Preventing dbl pane windows from fogging...?

[Hank]

My house was built at the same time by the same builders as 2 of my neighbors, both of them have the same type double pane windows as I do and they both have major problems with the windows leaking, fogging and etching the glass. I, fortunately only have one such bad window, and would like to try to prevent or prolong the inevitable fogging/etching by maybe somehow treating the rubber seals or something like to this affect.

My thinking is: The seals are rubber. As rubber dries or hardens in the sun, it loses its flexibility and thus its sealing ability. Perhaps I can re-nourish the rubber so that it can maintain its flexibility. Perhaps there is some substance out there that I don't know of that I can drissle or apply to the rubber seals that would recondition them.

Nice idea, or optimisitc fantasy?

Thanks! Hank

[SofaKing]

Optimistic I think. The seal is actually on the edges of the two panes of glass not the caulking on the frame by the moulding. UV, time, moisture and foundation shifting can eventually wear out the seal and open it allowing moist air to condense on the glass. To reseal it you'd have to take out the window. That can be a big job depending on the size of the window. I'm in the same predicament with some windows. I'm going to bite the bullet and upgrade to coated tri-panes with vinyl frames.

[You Asked]

You didn't say how old your house is, but I'll assume that it is less than

10 years old.

Any decent double pane window will last at least 10 years before the seal leaks. Most manufacturers warrant the seals for between 10 and 20 years. Try to determine the manufacturer of the windows and contact them to see if the windows are under warranty. Even if they aren't under warranty, ask them them to replace them. Usually you can replace just the sash. The frame can be left in place.

If they have no explicit warranty against failure of the seals, and if the windows aren't real old (say, under 10 years), contact the manufacturer anyway and ask them to replace the windows. You have nothing to lose by trying. Write to the CEO of the company if the ordinary customer service people won't help.

Unfortunately, there are some poor quality double pane windows available that builders use, but that doesn't mean that you have to pay for their shoddy quality. If your vinyl siding or your plumbing fixtures started falling apart after just a few years, wouldn't you contact the manufacturer to demand replacement? It should be no different with windows.