bet you could take the frame apart and remove the broken window frame. Then you could have new glass cut and inserted in the frame.

    On the other hand, if you have a little spare cash this would be a good opportunity to replace the single pane window with one that is more energy-efficient.

    It is not difficult to replace the window. Just requires at least two people and the removal of a tremendous amount of screws. If you go this route then you will have an opportunity to reseal the frame in to the rig as the OEM seals do not last long... ask me how I know. I can tell a long drawn out tale of the minimalistic and sparing use of sealants from the factory.