salvaging windows

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I'm wondering if there's any way you can know for sure if salvaged double pane windows have a broken seal. I know I've seen some with condensation in between, but wondered if that will always be the case. Even if they've been in a warm, dry place? And I've even seen them still in the cardboard case, like new. Maybe the wrong size for the job, or the owner changes their mind. If they're that new, would they likely have condensation? We're planning on starting the first phase of an underground home this year, so the amount of sunlight we can get into the house will be important, as well as being able to see out. I've learned on the forum that the consensus is they can't be fixed if broken. This is the first time I've asked a question. Thanks!

-- Laurie Pickeral (lepick3@hotmail.com), March 14, 2001

Answers

any condensation means a broken seal, means not as effecient. Yes they can be fixed, I worked at a place that built windows, and the failed ones would go back to be rebuilt. It takes a "jig" to hole the panes of glass a certain distance,, and "butal" (?) sealant. Can it be done at home? depends how good you are. I fixed a pulled seal at home, but I didnt have to do it all over, juast 1/4 of it. If you do,, wait for a DRY HOT day, so you dont trap moisture inside it

-- Stan (sopal@net-port.com), March 14, 2001.

Laurie, When we added on to our home we wanted the double pane windows that you have. The only promblem was after several years they started to leak air around them and thru them had to put up storm windows to stop the air. But we never had any problem with condensation between panes.

-- david jackson (kjacks53@bellsouth.net), March 14, 2001.

Laurie, I don't know if there is any way you can tell if a double- paned window has a broken seal unless you see a haze, or moisture, inside the two panes. I sell real estate, and just ran across this problem - had a home inspection done on a house, and the inspector told the buyer there were 5 windows with "broken seals". The buyer went ballistic, of course, so I called two glass companies, and they both said the same thing: "A 'broken seal' doesn't really mean that anything is 'broken'. The inside of a double-pane window is filled, usually, with argon gas. If this gas finds a way of escaping, air takes the place of the gas, and air contains moisture so after a while (could be months or years), the inside of the panes gets hazy from moisture. THE INSULATING QUALITY OF THE DOUBLE PANES IS NOT COMPROMISED. Air is just as good an insulator as gas. The window just doesn't look as nice as it did. I think the idea of caulking around the pane on a nice, dry day might help your peace of mind in case the gas/air exchange has taken place.

-- Bonnie (chilton@stateline-isp.com), March 15, 2001.

Thanks for the answers, everybody. I'm really concerned about the condensation because I'm thinking that'll mean less light getting through, but also we're living in an old trailer with leaky windows that have condensation on them a good part of the time (winter), and I really don't like not being able to see out. I'm sure I'd want to see out even more if living underground. Also, if the argon doesn't work any better than air, why do they bother?

-- Laurie (lepick3@hotmail.com), March 15, 2001.

Laurie, the reason for filling the windows with Argon, Nitrogen or any other inert gas is to remove the air from between the panes. It also does not expand and contract with the changes in temperature. The frame of the window, will have small holes on the inside the window. This frame has a desicant in it to absorb any moisture that is left in the window if it isn't vacuumed before filling with gas. Cheaper windows don't have gas installed, just a short vacuum pulled to remove most of the air but not a deep enough vacuum to remove all the mositure, hence the desicant. "Broken seal" refers to anything in the sealing of the window panes that has loosened and allowed air to enter. I do not know of anyone who has been successful in trying to repair them. They use to run around 5 to 7 dollars a square foot to replace. Hope this helps

JackD

-- JackD (jdenterprises@centurytel.net), March 15, 2001.



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