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Replace glass or replace windows?

15 years ago

After reading prior messages, I am still confused as to whether to replace the entire window, or just the fogged glass. No idea of the brand of the windows but house was custom built early 80s - in upper scale neighborhood - so maybe window quality was pretty good for what was available then. Doors to deck are old atrium brand (some of them are fogged too). When we bought the house 4 years ago,we replaced the glass in a couple of windows that were fogged - and I think these are the same units that have fogged again. I don't want to spend money on replacing glass if the real problem is the entire window unit - but these are big, lovely windows, and lots of them (they crank open to the side) and will no doubt cost a fortune to replace all. I also can't figure out how to get expert help. People who sell windows just want to replace - people who replace glass just want to do that. How do I get competent advice?

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Comments (5)

teedup1
15 years ago
Are the windows "fogged" as in moisture between the layers of glass unit? Or "fogged", really meaning "etched" from water sprinklers and sunshine hitting them?

If it is moisture between the glass layers that most likely means the seal has failed and the whole window, the "sandwich" part, needs to be replaced.

If the glass is etched, I've read about some miracle-sounding claims on the web for products that may help that.
nancy_tx
Original Author
15 years ago
They are fogged as a result of condensation between the layers of glass. The question is, will simply replacing the glass work - or at what point must the entire window, frame and all, be replaced?
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The windows are Pozzi and still in good condition (other than the seals!). I am guessing that the door is Peachtree because that is what the other doors in the house were. Because the door sizes have changed, the price to replace all the glass is way under what a new custom sized door would be. We have replaced all the other doors in the house and had to have custom doors made. We replaced 2 of them because of issues with replacing locks and handles. The other doors were replaced because they were sliders/french doors that were just not holding up well. This door is seldom used in a walk out basement and still works fine.
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@Jennifer, where is the home located? Unless you happened to take that picture on a very rare snowy day in your warm region, I assume that you live someplace at least relatively cold. In that case, ditch the aluminum windows. Aluminum frames and cold weather don't go well together. If these were wood windows in great shape I'd agree with all of the sentiments about costing glass vs window replacement etc, but a dollar spent on some 1990's aluminum windows in a place that gets any measurable amount of snow is a dollar too much. On choices, a slimmer lined vinyl window won't look all that different from your current units if you do a full frame install, but I also agree that something darker would look very nice. Fiberglass or composite would be a good choice as well.
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teedup1
15 years ago
Check out Defogitnow.com as a possibility? It sounds interesting.

(Disclaimer: I know nothing about that site but found it by searching under "How to replace a broken window seal.")
calbay03
15 years ago
I will suggest taking a picture or several close-up pictures of the window and ask a good local window shop what they think it is. A good shop will answer it for you to earn your future business. A bad shop will ignore you or try to sell you something without answering to your satisfaction. A fine way to figure out who is good and bad in case you need them.

Or post your pictures here so the many professionals reading here can share their opinions before you go to a shop.

May be the seal can be fixed, may be it is some hidden cracks or it may require a replacement. Until the pros can see it, no one can venture any educated opinion.

GOod luck!
cpcrnch
15 years ago
Ok Nancy...3 follow ups and still not anyones answered your simple question....well here go`s.
Yes, Just replace the glass if it is foggy,and to give you an example of how much,My price is a standard labor charge of 100.00,My glass is charged @ 14.40 per square foot(example is a 20x40 glass would be 80.00.. Most windows are made so the glass can be replace...call any glass company and they will help you out..and dont get talked into those companys that drill holes in your insulated glass,sure they may clear the glass,but you no longer have a true insulated unit..even with their patented"one way valve"...Good luck

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