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21/05/2013 16:43:27

Author Topic: How can I fix my "sealed pain" windows?  (Read 857 times)

Geezer

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  • on: 29/05/2012 17:56:16
What can I use to remove the cloudy deposit on the inside of my "sealed pane" windows when the seal has failed and moisture gets in? I will drill two holes at opposite corners of the outer pane so that I can flush and vent the space.

I was thinking a mixture of vinegar and distilled water, possibly followed by an alcohol flush to dry it out. Would that work?

imatfaal

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  • Reply #1 on: 29/05/2012 18:21:48
First off check there is no "lifetime guarantee".  I had to buy my father a bottle of wine on this problem  - his patio doors were misted inside sealed pane, he said he was gonna claim on the warranty (at least 15 maybe 20 years after installation), big mouth here said that I would buy him a bottle if he got anywhere with the manufacturer.  Two weeks later they had replaced them free gratis and for nuffink!

Geezer

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  • Reply #2 on: 29/05/2012 18:45:38
Alas! They were installed in 1995 when the house was built, so it's unlikely. I'm not even sure who made them, but I'll do a bit of digging.

I already vented one soon after it started leaking and before the deposit formed, and it works fine, although I did notice some really small insects got inside, so I ought to plug the holes with something.

CliffordK

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  • Reply #3 on: 29/05/2012 22:06:48
I believe the blue stuff is a mix of water and ammonia, and some colorant, so that might be worth trying.  If you can fill with an inert (dry) gas and reseal, that might be preferable.  Do you have a MIG/TIG welding outfit?

In Mom & Dad's house, several windows had cracked and leaked shortly after the install.  I believe about 10+ years after the installation they decided to get them repaired.  Some of the windows apparently had obvious signs of nails from the manufacturing process of the window frame striking the glass (original manufacturing, not installation).  I believe those were replaced under warranty.  I don't know if the other windows were also replaced.  They eventually upgraded some of the Southern exposure windows to aluminum clad wood frame windows.

Geezer

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  • Reply #4 on: 29/05/2012 22:19:40
They appear to be Jenweld - made in Oregon!

I have contacted Jenweld customer support - they didn't burst out laughing, so that's an encouraging sign at least.

No *IG welders I'm afraid. Just oxyacetelene, wire feed and, coincidentally, I just received today a big red Lincoln AC/DC stick welder from Home Depot via UPS. Unfortunately, it had been dropped (which isn't exactly surprising 'cos it's blinking heavy). I think the damage is all cosmetic, so I called HD customer support and negotiated a 20% discount. That brought the price down to $320, which ain't too shabby!

imatfaal

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  • Reply #5 on: 30/05/2012 14:17:01
Good Luck with Jenweld - look on it as a challenge! 

CZARCAR

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  • Reply #6 on: 02/06/2012 18:52:38
windex MAKES A chemical that seems somewhat self cleaning, 4 exterior surfaces via sprayer/hose

CZARCAR

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  • Reply #7 on: 02/06/2012 18:57:22
blow steam into the lower hole? WITH DISTILLED WATER
« Last Edit: 02/06/2012 19:00:20 by CZARCAR »

 

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