Window glass replacement question

[Steve K]

Two window panes in my house broke this past year. They are double-paned windows, not sure if there is gas inside??

One in the living room broke last winter out of the blue, just broke to pieces as we were watching TV. The inside pane broke.

The other window broke a few weeks ago, again out of the blue. This was the outside pane. And in the dining room, about 30 feet from the first window. No bird hit it because the screen was fine, I'm guessing.

These windows are both on the south side of the house.

I believe it's from the house settling? But that is another post entirely.

What I need to know is, can I just order two pieces of glass from my local hardware store and buy some wrear view mirror glue and put the panes back in myself? Or do I have to order the new pane as a whole and have a professional put it back in?

Of course, if there was some sort of gas inside, I can't put that back in...

Should I be worried about the possible R value loss?

Thanks

[Steve K]

These are wooden windows, double hung. No putty. Not sure of the manufacturer.

[Joseph Meehan]

In short the answer is no. You need to buy new glass already assembled and ready to go into the window frame.

Do your windows come out for cleaning? If so I suggest you pick a nice day, remove the two broken windows and put up plastic. Take them to a window glass shop and they will make up and install the glass for you at a reasonable price. Far cheaper than having someone come out and do it for you.

I would also get the settling problem address right away.

[Phisherman]

Either replace the entire double-pane yourself or call a professional to do it. If there are any leaks, you'll get (unsightly) fogging.