Hello, Help please
Can double pane thermal windows "sliding door size" be replace with non thermal...windows??? thank you

 

Sure, but why? Thermal windows and doors are meant to be more energy efficient, so retrofitting with non thermal would not make much sense. Windows of that size or those within 18" of the floor must be tempered.

 

Glass is usually warranted for the problems you describe for 20+ yrs. Is there a manufacturer name on the doos/windows anywhere.

 

I agree w/ the others. If the frame is good, see if the glass can be replaced under warranty and if not, call a glass shop and replace the insulating glass units (IGU's). It isn't clear to me if you are referring to the fixed portion of a patio door (the non-operating half) or if you are talking about a full length picture window that is the size of a door panel.

If your question is asking if there is a way to stay away from windows with IGU's and still acheive some measure of energy efficiency... then I'm not sure what to suggest. I think I would recommend a Pella Designer Series fixed door panel window that is low-e, single glazed, which comes with a hinged interior storm sash. They would still provide 2 panes of glass, but there would be no "seal" to eventually go bad. However, compared to just replacing the glass in your window, the price would be astronomical. And I'm not totally sure that those windows would meet the energy star requirements in your area or not.

Retrofitting with windows that are not energy effiecient not only doesn't make sense, it would also violate many building codes that require new windows to meet a certain standard for energy efficiency.