how do you fix double paned windows with water condensation between them?

Question

when i washed my windows i noticed afterward that the fog/water condensation started. does anyone know if you can fix this without replacing the window? and does anyone know if your home owners insurance will cover the replacement if needed?

Answer 1

The seal is gone and you have lost most of the insulation value (as it is vacuum sealed to act as an insulator). The insulated glass should be replaced. I work at a place that repairs windows and we have to custom order the pieces (which usually takes about 4 to 7 days). Most places charge by the square foot to make the unit with a minimum order of 4 or 6 square feet. Any size over the foot is rounded up to the next sqare foot, for example if the glass is 24 1/2 by 28 inches it is considered 9 square feet (3 feet by 3 feet). Something that large could run about $130-150 if they replace it in a window, If you are handy you could save yourself a lot of money and fix it yourself probably down to about $40-60. You would need to know the thickness of the glass as well. I don't think that you would meet a deductable for insurance with that amount for a cost. You would have to have them broken by either a break-in or a branch falling through it for insurance to cover it. If you want to try to repair it yourself all there are (usually) 4 screws near the corners on the top and bottom sides. Be forceful but not too forceful when you try to put it back together. If you go to a place bring the glass with you if it is wrong, its their fault, and make sure you measure it before you leave the store, since they won't take it back if its wrong and you have signed for it. Look in the phone book under glass, either sublisted as insulated or specialty glass. call around you may find a difference of what their minimum order is which could save you more money.

If you have some do it for you at a store ask if you can drop off the piece to be measured and be able to bring it home and return with the unit once the piece is in so you don't have an unsecured window for too long.

Answer 2

I know when this happened at my house my insurance covered it, but I had special window coverage on my plan. I would presume normally it would not be covered, but it is worth looking in to. You can also take apart the window if you are decent with tools. Depending on the type of window it is different, but for a normal side-opening slider you can lift the sliding window up in the frame and then pull the bottom out, then drop it back down and pull the top out. There are screws in the frame that you undo that hold the frame together, once they are done you can take the frame off and have the bare glass. Be careful not to break them, let them dry out, and then put it all back together. If the seal is bad it might just leak again, so you might just have to replace it if it keeps happening, or just leave it leaking.

Answer 3

Sorry for the bad news, but it won't come out:( It will dry out eventually, but it will still be foggy/streaky looking when the light hits it right. Once the seal is broken on them, that's it! About the only thing you can do is check and see if it is still under warranty (Hopefully) or you'll have to replace it if you want it like it was originally. A lot of companies offer a long term warranty though, so you may be in luck:) Unfortunately I know this through past experiences with patio doors with the same problem.

Answer 4

The space between your windows is supposed to be sealed against this happening. Sooner or later the moisture will go away, but if it keeps going through the process of getting wet and then drying out, it will eventually build up a milky looking residue.
Unfortunately homeowner's insurance will not cover this- and eventually you'll need to get replacement windows installed.

As always be sure to get several estimates before you spend any money, and study all of your options before you decide to do anything.

Answer 5

If there is fog or condensation, then it means that the seal is broken and the gas between the panes has escaped and you need to replace the window. Homeowner's insurance may cover it, but, you need to factor in your deductible. If the window isn't very old, check the warranty - you may be able to get it replaced.

Answer 6

Sadly it sounds like the problem is a replacement issue.Once the argon gas barrier in a thermo pane window is broken there isn't much you can do. Try getting the manufacturers rep. to replace it. If he can't give you satisfaction at least you have the part info when you go to your home owners insurance.

Answer 7

You've got a leaking seal. I doubt if your insurance will cover this problem but, you can try. A good window company may be able to help you but, it's going to cost. Most people just adjust to this problem and live with it.

They also contain a small amount of Nitrogen gas, so you can't repair them yourself.

Answer 8

I agree with all the others about the seal being broken and possible having to replace the windows. One thing i looked into was a company called fogbusters. I might use them. you can check them out at www.fogbusters.biz
Good luck

Answer 9

the doubled glass windows require a near vacuum to remove air,new sealant around the sealing edges,and an injection of inert gas to fill the space,,,,unless you have the stuff to do this,yer stuck with a 200 dollar job for abc the window guys ,or somebody like that

Answer 10

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RE :How do you fix double paned windows with water condensation between them?
when i washed my windows i noticed afterward that the fog/water condensation started. does anyone know if you can fix this without replacing the window? and does anyone know if your home owners insurance will cover the replacement if needed?
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