I am pretty sure we paid the same for the full lite and the 1/2 lite doors. Here's a closeup of the frame where the door transitions to glass. As you can see, there is no plastic raised frame surrounding the glass like you see on the doors at HD and Lowes. It looks more like the ones you get from the window manufacturers. Here's the only pic I could pull of a Thermatru door with a screen vented lite. I would make sure you saw this in person before ordering... What about installing a retractable screen instead of the vented lite? Also, if you were going to leave a window treatment on the door all the time, you could attach those sticky-backed magnets to the door and then use a magnetic curtain rod to hang it from. Maybe one of those ones that you can raise & lower?

I am not an expert, but that doesn't stop me from having an opinion. (grin) I use an oil based primer when I am working on old exterior wood. And I use a slow dry oil based primer. But for something that will never be exposed to the elements and isn't old wood, I'm not so sure oil primer is going to make this paint project significantly better. I use Cabinet Coat for trim work. It is satin finish, though, not high gloss. You don't need to prime prime bare wood before applying Cabinet Coat - or maybe it is more correct to say that the first coat of CC is the primer. Here is a link that might be useful: Cabinet Coat

Steve, the tempered glass makes up about 2/3 of the price of the window. Yes, those double hungs can be reglazed with tempered glass. However, the balances must be changed to support the heavier glass components or the sashes will drift down when unlocked. To find the manufacturer, pull down the top sash and look up inside the header pocket. There should be a label there that identifies the maker or at least the supplier. If not, take a look at the glass spacer bar and check for name and code on it. That may lead you to the supplier. There are some manufacturers that label the side of the bottom sash. Tilt in the sash and check there too. If you locate the manufacturer, ask them to make a complete sash and insulated glass unit and to send you new balances to compensate for the extra load. Michael

Thanks. I looked at the windows from inside and out today and appreciate the situation better. The problem window is the center window in a set of 5. The center 3 dont crank open. I just realized the two sashes left and right of center look like a newer mode. The vent is more of a slit very close to the bottom rather than a hole. So I am thinking the old owner had some replaced. Also I see now that the sash from the non cranking newer windows (left and right of center) are actually cranking windows with the cranking hardware removed and add a screws where the latch would pull the window in. The problem window from outside looks like it might be a cranking window with hardware removed also but the inside trim work shows no screws or hint that it might be a cranking window. So I wonder if this older window is just better sealed and traps moisture better. Thoughts? Also are these Pella designer series good windows by todays standards? They are only 16 years old and I see caulk added as outside glazing on many windows. The old owner had Pella service these windows often. Thanks for all the quick replies. This site seems very well monitored. Cheers, Jeff