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Moisture inside a double-glazed window pane Jonathan Sachs 07-25-2006
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Posted by Jonathan Sachs on July 25, 2006, 12:49 am
One of the windows in my new apartment has moisture between the
surfaces of the lower pane. There appears to be a lot of water in
there -- enough to form a film over nearly the entire pane, which is
thick enough to interfere with the view outside.

I researched this and learned that the moisture is caused by a leak in
the sealed space between the surfaces, which has allowed the
insulating gas to escape and water vapor to enter. The only solution
to this is supposed to be to replace the pane.

My research did not tell me what to do if I'm renting and the required
replacement must be done by the landlord. I have spoken to the
property manager about this, but she evidently has never encountered
the situation before, and has no idea how serious it is. Come to
that, neither do I. What is it, really: a mere nuisance, or a
potentially serious failure?

I assume that any problems caused by the moisture will appear in the
winter. I'm in Chicago, where temperatures are mostly below freezing
for about three months, and annual minimums of about -15°F are common.

Posted by on July 25, 2006, 6:58 am

Jonathan Sachs wrote:
> One of the windows in my new apartment has moisture between the
> surfaces of the lower pane. There appears to be a lot of water in
> there -- enough to form a film over nearly the entire pane, which is
> thick enough to interfere with the view outside.
>
> I researched this and learned that the moisture is caused by a leak in
> the sealed space between the surfaces, which has allowed the
> insulating gas to escape and water vapor to enter. The only solution
> to this is supposed to be to replace the pane.
>
> My research did not tell me what to do if I'm renting and the required
> replacement must be done by the landlord. I have spoken to the
> property manager about this, but she evidently has never encountered
> the situation before, and has no idea how serious it is. Come to
> that, neither do I. What is it, really: a mere nuisance, or a
> potentially serious failure?
>
> I assume that any problems caused by the moisture will appear in the
> winter. I'm in Chicago, where temperatures are mostly below freezing
> for about three months, and annual minimums of about -15=B0F are common.



The issues are:

1 - It looks like hell

2 - The energy efficiency of the window is shot and it will waste a lot
more energy than a window with a proper seal, which should be a concern
in your area.

3 - With very cold temps and poor insulation, you will get condensation
on the inside. Depending on where this accumulates, it can destroy
paint, window sills, etc.

The only solution is to replace it.


Posted by Joseph Meehan on July 25, 2006, 7:07 am
Jonathan Sachs wrote:
> One of the windows in my new apartment has moisture between the
> surfaces of the lower pane. There appears to be a lot of water in
> there -- enough to form a film over nearly the entire pane, which is
> thick enough to interfere with the view outside.
>
> I researched this and learned that the moisture is caused by a leak in
> the sealed space between the surfaces, which has allowed the
> insulating gas to escape and water vapor to enter. The only solution
> to this is supposed to be to replace the pane.
>
> My research did not tell me what to do if I'm renting and the required
> replacement must be done by the landlord. I have spoken to the
> property manager about this, but she evidently has never encountered
> the situation before, and has no idea how serious it is. Come to
> that, neither do I. What is it, really: a mere nuisance, or a
> potentially serious failure?

It is a nuisance and it reduces the insulating ability of the window.
In any case, I would consider it something that any landlord should be
replacing. You did rent with the expectations of being able to see out your
windows did you not?

>
> I assume that any problems caused by the moisture will appear in the
> winter. I'm in Chicago, where temperatures are mostly below freezing
> for about three months, and annual minimums of about -15°F are common.



--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit



Posted by hallerb@aol.com on July 25, 2006, 8:19 am
get enough water in there and cold winter feeze the window can actually
shatterL(

There are local glass shops that you take the window out, they are
usually easily removed, early in the AM by late afternoon they replace
the sealed unit its not expensive had a couple replaced for about a
hundred bucks. there are also window companies who visit and measure
the glass, return later and install the new sealed unit.

its no biggie at all, just a nuisance the screws holding the frame
together rust and can be a nuisance to get lose


Posted by m Ransley on July 25, 2006, 9:07 am
The windows may be under a warranty so the lanlord should be told. They
may not be Argon filled even if they are at most you loose 1R out of R3.
Mainly they just look bad with condensation.


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