Originally Posted By: hspinnler This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
In my reporting, I recommend replacement of double-pane windows that have lost their thermal seals and are observed to have fogging and condensation between the panes. Windows filled with air only more than likely don’t have great insulating value anyway, but how much of a decrease is to be expected in efficiency? The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) uses several criteria including “U-Factor” which I reckon is similar to R-factor with insulation. In reality, how much loss of energy efficiency can be expected and are we talking about a true requirement for replacement of windows? Of course, some realtors like to call fogging a cosmetic issue. How do you report such findings?
Originally Posted By: gbeaumont This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi Hank,
I report all visible seal problems, as I know 2 home inspectors who have been forced to buy replacement sealed units that they failed to report.
As to the insullation value, most double-glazed units are only around an R3 value, the U rating (which can cover the whole window or door assembly) also takes into account the reflective coating on glass that reduces solar gain inside the home.
Originally Posted By: rcooke This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Jerry is correct do not miss fogged windows .
Another thing to look for and these can be hard to see is where a small hole has been drilled in the window to let the moisture out.
Very easy to miss .
I was told that fogged windows or those with the hole have an r Value of 2.5 not that big a loss .
I feel the biggest concern with the window that has lost its seal is you can not see out of them well and if it has been a long time they build up a stain .
Originally Posted By: hspinnler This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi Gerry & Roy,
Thanks for the replies fellas. Micro holes, huh? More getting down on hands and knees. LOL!
Interestingly, a municipal inspector once helped me locate the "Bug" or the "Tempered" listing on a frosted glass window over a garden tub. Very difficult to find sometimes.
Gerry, I am remiss that I did not vote for you for Nachi member of the year. See you in Atlanta sometime next year I hope.
Originally Posted By: phinsperger This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Report it? - absolutley!
Is it a significant energy loss? - Not really.
Even if it was an argon filled at one time and now that is lost the actutal reduction in energy efficiency is not that big of a factor as most people think.
I do energy audits that models current state of a home and with various enrergy upgrades. Upgrading windows from single glazed, wood frame to double glazed vinyl argon windows has some benifit toward energy but not nearly as much as you would think. A double glazed window with a comprimized seal would be sightly better than a single glazed with a storm window.
Originally Posted By: hspinnler This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Paul: what you said makes sense. My gas bill was almost $200 this month and that was with it at around 65 degrees for the majority of the month. I have a few fogged windows that may not be allowing the solar heat gain I would otherwise receive in the afternoon. Makes an impact on the inside warmth. I read that removing screens can help allow more sunlight to penetrate this time of year.
Originally Posted By: phinsperger This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Yes, and the solar gains in accounted for in the modling I spoke of. In addition to the size and type and materials of the window, the direction and tint of the window is factored in as well as the measurement of the amount of shade overhang (such as sofits, awnings, etc) and the height from the top of the window to those overhangs. This with the geograpfic location is all needed to calculate the solar gains for that window.
If you have a fogged window it would be similar to a tinted window. All else being equal.
Originally Posted By: phinsperger This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
That’s astetics. And its pretty far down on my list of priorities. I can find much better ways for my clients to spend the $500+ than replacing a window with a broken seal.
Originally Posted By: ekartal5 This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Not functioning as intended is key here. They either funtion as intended or they don’t. There is no other option. I have to disagree with a Joe H. post for the first time . They cannot be fixed - only replaced
Originally Posted By: jhagarty This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Erol:
Maybe I need to clarify.
Windows can be repaired if the frames afford replacement of the glazing. There are glass companies in this area that frequently replace the glass only and retain the window sash and frame.
If the glazing can not be repaired, then the window unit would need to be replaced.
Originally Posted By: dduffy This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
jhagarty wrote:
Erol:
Maybe I need to clarify.
Windows can be repaired if the frames afford replacement of the glazing. There are glass companies in this area that frequently replace the glass only and retain the window sash and frame.
If the glazing can not be repaired, then the window unit would need to be replaced.
For a quarter of the price for complete replacement.......exactly.
. They cannot be fixed - only replaced