Decorative Window Failed Seal-Two Story Foyer-What to Do??

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Iggier
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Joined: Thu Nov 10, 2011 5:50 pm

Decorative Window Failed Seal-Two Story Foyer-What to Do??

#1 Post by Iggier »

A decorative, arch/circle-top stationery window (with grills between the panes), in my home needs to be replaced because the seal has failed and water drip lines and condensation are clearly visible through the glass panes. It's essentially a Palladian window without the sides. The window is on the second story of a two-story foyer; sill is approximately 15 feet from the floor. I'm clueless, but figure it has to be replaced from the inside because the exterior is banded by a thick swath of decorative wood (maybe PVC) molding. The window looks to be 36" or so wide, 54" or so high. Home is just 16 years old.

Images are posted here - https://picasaweb.google.com/1157920141 ... directlink

What is the best way to deal with this? I'm hoping Windows on Washington will chime in, since I'm in his service area.

Thanks

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TheWindowNerd
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Location: SE PA & NJ; DFW/Metroplex

Re: Decorative Window Failed Seal-Two Story Foyer-What to Do??

#2 Post by TheWindowNerd »

If it can be reglazed that is the way to go.

You already know who you need to contact. WOW.

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Windows on Washington
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Location: DC Metropolitan Area-Maryland/Virginia/DC

Re: Decorative Window Failed Seal-Two Story Foyer-What to Do??

#3 Post by Windows on Washington »

lggier,

You are exactly correct about the nature of the failure and window type.

Any of the units that are of a specialty shape (this would be one of them) are not going to be cheap by any stretch and appreciably more expensive per square foot as compared to your right angle shapes.

If the window is in otherwise good condition (no rott to the exterior, properly sealed outside, etc), there is a pretty cheap repair for it.

There is a company called Glass Guru in our area that can "repair" the window. What they do is come out and drill a small hole in the top and bottom of the window. They will then install breather tubes and rinse out the moisture and condensation on the inside surface of the window.

What "fixes" the window is the fact that the partially sealed IGU (insulated glass unit) is now completely unsealed. This air movement via the breather tubes allows the movement of air inside the IGU keeps the humidity below levels where condensation can occur.

Un-trapping the air inside the IGU does reduce its insulation value, however, it was likely not functioning at and optimum level and the moisture inside the glass was furthering that degradation.

Option 2 is to have the glass de-glazed and removed from the frame. It can be dried out and re-sealed at that point.

Option 3 would be to replace the window in either an insert of full tear out capacity.

Iggier
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Nov 10, 2011 5:50 pm

Re: Decorative Window Failed Seal-Two Story Foyer-What to Do??

#4 Post by Iggier »

Thanks so much WOW. I couldn't find a relatively local Glass Guru. Seems Fredericksburg,VA is the closest and I don't think they service MoCo. Maybe there's one in Frederick -- not sure if it's the same company. Still, I'm leaning towards reglazing if this is a viable option. Does WOW do this?

UPDATE: Turns out windows throughout my house are Barber and Ross. Ditto for sliding glass door, probably the rear entry door/sidelites and lintel window at the front entrance, and undoubtedly the window in question. Not such a great thing based on a quick Google search :evil:

EcoStar Remodeling
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Re: Decorative Window Failed Seal-Two Story Foyer-What to Do??

#5 Post by EcoStar Remodeling »

I'd start saving my money. We replace more B&R Windows in NoVa than any other single brand.

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Windows on Washington
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Re: Decorative Window Failed Seal-Two Story Foyer-What to Do??

#6 Post by Windows on Washington »

Weird...there was a Glass Guru in Rockville last I checked.

I would try the Frederick location. I think that is the same guy.

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=1 ... 8wbqnayxBw

Sorry to echo what EcoStar said, but you are on borrowed time with Barber and Ross windows.

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