Doors and Windows - Window Capping

Hello, I've recently moved into a house that has vinyl replacement windows that were installed approximately 10 yrs ago. A few of the windows have lost there "seal" and have considerable condensation between the panes that doesn't go away. One local window company insists that they replace not only the window but also "re-cap" the aluminum capping on the outside. The house has aluminum siding. I've looked closely at my windows with all the trim removed from the inside and I'm now thinking I can easily remove the windows from the inside and not disturb the "capping" on the outside. Is this company just trying to "step-up" my costs? The company is Window Wholesalers in the Philadelphia area. They're quoting me $199 per window, double-hung, low-e, extra $49 per window for the capping. I don't think it needs new capping, but then again I don't know much about windows.

airbuspete,

You are dealing with 2 different issues here.

That the IG units (the glass) have lost their seal means that you need to replace the IG units. You can do that, upgrade to Low-E glass, and not disturb the vinyl frames at all. WHY they lost their seal has nothing to do with the vinyl frames, so why mess with them?? Technology of IG units has improved a lot in the past 10 to 15 years. Contact a local glass company and have them order new IG units for you.

If you have no leaks (and no discoloration or warpage) around the vinyl frames, don't mess with them.

Thank you Lefty for your response. I wanted to just replace the glass (IG units, I'm learning as I go here) as the vinyl frames that are there now are just fine. I was told by others that unless I knew what company made the windows I was out of luck. I'll look into a local glass company and see what they say. I just assumed that different companies had proprietary windows (thickness, grooves, etc) that would make it difficult if not impossible to find a place that would just replace the IG unit and have it compatible with my frame.

Nonsense!!

A glass shop only needs to know 3 thing to order your new IG units -- the width, the height, and the thickness of your IG units!! The window mfgr. has NOTHING to do with it! IF you want to upgrade to Low-E glass (which I strongly recommend), do it. This is like the tires on your car -- doesn't matter WHO made the car, the tire sizes are standard and they WILL fit. (You start talking about a gear inside the transmission, or any part inside the engine, then yes, you ARE getting VERY mfgr. specific. Ford parts ain't gonna work in a Chevy and vica versa!!)

Thanks again Lefty! I'm off to find replacement IG units. You've just saved me some big bucks! I'll post here what I find out (I'm out of town until wednesday).