Fogged dual pane window solution for $60

[Kidoo]

Some info on fogged windows. I called a guy that repairs fogged windows on RV. He quoted me $1400.00 for two windows!!! He removes it, rebuilt, reinstall, laughs all the way to the bank, then buys a vacation ticket to the Bahamas.

Then I called a local glass shop that makes home dual pane windows. If I remove them from the RV myself and remove the window from the frame, he can repair them for $60 a piece, it takes about one hour. Unseal, clean and reseal. From $1400 to $60, now we are taking. He says he did this many times.

Then I checked the Wed, looks like $200 to $300 per windows in Florida, remove, repair, install, not sure if it's the same price in 2016.

I checked some kits on the Web where you drill a hole on top, hole on bottom, wash, drain, install a plug for venting. You have to go from the side to drill between the glass. This works well for sliding windows but for still one, you have to remove the window frame. The window may fog again, but for sliding windows, it's a simple fix, remove the plug, clean and re-install the plug.

Anyone have experience any of the technique above?

[Kidoo]

Removing the dual pane from the frame seems to be the hardest part, especially a sliding one with the lock on it.

[Big_Katuna]

That puzzles me too; why there aren't more glass repair places doing this.

[Cloud_Dancer]

It seems there would be a window fixing shop in Texas. Does anyone know of one?

[ed1]

I just started on my two front windows which have fogged right where I look at the sideview mirrors. The local RV repair place wanted to put in new aftermarket windows at $2K+ apiece. I got my neighborhood window guy to help me remove the two front windows (3 panes each including the slider, so it's a 2 person job)which took 30 min. I then disassembled the two windows (about 2 hours) and then packed up the two leaking panes and shipped them off to Suncoast. It took me most of a day to collect foam, plywood, etc and carefully pack the two windows. I figure when all is done including Suncoast's fee ($50 ea) plus the packing material and shipping both ways it will cost me about $700 for 2 windows. And I will have the 10 year warranty on the two windows.
If we had a reason to drive to Florida it would have made sense, but I think this is a good compromise.
Incidentally, my local glass guy repaired one of the windows 2 years ago, but it failed already. So I'm counting on Suncoast to have the magic sauce which allows them to reliably seal the dual-pane windows. I was impressed with the fact that they changed their warranty from 5 years to 10 years a while back.
EDIT So far, so good. Suncoast called 3 days after they received the windows and said they had shipped two newly built windows. They arrived safely along with a copy of the 10 year prorated warranty. Now I have to reinstall into the frame- probably the hardest job, and install the whole window into the motorhome.
It took about 2 hours to reinstall the two window panes. It would be a lot quicker for a single pane, but with 3 panes there's always one gasket that isn't quite right. I then got the window guy to help and provide calking- it took a total of an hour to put in both windows. So it's finally done, and we're packing for our first trip of the season!
It was a fair amount of tedious work, but I probably made the equivalent of $400/hour by doing it myself.

Ed

[fcooper]

Kidoo wrote:
Does anyone has a link on how to remove the window from the frame? I do not seem to find one on the net with picture.

Not exactly a link, but I have a downloadable file with instructions and pictures. Go to this link:
IRV2 files section

and scroll down to "fogged window repair".

It's not hard, but a bit time consuming and messy.

Fred

[Kidoo]

Does anyone has a link on how to remove the window from the frame? I do not seem to find one on the net with picture.

[Big_Katuna]

I didn't have two small side slide windows done or the tiny window over the sink. Still had seven.

[edatlanta]

Here is a picture of the site at Suncoast when I arrived for my window repair and a picture of how they cover up the openings while the windows are being reworked. The first picture was on a Sunday afternoon right after I arrived and had just set up my sat dish.

[rgatijnet1]

Here is a "Street View" of Suncoast Designers, in Hudson Florida, where many people take their rigs for window repair. This is an assembly line process and they always have a crowd. This should show several vehicles "camping" out while their windows are being repaired. Their shop is as nice as many RV parks and there is no extra charge to stay there while your windows are being repaired.
Suncoast Designers

[edatlanta]

Kidoo wrote:
How long does it take to remove / install a window frame and then remove the Dual pane from the frame?

I like the dual pane, no fog on the glass in the morning. We camp in colder climate and it is convenient. The big windshield does frost from the inside sometimes.

Web to defog kit.
http://foggywindowrepairkits.com/foggy-window-seal-repair-kit/

I arrived at their facility on a Sunday afternoon. Backed in, hooked up to water and power, set my DirecTV dish up and waited until Monday morning. First thing Monday they attacked my windows and in 2 hours I had no windows. All had been removed and the holes covered. Wednesday morning they started putting them back in and by Thursday late pm all were done. I hadn't planned on leaving until Saturday and they said that would be fine.

As was said in another post, you do need a reservation. When I arrived on Sunday afternoon I was the only one in their lot. By dark Sunday evening there were several and by Monday afternoon they had 15 or more in residence. Busy place, but they have their act together.

[Kidoo]

How long does it take to remove / install a window frame and then remove the Dual pane from the frame?

I like the dual pane, no fog on the glass in the morning. We camp in colder climate and it is convenient. The big windshield does frost from the inside sometimes.

Web to defog kit.
http://foggywindowrepairkits.com/foggy-window-seal-repair-kit/

[edatlanta]

rgatijnet1 wrote:

Big Katuna wrote:
I paid Suncoast in Hudson to do it. Total Professionals. I dont trust my window sealing/handling skills.

$275 for the first window (drivers) $225 each for the rest.

Ten year guarantee and they look brand new. $1500 in the big motorhome picture isnt much.

And you get a t shirt.

And you get to live in your coach, at their facility hook ups, while the work is being done. You do not have to worry about dropping your RV off at a shop and waiting for days/weeks/months for them to finally get around to working on your coach. You can sit right there and watch everything they do. You do have to make an appointment.

I had the Hudson facility do all of the windows in my 5th wheel since half of them were fogging. It isn't a lot of fun sitting in a rig with all windows out and blocked, but at least I was in my rig and not in a motel and my TV worked fine. They worked pretty quick and had a few of the windows back in not too much time.

I recommend them highly.

[Stranger]

What this "Kit" of which you speak?

Link, please.

[J-Rooster]

No, but thanks for the info!