This is for a house in the Austin area, built 1998. The aluminum-frame windows are dual-pane. There are approximately 36 pane units in the house (either fixed, upper sash, lower sash). The original panes are dual clear glass, not Low-E.
Five of the units have significant fogging and/or condensation between the panes and need to be replaced. I will use clear glass, not Low-E as putting Low-E in 5 of 36 units is .... dumb. Summer highs in the low 100's, winter lows in the 30s, and for much of the year the window are open (so thermal efficiency/insulation isn't super important).
Two quotes, about the same ($1800 with tax). About the same turn around time. Same warranty (10yr) which is voided if solar film/tinting is put on the window (which would be highly desirable for three fixed windows).
My very shaky understanding of windows is that two components are important: (1) the spacer material (NB for rigidity and thermal transfer/bridging), and (2) the sealing method/system (NB for gas leakage/condensation). Is this correct?
Company #1: manufactured at Dallas Flat Glass, using a "dual seal system." I don't know (yet) what the spacers are made of
Company #2: manufactured at Thermotec in Georgetown TX using a "Super Seal" spacer -- but I don't know what this means for the sealing system.
School me. What should I be looking for in replacement dual-pane windows when the primary goal is no condensation in the next 5 years?
EDITED to add: I just discovered that there is a "National Fenestration Ratings Council." Who'da thunk?
Five of the units have significant fogging and/or condensation between the panes and need to be replaced. I will use clear glass, not Low-E as putting Low-E in 5 of 36 units is .... dumb. Summer highs in the low 100's, winter lows in the 30s, and for much of the year the window are open (so thermal efficiency/insulation isn't super important).
Two quotes, about the same ($1800 with tax). About the same turn around time. Same warranty (10yr) which is voided if solar film/tinting is put on the window (which would be highly desirable for three fixed windows).
My very shaky understanding of windows is that two components are important: (1) the spacer material (NB for rigidity and thermal transfer/bridging), and (2) the sealing method/system (NB for gas leakage/condensation). Is this correct?
Company #1: manufactured at Dallas Flat Glass, using a "dual seal system." I don't know (yet) what the spacers are made of
Company #2: manufactured at Thermotec in Georgetown TX using a "Super Seal" spacer -- but I don't know what this means for the sealing system.
School me. What should I be looking for in replacement dual-pane windows when the primary goal is no condensation in the next 5 years?
EDITED to add: I just discovered that there is a "National Fenestration Ratings Council." Who'da thunk?
Last edited: