Doors and Windows - Seeking Advice for repair/replacement of Dual-Pane Window
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K7BDD
08-24-03, 06:27 PM
Here is the issue.
For a10 year old 2x4 frame house; 25% brick & 75% Vinyl siding; we have an assortment of single hung tip-out vertical slider windows. They are all two-sash, dual-pane windows, with the bottom sash slide and tilt. Cannot determine what brand they are.
Three items.
First, how can you determine if a window unit is aluminum or vinyl?
Second, recently an outside umbrella struck a window frame, and cracked the inside pane of glass, unbelievably. Therefore, that needs to be fixed. Should the whole window unit be replaced, or are dual pane replacement sashes available to replace broken ones.
Third, some of the windows fog a bit when we let the thermostat push the temperature down to near 70F. We have noticed this only during August, the most humid month here. So, does fogging always mean the dual pane system is compromised, or can this occur during high humidity outside, with 70 to 72 degree F temps inside?
Many words, granted, but the intent is to learn and do it right. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
K7BDD@arrl.net
For a10 year old 2x4 frame house; 25% brick & 75% Vinyl siding; we have an assortment of single hung tip-out vertical slider windows. They are all two-sash, dual-pane windows, with the bottom sash slide and tilt. Cannot determine what brand they are.
Three items.
First, how can you determine if a window unit is aluminum or vinyl?
Second, recently an outside umbrella struck a window frame, and cracked the inside pane of glass, unbelievably. Therefore, that needs to be fixed. Should the whole window unit be replaced, or are dual pane replacement sashes available to replace broken ones.
Third, some of the windows fog a bit when we let the thermostat push the temperature down to near 70F. We have noticed this only during August, the most humid month here. So, does fogging always mean the dual pane system is compromised, or can this occur during high humidity outside, with 70 to 72 degree F temps inside?
Many words, granted, but the intent is to learn and do it right. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
K7BDD@arrl.net
Tn...Andy
08-24-03, 07:14 PM
Three items.
First, how can you determine if a window unit is aluminum or vinyl?
In an area that won't be seen, scratch the window with a sharp knife point....if aluminum, you'll see the aluminum shine under the surface layer of paint. If vinyl, the same color will be throughout the piece. You can also tap on it with a pc of metal like a screwdriver....aluminum sounds "metallic"....vinyl is a dull sound.
Second, recently an outside umbrella struck a window frame, and cracked the inside pane of glass, unbelievably. Therefore, that needs to be fixed. Should the whole window unit be replaced, or are dual pane replacement sashes available to replace broken ones.
Neither is necessary.....you can replace just the glass unit....that is, you have to get "unit", which is two pcs of glass already sealed together and replace the unit where you have one layer broken. There will be some type of "keeper" strip on the sash with the broken glass.....it will be a thin vinyl or aluminum strip and may be on the inside or outside of the sash. This must be pryed out VERY carefully and note how it comes out, as it has to go in the same way.......do not damage the edge. Once the keeper strip is removed, there may also be some caulk holding the glass......push out carefully, wear gloves. With the unit out, you can measure the size and the thickness. Call a glass shop for a replacement.
If the broken glass is in one of the sliding sashes, it would probably be easier to just take the sash to a glass shop and let them do this. Tilt out to 90 degrees, as if to clean, then pick one side up or push one side down and **** the sash and it will come out.
Third, some of the windows fog a bit when we let the thermostat push the temperature down to near 70F. We have noticed this only during August, the most humid month here. So, does fogging always mean the dual pane system is compromised, or can this occur during high humidity outside, with 70 to 72 degree F temps inside?
IF the "fog" is on the inside or outside of the glass, not inbetween the glass panes, then it just means your glass is cool enough to allow warm, moist air to condense. Any cool surface will do this....the iced tea glass effect......not a sign of a seal failure, but you'll probably notice the "fog" is close to the edges of your glass.....the more expensive glass units have a "warm edge" type seal that doesn't do this.....BUT if it IS inside the glass unit, you do have a seal failure and would need to be replaced as above.
First, how can you determine if a window unit is aluminum or vinyl?
In an area that won't be seen, scratch the window with a sharp knife point....if aluminum, you'll see the aluminum shine under the surface layer of paint. If vinyl, the same color will be throughout the piece. You can also tap on it with a pc of metal like a screwdriver....aluminum sounds "metallic"....vinyl is a dull sound.
Second, recently an outside umbrella struck a window frame, and cracked the inside pane of glass, unbelievably. Therefore, that needs to be fixed. Should the whole window unit be replaced, or are dual pane replacement sashes available to replace broken ones.
Neither is necessary.....you can replace just the glass unit....that is, you have to get "unit", which is two pcs of glass already sealed together and replace the unit where you have one layer broken. There will be some type of "keeper" strip on the sash with the broken glass.....it will be a thin vinyl or aluminum strip and may be on the inside or outside of the sash. This must be pryed out VERY carefully and note how it comes out, as it has to go in the same way.......do not damage the edge. Once the keeper strip is removed, there may also be some caulk holding the glass......push out carefully, wear gloves. With the unit out, you can measure the size and the thickness. Call a glass shop for a replacement.
If the broken glass is in one of the sliding sashes, it would probably be easier to just take the sash to a glass shop and let them do this. Tilt out to 90 degrees, as if to clean, then pick one side up or push one side down and **** the sash and it will come out.
Third, some of the windows fog a bit when we let the thermostat push the temperature down to near 70F. We have noticed this only during August, the most humid month here. So, does fogging always mean the dual pane system is compromised, or can this occur during high humidity outside, with 70 to 72 degree F temps inside?
IF the "fog" is on the inside or outside of the glass, not inbetween the glass panes, then it just means your glass is cool enough to allow warm, moist air to condense. Any cool surface will do this....the iced tea glass effect......not a sign of a seal failure, but you'll probably notice the "fog" is close to the edges of your glass.....the more expensive glass units have a "warm edge" type seal that doesn't do this.....BUT if it IS inside the glass unit, you do have a seal failure and would need to be replaced as above.