Andersen glass failure due to negative pressure
18 years ago
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- 9 years ago
- 9 years ago
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Andersen glass failure / repair
Comments (4)oberon, Your welcome. I am having the Andersen tech. back to complete the repair on my 6' slider (it was put off due to the cold weather in January), and I will inquire as to what length rivet should be used. The IGU frame is about 1/2" square and made of aluminum as you probably already know. I know it has a dessicent inside so the walls of the frame should be around 1/16" or so. I would think a rivet with a grip range of 1/16 - 1/4" would be good. I did some research and found that the difference in the material of the mandrels is solely for strength; the steel having more sheer / tensile strength than the aluminum. After contacting a few rivet companies I was advised to use the all aluminum rivet. So now I'm off to drill the holes in the wood frames and will complete the rivet installation as soon as the tech comes to repair the slider....See MoreAndersen Thermopane Window Question
Comments (8)I found this on the internet......One rare yet shocking consequence of argon leakage is the sudden implosion of the window.Due to molecular differences between argon and the principal components of air, nitrogen and oxygen, argon under pressure to escape a window unit may exit the seal faster than it can be replaced with air. Under this circumstance, the glass will bend inward to accommodate the gradual reduction in pressure within the window. If conditions are right, according to USGlass Magazine, “units have been reported to shatter with a bang, sometimes described as loud as a gunshot. While the broken glass usually stays within the unit, on at least one occasion, glass has shattered with enough force to send glass shards flying outward.” Elevation differences between the location where the IGU was first pressurized and its installation location may also account for the negative pressure. This phenomenon is quite rare, however, especially in newer windows with superior seals....See MoreRenewal by Andersen or Marvin Integrity or Starmark Windows
Comments (18)There is quite a bit of misinformation that you have been given Mr Jones, I'd definitely take some extra time to sort through it all and make sure that you have accurate facts. I'll go through some, all of which are easily verifiable: Manufacturer and material : All three are very reputable, with Andersen and Marvin having a longer history. That said, Okna has indeed been in business since the early 90's and is a top 100 manufacturer as well. The 3 materials have similar histories as well, as none have been used commonly in a residential window application for more than 20 yrs. All three have their merits, although all three do represent a small "niche" . Vinyl and wood are FAR more common. There is no clear winner here IMO. All are suitable with no decisive pros or cons, particularly considering that each individual product is designed and engineered to exploit the respective materials' inherent strengths, and mitigate its weaknesses. If there is one that I'd put slightly behind the others it would be the Renewal, as adding wood flour/sawdust to vinyl really doesn't add much. Appearance: This depends of course on what areas are examined, however the Marvin all ultrex integrity is by far the slimmest. The Renewal and Starmark are both somewhat bulky by comparison, although neither is very bulky compared to some other products. Despite the slim lines, the all ultrex Integrity is actually the least attractive based on the feedback that I hear. The wood/ultrex on the other hand is bulkier. This category is in the eye of the beholder. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Interior appearance: well stated. Some folks would prefer the rich, real wood interior (Integrity) with only a 10 year warranty, others would prefer the synthetic stainable with lifetime warranty and no maintenance (Starmark). Winner again depends on the individual and their needs/wants. Hardware: The Renewal and Starmark both have more attractive hardware options than the Integrity IMO. Both are all metal, both have multiple finishes available. Performance: Here's a big one. To accurately compare, it is necessary to look at apples to apples glass packages. At .25 for a standard double pane package, and .19 for triple pane argon, the Starmark runs away with the win here. With equivalent glass (surface 2 low e, argon fill), the the Renewal and Integrity are .29 or higher. You can switch to any other glass package across the board, and apples to apples the Starmark will be multiple points better. This can be verified via CPD number (certified products directory) at nfrc.org Air Infiltration: Another big one. The reps that you have spoken to are either flat out lying, or being highly manipulative. The only window of the 3 that sees that .05 AI number is the Starmark. The other two are in the teens at best, if not .2+. I would request a structural test data sheet for reference. If renewal or Marvin will provide it, make sure to compare the size of the window and configuration. It is highly likely that your rep(s) are using casement or picture window ratings to compare to the starmark double hung. The starmark is .01 as a casement. Patio doors: Since this was mentioned, the differences as stated for windows continue for patio doors. If the real wood interior is preferred at the expense of performance, then the Marvin or renewal options are better. The Starmark will be a much better performer, but without the real wood interior. Installation and durability: On durability, this is another area that would trend toward Starmark based on containing no organic parts that can rot, and also on the lifetime warranty. Renewal and Integrity are each 10 years (20 on glass). Installation itself will vary by dealer, and should be given proper weight. One cannot speculate on the quality of installation based only on material however. The only thing that could possibly be considered on that line of thinking would be availability to contractors I suppose. Integrity can be purchased by anyone, whereas Renewal and Starmark are exclusive products where dealers are regulated by the manufacturer. One important thing to note, is that comapanies that install Renewal windows are NOT owned by Andersen. They are a dealer that exclusively carries that line and meets Andersen requirements, however they are not actually part of Andersen. Price: This again will vary by dealer and area. Renewal has a reputation as having the highest price, using high pressure sales, and also of posting thinly veiled, inaccurate info where THEY talk poorly about competitors (not to say that is the case here, of course). That said, I'm sure that there are some great Renewal operations across the country, just as there great Starmark and Intergity dealers. Ultimately, these are three windows that are solid to excellent, and each have their own pros and cons. You are unlikely to go wrong with any of the three, it really depends on which options most closely aligns with your goals for the project. It sounds like that is the Renewal at this point, I'd only recommend getting the accurate performance information, and then perhaps that would (or not) impact your decision....See MoreAndersen E series came in lower than Sierra Pacific Aspen?
Comments (39)Hey. It’s me again! I just thought a round-up/semi-conclusion to this thread would be nice for anyone else struggling to make this same decision. Our house will be finished in another month. I went with all 366 windows. The dealer and the builder thought I was crazy for ever questioning it, FWIW. Here’s my takeaway: The visible light transmission reduction is noticeable. It’s not terrible but it is a slight bummer. The solar heat gain coefficient is no joke. I stood in front of the giant south facing window on a cold sunny day in black leggings and never warmed up. My black leggings were cool to the touch. A dog looking for a warm spot would be very disappointed with 366 windows. That said, I’m assuming it will do a good job of keeping the heat out in the summer. I just wanted to chime in and affirm that these ARE noticeable things. They are real trade offs. The jury is still out for me as to whether I made the right choice. But I’m certain my furniture and floors will be happy with the 366....See MoreRelated Professionals
45056 Window Contractors · Glen Burnie Window Contractors · Leicester Window Contractors · Meridian Window Contractors · Woodland Hills Window Contractors · Security-Widefield Window Contractors · Fernway Interior Designers & Decorators · Nashville Interior Designers & Decorators · Clinton General Contractors · Deer Park General Contractors · Panama City General Contractors · Rancho Santa Margarita General Contractors · Roselle Park Carpenters · Tucson Carpenters · Rancho Santa Margarita Carpenters- 9 years ago
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