The Cure For Foggy Windows

[Lug_Nut]

Almost all motor homes have duo-therm-type dual glazed windows that act as insulation and prevent interior condensation. Between these pieces of glass is a dry air that will not form moisture when subjected to temperature changes. However, all that changes when the seal between these two glass pieces becomes compromised and develops a leak. I use the term “When” in lieu of “If” because over time most. if not all, will suffer this failure. Over time it is subjected to movement, vibration, altitude pressure variances and of course, the harsh temperature changes and environment conditions. There are 4 or 5 glass manufacturers that all the RV builders use, so no matter which brand of RV you have, all will eventually fail.
So, what do you do when foggy windows strike? You could replace them at the RV makers factory or authorized dealer. But that can be very costly. The preferred method however, is to have them repaired or actually refurbished. There are several companies that offer this type of service and may well do a good job. One such company, located in Hudson Florida, Sun Coast Designers, specializes in this field. They offer a number of 50 amp water equipped RV sites as well as an on-site dump station.
The process is far more involved than I had imagined. They remove the window(s) from the coaches while they are sitting in the serviced lots and then plastic seal the hole(s) temporarily while the window refurbishing takes place. Inside the plant, the window assemblies are dismantled and inspected. The separated glass pieces are then feed into an automatic washer. The washer first expose the glass to a static charger then subjects them to several water fed brushes that scrub the surfaces thoroughly. Next the pieces enter an air dryer followed by a static diffuser. The static portion of the process aids in the flash drying of the finished product.
Continuing from the washer the glass rolls over an illuminated inspection area where the operator can confirm the clarity of each piece. It then arrives onto an air table where a new seal is made and fitted to meet the specifications required by that piece’s design. Here they are united with their matching half and loaded into the next processor, the Heat Press. The machines press clearance is preset for each assembly which is dictated by the design’s specifications. The glass reaches temperatures of about 150 degrees F. while it is pressed and travels through the processor. Upon its cycle through the press, dry air pressure is fed into the cavity through a small opening that was left by the assembler for that purpose, after which it is sealed immediately. The completed assemblies are then put on a rack and allowed to cool. Once cooled and further inspected, the assemblies are mounted into, or on, the window frames, again subject to their individual design characteristics. When all is finished the sparkling new looking assemblies are destined to return outside and be re-installed in the coach.
The seal material used by Sun Coast, in some cases, is better than some of the original manufacturer’s product. This may be why they now offer a 10 year prorated warranty, up from the previous 5 year offering. Sun Coast, great people with a great service.

Helping You See Clearer - Lug_Nut - Peter Mercer

[Iron Man]

Had our big driver window done by them 2 years ago and it still looks good. It great that they have increased the warranty to 10 years. It shows they stand behind their process.

[buck62]

There has been a lot of positive feedback on Suncoast Designers in Hudson, Florida. I had three windows repaired a couple of years ago and If any other lose their seal I will be going back to Suncoast. A lot cheaper than purchasing factory replacements that are made using the same method and will also fog up. The major window supplier to all motorhome builders was SE-GI which went out of business a few years ago probably due to the number of window complaints. Atwood has taken over for SE-GI and is now is the major supplier for various motorhome makers. Hehr windows were also used in upper end motorhomes like Essex and Prevost. Just do a forum search for SE-GI windows and prepare for a lot of reading from unhappy owners.

[RVNeophytes2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lug_Nut One such company, located in Hudson Florida, Sun Coast Designers... The process is far more involved than I had imagined...

Indeed. Using elbow grease, it's taken no less than six manhours to do a 3-pane unit. And, allowing time curing silicone, the process stretches to 2 days.

Not rocket science, but lots of buffing, blading, examining under brite lites, as Lug has indicated. You have to buy a tank of Argon, rig a hose/nozzle. Few glass supply houses will sell to individuals, minimum quantities will do three or four windows.

For the avg motorhomer -- this comes from a guy who just completed the process -- scheduling a vacation to one of these vendors, sitting under the awning sipping margaritas while an army of workers makes your windows new again is well worth the investment.


Pic: DW sips tea in reflection of large main pane, watching me set those awful top-cam-driven Hehr vent windows that never seem to seal. While I'm in Asia this week, the vent units will cure in place, hanging at this angle. Upon returning, I'll lay in the new weatherstripping, clean the unit, and hang it back on the bus.

[Dav5942]

Just had ours done at the Tampa RV show by Duncan.

[David K]

I have an appointment in Hudson, FL for three windows on my Winny to be done in the middle of March. Looking forward to it. Have the drivers slider window, the one in front of it and then one on the passenger side.

[Jerry J]

We are in Quartzsite so if anyone knows of a window repair place in the Arizona area, something closer than Florida, we would appreciate it. We have a sometime fogged door window and a driver front side window that need fixing.

[racer0624]

I'm another VERY satisfied customer of Suncoast Designers. Just had 8 windows repaired. Very professional, conversive folks.

[driedl]

Sounds very cool. Anyone willing to give some idea how much this process costs? I can imagine it's not cheap!

[Doc Mark]

They did our door window & the drivers (fixed) window last year. GREAT PEOPLE & SERVICE. They contortions the installers had to go through to get the drivers window in & out were amazing.

Job done right and speedily too!

Mark

[gripper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by driedl Sounds very cool. Anyone willing to give some idea how much this process costs? I can imagine it's not cheap!

I had two done last year, at Lazy Days, in Tampa. The cost was $250 per window or $500 for a double window. They won't do just one half of a double window, even if only one is fogged. Of course, the smaller, bathroom/kitchen windows are cheaper. Gripper

[Iron Man]

On the Essex and King Aire the "framless" windows are made by Hehr. The big driver's window is made by Atwood. Good thing Newmar keeps using them, they are keeping the companies that fix fogged windows in business. I realize there is a limited number of manufacturers that make RV windows.
There is no reason when you have several different model years having window issues. Newmar and other RV makers need to hold those companies accountable! Don't give me the excuse that "it is a rolling house and these things happen". If that is so they why does Suncoast warranty their repairs for 10 years.

[Lug_Nut]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron Man On the Essex and King Aire the "framless" windows are made by Hehr. The big driver's window is made by Atwood. Good thing Newmar keeps using them, they are keeping the companies that fix fogged windows in business. I realize there is a limited number of manufacturers that make RV windows. There is no reason when you have several different model years having window issues. Newmar and other RV makers need to hold those companies accountable! Don't give me the excuse that "it is a rolling house and these things happen". If that is so they why does Suncoast warranty their repairs for 10 years.

Yes John, mine too are frameless. They call them wet sealed and many have experienced this over time. I saw a new King Aire at North Trail that already had a leaking seal on the rear bathroom window. So, I guess we got to live with the issue from time to time.

Peter

[Lug_Nut]

Thought I would post some photos of the operation for those that have yet to visit it.
Well it looks like one photo at a time.


Peter