Moisture Between Anderson Window Panes - Danger of Shattering?
#1
01-07-14, 01:35 PM
Moisture Between Anderson Window Panes - Danger of Shattering?
I have a large window over my front doorway that has a rainbow sheen between the panes when it is warmer out. I have been told that this is likely moisture between the panes. This rainbow spot gets larger in the summer and smaller during the winter.
Recently, with the extreme cold, the inside of the window appears to be frozen. See attached picture. Is this window in danger of shattering?
What can be done to get the moisture out (when it warms up). Does the window need to be replaced?
Recently, with the extreme cold, the inside of the window appears to be frozen. See attached picture. Is this window in danger of shattering?
What can be done to get the moisture out (when it warms up). Does the window need to be replaced?
#7
01-07-14, 02:08 PM
Member
Anderson has a 25 year warranty and will replace the glass for free. Not sure about the labor, but don't drill or do anything that will void that warranty. Contact them first for direction.
#8
01-08-14, 03:45 AM
Member
Are you certain that it's an Andersen window? If so, when you call them, you will need the numbers and codes etched into the glass in one of the lower corners along with approximate dimensions.
#9
01-08-14, 05:03 AM
Upon closer inspection of the window, it may not actually be an Anderson window. The smaller casement windows and half moons above them all appear to be Anderson, but it looks like for the larger foyer and other arch windows, the builder used cheaper windows. There are no visible markings or codes etched anywhere on the glass.
Suggestions?
Suggestions?
#10
01-08-14, 05:50 AM
Group Moderator
We would certainly need a better picture than that, if we had any hopes of identifying it. An outside picture of the frame might help. Something close up that would show a corner of the frame so that we can get an idea of what it looks like/what it's made of. You could look for any small writing between the glass on the aluminum spacer bar, although that doesn't always have anything meaningful on it either.
At any rate, even if it is not a name brand that is easily identifyable, it doesn't mean you can't replace the glass. the insulating glass unit (IGU) can be measured, can be made by almost any commercial city glass shop, then the old one can be removed and it can be replaced.
At any rate, even if it is not a name brand that is easily identifyable, it doesn't mean you can't replace the glass. the insulating glass unit (IGU) can be measured, can be made by almost any commercial city glass shop, then the old one can be removed and it can be replaced.
#11
01-09-14, 05:35 AM
Member
A close-up picture from the interior and exterior would help identify how the glass was installed. Hopefully the removable stops are on the inside since it looks like it high off the ground on the outside. The builder left a label on the glass, is this a recent installation? From what I can see by this photo, the spacer is Swiggle-strip, which Andersen doesn't use and the ice forming in the center indicates that the two panes of glass are touching or almost touching at that point. If you have no warranty then you must call a local glass shop.
#12
01-09-14, 06:32 PM
Thank you for the informative answer. THe label unfortunately is blank on both sides (from what I can see). Unfortunately it is not a recent installation (installed when house was built in 2006). That label has been annoying me ever since.
I couldnt get too close to that particular window because of the height, but I have another that I believe must be the same brand in my stairway. Attached are some close up shots of that. Not sure if that will help.
I couldnt get too close to that particular window because of the height, but I have another that I believe must be the same brand in my stairway. Attached are some close up shots of that. Not sure if that will help.
#13
01-09-14, 08:03 PM
Group Moderator
It appears that the glazing stops are on the interior. (a picture of the exterior would help verify that) It looks to be an aluminum frame window to me, (not vinyl) but I could be wrong- a better picture of the mitered corners would clear that up... but as far as a brand name is concerned, it's anyone's guess. Hopefully they will not bend or damage the top arched glazing stop as they remove it, because if they do you aren't going to be able to find a replacement... it will be impossible to replicate/replace.
#14
01-10-14, 05:28 AM
Member
You would think the builder would have used the same brand windows for the arched top dead lights but looking at the pictures, they don't look the same to me. What ever the case, you need a local glass shop to come out and give you an estimate for replacing the insulating glass unit first.
#16
01-10-14, 07:27 PM
Group Moderator
IMO it would probably be between $300 and $400, assuming NY prices are maybe 20-25% higher than they are here. But I really can't say. Johnam's in NY so he will surely have a better estimate.
You have to figure that someone will need to come and measure it... (free estimates aren't really free) and also make a profit off the glass to cover overhead (even if they happen to mis-measure or break the first one... LOL) and then probably pay 2 guys both ways to drive who knows how far to put it in.
Installation shouldn't be any more than 1 or 2 hours, if all goes well.
You have to figure that someone will need to come and measure it... (free estimates aren't really free) and also make a profit off the glass to cover overhead (even if they happen to mis-measure or break the first one... LOL) and then probably pay 2 guys both ways to drive who knows how far to put it in.
Installation shouldn't be any more than 1 or 2 hours, if all goes well.
#17
01-11-14, 05:28 AM
Member
If the arch is a true half circle, which it appears to be, the measurement is easy (no template required). It looks like it's about 3' X 3'. It will require 2 men, one on each side of the window. One side has removable stops the other has sealant that has to be cut away to remove the glass. Yes, the insulating glass unit is all that has to be replaced. Remember to get a written warranty. I would go with the higher end of XSleeper's estimate and that depends on where you are in NYS.
#19
01-11-14, 01:03 PM
Group Moderator
Ha Ha! I could fly out there first class and do it for less than that! Not that I'm offering, mind you. 
#20
01-12-14, 04:33 AM
Member
I guess I was way off on the size since I had no reference to estimate the size. It has now become at least a 3 man job so that raises the cost and the size is almost twice what I thought. You should be able to get done by a glass shop for under $1000.00.
#22
01-28-14, 04:54 AM
Member
It would be interesting to know if you got any additional estimates and what decision you have made.
