Doors and Windows - condensation between double pane windows

i've got what i think to be either anderson or anderson-knock-off windows in my whole house (windows were here when i bought the place 5 years ago). a few weeks ago, the center window in the family room bay window (of course, the most highly visible one from inside and out) started to show condensation between the panes.

what are some good sources to find replacements? i'll try home depot first but i have a feeling these might not be 'name brand' windows...

is there a way to 'fix' this problem? i'm doubtful myself but i wanted to see if anyone has a fixit solution before i spend money replacing parts...

if i can find a replacement source, is this a difficult job to just replace the pane/panel that is affected? these are the kind with 2 latches at the top that slide inward and then the window tilts inside for easy cleaning of the outside surface

if i need to be more specific, let me know what details are needed to answer any of my questions

thanks in advance,

austinpm1

The seal between the 2 panes of glass has broken. The only way to fix it is to replace the Insulated Glass (IG) unit.

Call a local glass shop and have them come out and measure it. They will order the replacement IG unit. It will take them about 2 weeks to get it. Then they will come out and install it for you.

Really not a do it yourself issue. Not worth it. You won't find an IG unit on the shelf at HD or Lowes. They have to be made to order. You COULD take the dimensions to the glass shop, have them order it, and install it yourself. However, if the measurements are off just a little (maybe a 1/16" too thick or too thin), you'll eat the cost of the wrong IG unit as well as the new proper sized one (and have another 2 week wait). If THEY mismeasure it, THEY eat the cost of the wrong sized IG unit. The pros will have the old one out and the new one in in an hour or so, it will be sealed properly and the installation is should be guaranteed not to leak. And, they have done enough of them that they know exactly how to remove the retainers without damaging them.

Just too many ways for things to go wrong for this to be a DIY project, at least in my opinion.

You said the center window of a bay is the one fogging.....is it a fixed glass picture type that doesn't tilt in like the others ??

If so, do what Lefty said. If it's a tilt in type, I'll tell ya a trick that will save you a few bucks.

By the way, they aren't Andersens.

Check the bottom right hand corner, that's where Anderson usually puts their name. Excellent advice!

Some window manufactures will replace the glass for free if the warrenty id still good. Some companies warrenty the windows for up to ten years. If you can find out the manufacturer (even if you did not by them).;)

Chrisjfox,

10 years?? Any of the 3 brands of windows I install would warranty this for as long as the purchaser owned the house they were installed in.

And yes, austinpm1, you should definitely ask if this might indeed be covered by warranty. Would help to know who mfgr'd the windows.

lefty (and anyone else who might know)-

i've scanned in the label from the top inside surface (where the bottom part of the window nearly slides up into when opened).
can you tell me by looking at this if you think it's one brand vs. another?

do you think i have a shot at a warranty claim on this product with just this sticker? from what i can tell, it was at the very least manufactured in 1995.

here is where you can see the sticker - let me know if there are problems viewing this since i've never posted a url before...

http://pataustin.com/homewindowsticker.jpg

austinpm1

here it is without those url tags:

http://pataustin.com/homewindowsticker.jpg

Never heard of them.....about all you can do is start calling around to building supply places in your area and see if you can find someone that knows where they came from and if they are still in business.

If you do find them and it is covered under warranty, probably all they will do is furnish the glass unit....you will still have to put it in or get it done.

So, I ask AGAIN.....is the window that is fogged a movable sash or fixed ?

it's the moveable window on the bottom (the top window does not move)

OK.....here's the buck saving tip:

Tilt the window out as if to clean. While out in the 90 degree position, lift one side or the other, or push down one side or the other so the sash disengages from the spring shoe. Then you can take the sash to a glass shop for measurement of the glass unit size and thickness. They will probably have to order a unit unless it's a big shop where they have the equipment to make them, so return home with the sash, reinstall it and when the glass shop calls, do it again.

By NOT having them have to come out, you'll save on a service call.

i guess i'll wait til the spring then. with the weather what it is here in NJ, this time of year, the house inside would be 30 degrees before i got back from the shop to replace my old window from being measured.

thanks for the tip, anyway.

Look at www.universalsupply.com