By Barry Stone
Dear Barry,
My home is but four years old, yet already nine of the dual pane windows are foggy. The manufacturer provides a five-year warranty, but that has turned out to be a bad joke. According to the fine print, I have to pay for shipping and installation of the replacement windows. If leaking dual pane seals are so common, why don't the manufacturers do something to correct the problem? -- Geoff
Dear Geoff,
Approximately half of all homes with dual pane windows have had at least one leaking seal. This condition does not effect the function of windows, but certainly devalues their appearance. Manufacture warranties are typically the only form of relief available to homeowners, but your experience indicates that warranties may not be as wonderful as portrayed in the sales literature.
The causes for dual pane leakage are two fold: Some occur because of manufacturer defects, while others are the result of rough handling during shipping or installation.
In response to customer complaints, most window manufacturers have developed improved sealants to ensure against leakage between the panes. Prior to this change, most double pane windows had been sealed with polybutylene. Unfortunately, that material was subject to deterioration when exposed to water for prolonged periods. Standing water in the lower window tracks frequently resulted in leakage.
Anyone who is ordering windows for a new home or replacing single pane windows in an older home should compare the warranties offered by various manufacturers and try to order from local producers if possible. And reasonable care should be exercised in the installation and handling to prevent damage to the seals.
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