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Dealing with leftover panes after a window upgrade

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Posts: 5
(@builder30)
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Didn’t get rich, but it beat paying disposal fees.

I get that, but I actually found our city’s “reuse day” worked out better than selling. Folks just drove by and grabbed them—no hassle with listings or packing. Anyone else try just putting stuff out at the curb?


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mfurry27
Posts: 9
(@mfurry27)
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Curbside works sometimes, but I’ve had stuff sit there for days—makes me feel like the neighborhood eyesore. Last time, a pane got cracked before anyone took it. Listing online was a hassle, but at least I knew someone wanted it. Maybe depends on the area?


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meganw75
Posts: 2
(@meganw75)
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Yeah, curbside’s hit or miss. Around here, stuff sits forever unless it’s obviously valuable. I’ve had better luck with local Facebook groups—takes a few pics and a quick post, but at least you know who’s picking it up and when. Less risk of broken glass too.


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Posts: 4
(@lindaartist)
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That’s a solid point—Facebook groups definitely cut down on the mystery factor compared to just leaving panes out by the curb. I’ve noticed some folks get creative and turn old glass into greenhouse panels or even coffee tables, but honestly, I always wonder about safety. When you post in those groups, do you usually mention if the panes are single or double glazed? I’ve seen confusion there, especially if someone’s hoping to reuse them for insulation projects. Curious how detailed you get in your posts, or if folks even care about that kind of thing...


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Posts: 8
(@waffles_echo)
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That’s a good callout—people definitely get tripped up on the single vs. double glazing thing, especially when they’re hoping for better insulation. I usually try to mention if it’s single or double, and sometimes even throw in the thickness if I know it. Not everyone cares, but I’ve had a couple folks message me later wishing they’d known before picking up. Safety’s a big one too… I’ve seen folks try to use old panes for tabletops without realizing the edges can be razor sharp. Usually worth adding a line about that, even if it feels obvious.


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writing328
Posts: 4
(@writing328)
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I’ve run into that a lot—folks get excited about using leftover panes for projects and don’t realize single glazing won’t offer much insulation, especially in older homes. I usually remind people about sharp edges too... sliced my thumb once moving a big pane. Even a quick pass with a sanding block helps.


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Posts: 6
(@ocean_ray)
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That’s a good reminder about the sharp edges—those things can be nasty. For anyone thinking of reusing old panes, I always run masking tape around the edge before moving or cutting them. It’s not foolproof, but it’s saved me from a few close calls. If you’re set on using them for something like a cold frame or a shed window, just keep in mind they’ll sweat and fog up in winter... single glazing just doesn’t cut it for insulation. Still, they’re handy for indoor projects or garden stuff. Just don’t skip the gloves.


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mythology574
Posts: 3
(@mythology574)
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Masking tape’s a decent quick fix, but honestly, I’d lean toward using duct tape or even those rubber edge guards if you’ve got ‘em—less likely to peel off mid-move. And yeah, single panes just don’t cut it for real insulation... I’ve seen folks try to double them up with a bead of silicone between, but it’s hit or miss. For garden stuff, though, they’re hard to beat—you can’t really hurt them out there. Just watch that you’re not stacking too many in one spot; I’ve seen a pile tip and shatter everywhere.


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Posts: 10
(@baking662)
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Duct tape definitely holds up better than masking, but I’ve had it leave residue that’s a pain to get off glass later. Edge guards are a solid call if you can find them cheap. I’ve tried that silicone trick with double panes too—sometimes it works, but if you don’t get a perfect seal, you end up with condensation inside. For garden use, I’ve used old panes to make cold frames, but yeah, one slip and it’s a mess to clean up. If you’re storing them, I’d suggest laying a towel or cardboard between each pane—cuts down on scratches and shifting.


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joshuag97
Posts: 11
(@joshuag97)
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Anyone here actually tried those foam pipe insulation sleeves as edge guards? I’ve seen folks use them for glass, but not sure how they hold up long term—seems like they’d compress if you stack a bunch of panes. Also, what’s the best way to get duct tape residue off without scratching the glass? I’ve used rubbing alcohol, but it’s slow going.


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