Method and apparatus for installing vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit in existing window sash

A method of replacing a non-vacuum insulated glass window with a vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window having a width less than a width of said non-vacuum insulated glass window, comprising:

• removing an existing stop connected to a window sash in which said non-vacuum insulated glass window is installed, the window sash having a concave dimple defined in an upper surface thereof when viewed in cross section;
• removing said non-vacuum insulated glass window from said window sash;
• installing said VIG window in said window sash, wherein the VIG window comprises first and second glass substrates having a vacuum cavity provided therebetween, the vacuum cavity being at pressure less than atmospheric pressure and having a plurality of spacers therein for spacing the first and second glass substrates from each other;
• installing a VIG stop having a width sufficient to compensate for a difference in a width of the removed non-vacuum insulated glass window and a width of said VIG window, said VIG stop engaging a surface of said VIG window and providing lateral support to said VIG window, the VIG stop have a width larger than that of the existing stop, and wherein the VIG stop comprises foam in a hollow interior portion thereof;
• wherein said VIG stop comprises a hollow L-shaped main body with first and second solid parallel distal portions extending therefrom, the first distal portion for engaging the VIG window and the second distal portion for fitting under a lip of the sash;
• and
• wherein the concave dimple is positioned so as to be located between and not directly under the first and second glass substrates of the non-vacuum insulated glass window, and so that at least part of the first and second glass substrates of the VIG window are located on one side of the dimple when the VIG window is on the sash.