I need to replace one of the windows in my house. One of the kids banged their chair on it and apparently cracked the seal separating the panes. Now you can see moisture/condensation inside of the thing during temperature fluxuations.

The rub is that the house was built back in 1997 and I cannot for the life of me remember what kind of windows they installed. I am positive they are basic builder grade crap though.

I was thinking that I would just take a snapshot with the digital camera and then show it to the drones at Home Depot or something and hope for the best.

Thoughts?

 

I wouldn't be too quick to blame the kids or that one RLLD (spoken as one who was in trouble often as a kid for window / glass mishaps)...

Seal failures are much less common today than they were a few years ago, but they do happen, and a bump from a chair that doesn't crack the glass would be unlikely to damage a seal.

First thing, check all around the edges of the sash for some kind of manufacturer information. If you find nothing, then look between the panes of glass and see if you can see something there. Reason being, that these windows still might be under warranty and you can get the IGU (Insulating Glass Unit - glass / spacer / glass sandwich) replaced.

If you can't find any manufacturers info, then you have a couple of options.

First, if you are handy and confident, you can remove the entire sash from the frame and take it to a local glass shop. Those folks will remove the IGU from the sash, order you a new one, and replace it in the sash. All you have to do is reinstall the sash in the frame.

If you are a bit more handy and confident, you can remove the IGU from the sash yourself and take the IGU to the glass shop.
Realistically there is no particular advantage to you for doing the extra step and there is always the possibility of breaking the IGU when removing it from the sash leaving you with a bit of broken glass to clean up.

You can also call the local glass shop to come in and replace the IGU in your home. This option has the disadvantage of the cost of in-home service and also that someone has to be there for at least two visits (one to remove the old IGU and measure it and the second to install the new one).
The advantage is that they do all the work.

IGU's are not expensive. It is a quick and relatively simple process to replace one (I suspect XSleeper could replace a typical IGU in well under an hour), so good luck and let us know how it goes for you.

 

Thank you very much for your response, you have filled in the blanks in my knowledge and given me just the advice I was looking for.

Since I am selling the house and have to fix it as part of the agreement, have no experience with Windows, nor any time....I think I will look into hiring someone to come out and fix it.