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| Author: | nancy a |
| Subject: | Does altitude effect window seals? |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-30 14:54:41 |
I am looking at windows made in Spokane (2000'altitude).
I live in Colorado at 6500'.
Would it be better to buy windows made here?
Would the altitude difference effect the window's seals?
| Author: | Oberon |
| In Reply To: | Does altitude effect window seals? (posted by nancy a) |
| Subject: | RE: Does altitude effect window seals? |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-30 15:09:19 |
Absolutely altitude affects seals.
Windows made in Spokane intended for your elevation will use either breather tubes or capillary tubes to equalize the pressure between the interior of the IG and the external air pressure.
A breather tube is a short, relatively large diameter aluminum tube that will allow the excess air pressure within the IGU to "bleed off" as the windows are transported to your elevation. Breather tubes are closed by the installer prior to the actual install.
Capillary tubes are long and very narrow stainless steel tubes that perform the same function as a breather tube, but remain open even after the installation of the window.
The theory is that a breather tube could allow a substantial amount of moisture into the IGU prior to being sealed. And depending on the barometric pressure when the tube is actually sealed, the pressure fluctuation with the IG could potentially cause seal issues.
The capillary tube, on the other hand, due to the stainless steel, length of the tube, and the narrow diameter is much less likely to allow excessive moisture within the IG during transport to your location.
The cappillary tube is left open in your environment to help equalize the air pressure within the window and since the air is very dry at your elevation there is almost no liklihood of moisture problems within the IGU.
If you buy windows from a much lower elevation without either option, then you do have a very real chance of either seal failure or even glass breakage due to the stress within the IGU.
Hope this helps!
| Author: | dealer |
| In Reply To: | RE: Does altitude effect window seals? (posted by Oberon) |
| Subject: | RE: Does altitude effect window seals? |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-30 16:09:31 |
Once again, thanks Oberon for an educated response. I hope those on this discussion board that promote one window for all elevations of the country from only one factory will see just how improbable that marketing program is going to give the best choice for all customers. With nearly 700 factories we can avoid elevation problems and still get the benefits of gas fills by buying local or regionally.