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Where to find: SECOND HAND WINDOWS?

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Webn+1
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Where to find: SECOND HAND WINDOWS?

Post by Webn+1 » Sat, 26 Mar 2011 8:15 pm

Hi everyone,
I need to change my room's window,
so as it is terribly expensive for a new one (over 1500SGD!)I am looking for a second hand window and do the framing myself..

ideally a double layered sound proof one,

dimensions close to 208x113 cm

It can have an opening or just a plain glass or double glass with no openings.

i will do the framing.

any idea where I could find that? some scrap places up there?

with all the condo they are tearing down every day there must be a way to find one... I already tried the balestier area...

thanks in advance!!
Seb

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Post by beppi » Sun, 27 Mar 2011 10:21 am

Since there are no standard sizes for windows (every single one is custom-made), you will not find a used one that fits.
For framing, you need the appropriate power tools and expertise.
Fixing it into the wall is not trivial and even the experts get it wrong sometimes (e.g. ours leak).

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Strong Eagle
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Post by Strong Eagle » Sun, 27 Mar 2011 11:53 am

Wood, aluminum or plastic frame? Slider or hinged?

I agree with beppi. If you are going to install it yourself, you can have the window made from one of the above materials, then install it yourself. Places that sell aluminum will cut to fit a given window size.

I assume you are installing into a concrete/masonry wall? You would generally use 1 x 4 to frame, then depending upon the window type, attach to the frame after shimming and squaring up. If can be done if you are handy... otherwise, it is not the easiest of jobs.

Webn+1
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Post by Webn+1 » Sun, 27 Mar 2011 3:36 pm

thanks Beppi, Strong eagle

wood or aluminum frame yes,

A/ if i find a ready made sliding or hinged then frame will adapt +/- 10 cm... and that s the purpose of this discussion... where to find a second hand window?

B/if can't find, maybe i will simply frame a large glass panel with no opening. Aluminum of wood frame.

yes concrete wall of 208x113 cm opening.

thanks for your insights!

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sundaymorningstaple
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Post by sundaymorningstaple » Sun, 27 Mar 2011 4:36 pm

For your information, replacing something like windows & framing will require a contractor licensed to do the job. If undertaken by an individual and something goes wrong, e.g., a window falling out of the frame/unit and killing a passerby or for that matter just a shard cutting somebody, and your butt will be hung out to dry. Been a lot written about windows here over the past decade so, after more than a few fell out of the frame to go hurtling to the ground many floors below. You should be sure what you are attempting to do is not something that is required to be done by a licensed contractor.
SOME PEOPLE TRY TO TURN BACK THEIR ODOMETERS. NOT ME. I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW WHY I LOOK THIS WAY. I'VE TRAVELED A LONG WAY, AND SOME OF THE ROADS WEREN'T PAVED. ~ Will Rogers

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Strong Eagle
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Post by Strong Eagle » Sun, 27 Mar 2011 5:32 pm

Webn+1 wrote:thanks Beppi, Strong eagle

wood or aluminum frame yes,

A/ if i find a ready made sliding or hinged then frame will adapt +/- 10 cm... and that s the purpose of this discussion... where to find a second hand window?

B/if can't find, maybe i will simply frame a large glass panel with no opening. Aluminum of wood frame.

yes concrete wall of 208x113 cm opening.

thanks for your insights!
You will search for a long long time for that second hand window you need. I've never seen one advertised. I expect no one keeps them. If you were in the US, you'd be able to find at used equipment remodel shops... but here... I've no idea. Your request is so rare that... oh well... it aint gonna happen.

But, if you want to do it, start looking for remodeling contractors... they pull them out... maybe you get lucky.

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Post by Webn+1 » Sun, 27 Mar 2011 7:51 pm

Good point sundaymorningstaple, in my case it is a ground floor front of a private area.. so no risk.

Thanks Strong Eagle, I already have a bet with a friend that i m up to the challenge.. so let s make it two!

I ll head for the scrap yards in sungei bulok but also will ask the various karangunis and antique shops around..

If anybody has any idea, please feel free to share!

have a good week ahead!

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sundaymorningstaple
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Post by sundaymorningstaple » Sun, 27 Mar 2011 10:12 pm

Ground floor or not, you had better check to ensure that you are okay with the building code in Singapore. I, frankly, don't know, but most trades need to be registered so, to be on the safe side it might be worth checking.

Is it your own property?
SOME PEOPLE TRY TO TURN BACK THEIR ODOMETERS. NOT ME. I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW WHY I LOOK THIS WAY. I'VE TRAVELED A LONG WAY, AND SOME OF THE ROADS WEREN'T PAVED. ~ Will Rogers

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Post by ksl » Mon, 28 Mar 2011 8:23 pm

You need to be looking for renovators and building supplies, most renovators will keep Windows if they can sell the stuff on, so normally stored in the builders yard. Windows are not all custom built in the HDB sector, my extension window measure 3 meter by 1 meter 20. I'm looking for new. But double glazing is not guaranteed for noise here in Singapore, they will double glaze, but wasting your time if they don't know how to do noise reduction.

I'm pricing some double glazing up in UK, just out of curiosity. I don't mind paying the price for good noise reduction, though I'm also in no rush to get it done this year. the £ is 30% weaker too! HDB permit is required for changing windows, no idea about condo's

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