WIndow Shattering

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MIke F

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I went to check on my vessel the other day and found a surprise. One of the salon sliding glass windows had shattered and was simply am mass of small pieces scattered around the vessel. I checked with marina neighbors and they said they heard a loud pop somewhat like a rifle shot. According to neighbors, No one was near the vessel and there was no other damage. The window was tempered glass and I am guessing it spontaneously shattered--Window is about 29" x 48" and replacement is not a cheap date.

Anyone have similar experiences?
 
yup they do that especially the sliding ones because they frequently contact the metal frames or screw underneath.

It really wont be that expensive from a glass shop if you measure and install it yourself.
 
yes, it's not uncommon.. been there, done that, no obvious reasons.

replacement isn't expensive, i recently replaced a section that was about twice that size and the glass cost was under $200. that type of glass is actaully two layers, glued together with a special adhesive.

save a piece of the old glass to match the tint and the thickness.
 
Just got a quote--If I make the template and install the window--$320.00--Cheap by boat standards.

pdecat-- I* think your probably right a few years ago I replaced the mohair channels and found a lot a debris in the old one. I understand it only takes a small nick at the edge of the glass to initiate this failure mode.
 
Mine is tempered glass without the sandwitch. Shop around that seems high for tempered non sandwitch.
 
I had a sliding glass salon door dissintegrate last year on us. It made a large boom and turned into a frost of tiny ieces. I was standing next to it and immediately taped and boarded it so it did not come apart. Removed sliding glass door, took it to a qualified glass shop. Had them make a custom piece and install it. The glass is tempered and has to be fired after the custom piece is cut. there are a couple of standard tints, so make sure to bring a piece or match it to another unbroken window. $500.00 bucks later, good as new, but took a few weeks to complete the process.

-Rick

Viking Sport Cruiser 50 FY
"Silver Lining"
 
I'm kind of stuck with the price. Most glass shops around here had a very long turnaround time. The shop I went with promised(?) 1 week. The price includes polishing the edge--for easier sliding and less chance of breakage according to the shop.
 
yah that has happened to me. the glass was easy and inexpensive to fix.
 
if the original glass is thick enough you might consider using impact rated glass. it can also be made of tempred glazing, but its laminated like the windscreen on your car. if you break it, the lamination will keep it intact. it can be helpfull from a security perspective if the frame is strong enough to offer any strenght to the assembly.
 
Glass is only 3/16", not thick enough for lamination--Thanks for the thought though!
 
Had this happen with one of the narrow but long windows (9 x 33) in the salon. I'd had it out to clean the tracks, and after I put it back in, it grabbed a little bit as I was closing it, then let go, and the impact shattered it into a gazillion little pieces. I'm going with smoked polycarbonate plastic for a replacement. Very inexpensive, and it won't shatter.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Rick

............. I'm going with smoked polycarbonate plastic for a replacement. Very inexpensive, and it won't shatter.
Click to expand...


I worked for a large public school system and they tried that for windows that the vandals would constantly break. Results were not very good.

It scratches easily, burns (OK, that won't be a problem for you but the vandals had a ball with the butane lighters), bends enough that it can be popped out of the frame unless it's screwed in, and fades in the sunlight.

Just keep this in mind.

Some brands have a specific side that is to be placed towards the outside.
 
I agree with Mike F. Just be very careful to use only cleaning products which are made specifically for polycarbonate.
 
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