Problem with Gorell window - Spots in-between panes

[mrmichaeljmoore]

As I was cleaning my windows this past weekend, I noticed some spotting on one of my front casement windows. The spots are somewhere in between the triple pane glass.

I posted some links to pictures. Hopefully, someone can give me some insight as to what it is.

I am afraid this may be a seal issue for the casement window.
As you can see, the casement window is part of one large picture/casement combo, so I am not sure how easy of a job to repair/replace would be, esepcially considering Gorell is out of business now.

I uploaded pictures to flickr and posted links to those photos here:
https://flic.kr/p/yojZ7Q
https://flic.kr/p/yFEnGn
https://flic.kr/p/xHTpnQ
https://flic.kr/p/yFEpgz
https://flic.kr/p/yoi1PJ
https://flic.kr/p/yCArdw
https://flic.kr/p/yooYac
https://flic.kr/p/yEUSQ4

Thanks.
mm

[Randy]

Degradation of the low-e coating caused by a seal failure, I'd say. The IG unit will have to be replaced, and that will be an adventure with the new owner of Gorell (Soft-lite). I've heard nothing good from others needing service in a similar situation to yours. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

Is your Gorell dealer still in business? Have you contacted them?

[Windows on Washington]

Yep. Failed Low-e via moisture via seal failure.

Keep us posted.

As Randy mentioned, it has been an uphill battle for many past Gorell clients.

[mrmichaeljmoore]

Well, seal failure was the bad news I expected to get.

Since this is my first (and hopefully only) experience with a seal failure, let me ask a few follow up questions:

1. What should I expect going forward with the window?
I assume the spots will accumulate/worsen over time? Right now, the spots are not obvious to anyone except my wife and I. And they are only noticeable to us, when we look for them.

2. Is there anything I can do to slow down the deterioration process?

3. Would the entire window (casement, picture, casement) need to be replaced?
Or, is there a way to replace/repair the glass in just the failed casement window?

4. If replacement of the entire window is the only option, I wonder if there is a brand that will closely match the style and look of the Gorell windows. This casement, picture, casement window is on the front of the house. If it doesn't match the other windows on the front of the house, it will look silly....

5. I am going to email my installer. But, customer service after the install has been subpar at best, so I am not confident I will get a helpful repsonse from them.

Thanks for the help.
mm

[Randy]

1. Yes, they will get progressively worse.

2. No

3. Only the insulated glass unit needs to be replaced, not the entire window. A local glass company could do the work if you can't get satisfaction from Soft-lite.

4. N/A

5. Sorry to hear that. Soft-lite probably won't be any better.

Hopefully this is the only one that fails. Best wishes on getting this resolved.

[mrmichaeljmoore]

Randy -

Thank you for the responses.

My plan is to email my installer and see where that goes. If I get no help from them or Gorell/Soft-lite, I will try a local glass guy.

Final question: I assume there is no harm in waiting for it to get worse? Meaning, wait until the spots accumulate and become an eyesore? Like I said earlier, the spots now aren't really visible if you aren't looking for them.....so no rush in getting the window repaired, correct?

Thank you.
mm

[Randy]

Yes, you can let it go for as long as you can stand it. The Low-E degradation will probably reduce the efficiency, and your argon gas is probably gone, but there's nothing worse that can happen as a result of leaving it "as is" for a while.