Can this window issue be fixed?

Annie
by Annie
Greetings, all. I have noticed a problem with my double hung replacement windows. I'm intending to sell soon and need to know if this is a repairable problem. They are double-sided glass with a 3/4 inch weatherstripping between the panes. Some of this weatherstripping is buckled, in some places just has hairline cracks. Is there a way to open this up and replace the stripping? Photo included. Thanks.
  12 answers
  • William William on Jan 25, 2017

    Sorry, No! The double pane glass is sealed at the factory. They vacuum the air out between glass panels and at the same time pump in Argon gas for a weatherproof seal. I assume the seal failed, moisture and sun exposure buckled the rubber. Depending on their age, they still may be under warranty as a manufacturers defect. If you know and can, call the installation company and/or the manufacturer. Otherwise offer any potential buyers a credit, about $100 per window that has the problem if they or their home inspector notices it.

    • See 10 previous
    • Annie Annie on Jan 25, 2017

      Thanks for the advice. They function just fine and seal really tight. At least at this point it's just aestheti.

  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Jan 25, 2017

    I think you need a professional for this one, but I agree with William- if you're transparent with the buyers, they might be okay with it, they might see it as an opportunity to personalize their new home. Good luck

  • Annie Annie on Jan 25, 2017

    Thanks. Unfortunately I have no idea who the manufacturer is. Installed before I bought the house. No labels anywhere. Appreciate your time.

  • Stella Love Stella Love on Jan 25, 2017

    Labels are usually between the panes.. they tend to blend in.

  • Elsie Elsie on Jan 27, 2017

    I also have the double pained windows for better insulation and the same thing is happening to mine. The manufactures label is usually in or near the track of the window. Mine is near the very top of the window. Hard to find and read, but it is there. I have to call them also. Someone told me that there is a life-time warrantee with these windows. I hope they are correct. Send me an email back if you find that they are guaranteed. Thank you.

    Elsie

  • Annie Annie on Jan 27, 2017

    Thanks to our group I found a very faded label from a local company at the upper portion inside the sash. I called them and was told repair would be $200 to 250 per sash! they were installed by a previous owner who is deceased. I doubt I'm going to get anywhere with these people but am going to get sneaky and find out the warranty, if any. Of course, they can always say it's not transferable. Thanks for bothering to comment.

    Anne

  • Stella Love Stella Love on Jan 28, 2017

    Tell them if they will not stand by their windows and repair/replacde them at no cost you will tell the BBB and start posting negative reviews. That should not happen to a window of any age!

  • Annie Annie on Jan 28, 2017

    This is my first home with"replacement windows" In the past I had old leaky windows replaced with Andersen or Pella. Odd thing is they are otherwise fine, very tight. I'll try to get my way but not too optimistic! Thanks.

  • Paulette Harris Paulette Harris on Jan 29, 2017

    I share your angst about replacement windows. I had 36 windows replaced in my house about 7 years ago with Thermal Line windows which carried a 50 year warranty that was supposed to be transferable to the next owner. Well, I had some problems with leveling devices, that I was instructed to fix myself over the phone (one worked, the other didn't), two screens kept falling out (one I took out myself because it was a second story window and the other screen just blew away) and two of the windows will never be openable again (so they told me). Then the installer told me I would have to pay for the missing screen myself because the manufacturer, Thermal Line Windows of Mandan, North Dakota, had gone out of business, which would make finding a replacement screen nearly impossible. As a further insult, I was charged $250 for the repairs! The repairman told me they would be in touch about the screen. This has been several months ago and I have heard NOTHING from them. This from a company to whom I had paid nearly $24,000.00 to for the total repairs, $18,000.00 of which was for windows! Can you believe it?


    • Larry shriver Larry shriver on Feb 05, 2017

      Paulette, you will hafta spend a little time on the computer/phone, but there are companies that build custom sized windows, and so they probably would build a screen for you. Check the yellow pages for anyone close to you, and then go on the internet if you don't find anyone. I'm sure you will be able to find a company who will help you out. Good Luck.................

  • Stella Love Stella Love on Jan 29, 2017

    I do feel your pain!!! I guess I never thought about fly by night places going out of business. That would make me so p'd off! Mine were ordered and replaced by a contractor doing a remodel... I would also have the option of going after him.

  • Annie Annie on Jan 29, 2017

    Thanks, Ladies. At $250 for a repair I guess we all learn a lesson. As I recall, I paid $300 to $400 for Andersen and Pella units. I haven't given up yet but doubt I'll be successful. Thanks.

  • Paulette Harris Paulette Harris on Jan 31, 2017

    As an update, I checked online to see if Thermaline is still around, and lo and behold, they are now called THV Compozit and are located in Louisville, KY. 3 or 4 dozen negative reviews on them, and only 1 or 2 positive ones. Sounds to me like I'd better be bugging my contractor for some resolution. A total warranty nightmare according to the neg. reviews! How I hate to go through the mess I know this will be. Yours don't look exactly like my Thermalines, but sounds like if they are, you're in for a real tussle. I agree. BBB would love to hear about these cats. BTW...I paid about $450 per window for my job.

    • Annie Annie on Feb 01, 2017

      Thanks, Paulette. I'm stunned by the price of these things. They cost more than high end regular windows. Makes you wonder why they're used at all.