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Condensation inside double-paned windows - replace glass or whole window?

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Condensation inside double-paned windows - replace glass or whole window? user2048 06-10-2006
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Posted by on June 10, 2006, 10:52 am
We're new homeowners. We have a house with ten double hung windows with
double panes. They're by Thermal-Guard. They look old, but I don't
really know their age. Each window has at least one sash with bad
condensation between the panes. Many have condensation in both. Some
have discolored film between the panes (?). Some have broken springs.

The question is: Should we replace the complete windows? Or just the
bad glass "sealed units" and fix the springs separately (possible?)?

We had a guy from a local glass shop take a look. He's the one that
suggested just replacing the glass. But he was high and more than a
little creepy, so we don't want him back. (There are other shops, I'm
sure.)

But we do have a recommendation for a guy that can replace the complete
windows. He's highly recommended by several trustworthy friends (picky
skeptical people - engineers). His prices are said to be very
reasonable.

So, what do you think? I realize it's a complicated question, but does
anyone have advice or an opinion? Thanks for your help.


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Posted by on June 10, 2006, 11:00 am

user2...@yahoo.com wrote:
> We're new homeowners. We have a house with ten double hung windows with
> double panes. They're by Thermal-Guard. They look old, but I don't
> really know their age. Each window has at least one sash with bad
> condensation between the panes. Many have condensation in both. Some
> have discolored film between the panes (?). Some have broken springs.
>
> The question is: Should we replace the complete windows? Or just the
> bad glass "sealed units" and fix the springs separately (possible?)?
>
> We had a guy from a local glass shop take a look. He's the one that
> suggested just replacing the glass. But he was high and more than a
> little creepy, so we don't want him back. (There are other shops, I'm
> sure.)
>
> But we do have a recommendation for a guy that can replace the complete
> windows. He's highly recommended by several trustworthy friends (picky
> skeptical people - engineers). His prices are said to be very
> reasonable.
>
> So, what do you think? I realize it's a complicated question, but does
> anyone have advice or an opinion? Thanks for your help.

Obviously the seal is gone between the panes. I would think about
replacement given the unknown age of the window. Need to think about
Murphy's law and consider that if you replace the glass in the lower
section how long before the upper section seal fails.


Posted by Edwin Pawlowski on June 10, 2006, 11:33 am

> We're new homeowners. We have a house with ten double hung windows with
> double panes. They're by Thermal-Guard. They look old, but I don't
> really know their age. Each window has at least one sash with bad
> condensation between the panes. Many have condensation in both. Some
> have discolored film between the panes (?). Some have broken springs.
>
> The question is: Should we replace the complete windows? Or just the
> bad glass "sealed units" and fix the springs separately (possible?)?

Not seeing the original windows, it is hard to say. Old means nothing.
There are houses that have 300 year old windows and they still function as
intended (but not as efficient as new). If yours are otherwise well made,
replacing the glass is all that is needed. If you have rot, different
story. Do they go up and down well? Seal well?. If yes, I'd replace just
the glass.

Replacing the entire window opens a large list of other possibilities, such
as damaged trim inside and out, repainting a lot of stuff, and on and on.



Posted by hallerb@aol.com on June 10, 2006, 12:07 pm

Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
> > We're new homeowners. We have a house with ten double hung windows with
> > double panes. They're by Thermal-Guard. They look old, but I don't
> > really know their age. Each window has at least one sash with bad
> > condensation between the panes. Many have condensation in both. Some
> > have discolored film between the panes (?). Some have broken springs.
> >
> > The question is: Should we replace the complete windows? Or just the
> > bad glass "sealed units" and fix the springs separately (possible?)?
>
> Not seeing the original windows, it is hard to say. Old means nothing.
> There are houses that have 300 year old windows and they still function as
> intended (but not as efficient as new). If yours are otherwise well made,
> replacing the glass is all that is needed. If you have rot, different
> story. Do they go up and down well? Seal well?. If yes, I'd replace just
> the glass.
>
> Replacing the entire window opens a large list of other possibilities, such
> as damaged trim inside and out, repainting a lot of stuff, and on and on.

My windows vinyl are nice but have had some seal failures:(

Its no biggie replacing the sealed glass units!

Locally pittsburgh window and door do it on a carry in basis.no doubt
someone in your area offeres the same sercice

on our windows double hung the sections come out easy.

so i remooove them, cover window with plastic and take to store at 8am.
pick up at 3pm.

they disassemble the frame, remove measure cut and make new sealed unit
reassemble frame. i stick unit back in easy job.


if your neighborhood is rough perhaps someone stays home to discourage
pilfering.

cost for 3 double hung units about a 100 bucks

if you replace one complete window it will likely look different than
the rest in your home, which can be a resale issue.

changing the glass avoids that altogether:)

look at replacing sealed glass units as a maintence issue


Posted by Donna on June 10, 2006, 12:12 pm

> We're new homeowners. We have a house with ten double hung windows with
> double panes. They're by Thermal-Guard. They look old, but I don't
> really know their age. Each window has at least one sash with bad
> condensation between the panes. Many have condensation in both. Some
> have discolored film between the panes (?). Some have broken springs.
>
> The question is: Should we replace the complete windows? Or just the
> bad glass "sealed units" and fix the springs separately (possible?)?

Start with the cheaper option, and if it isn't adequate, move on to the more
expensive one. We had a few double pane failures in our house when we moved
it. We took a few of the windows to the local glass shop for pane
replacement, which was about $40 per, and they have been fine since then.

HTH

Donna



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