Fogged double pane windows

stegosaurus · 02-20-2011, 10:09 PM

We're considering a Fleetwood Discovery that Camping World has at Quartzite.

Almost all of the double pane windows are fogged because they lost the seal and inert gas. CW said they could fix them. I saw an ad in an RV magazine for a company that claims to repair them. I know that some home windows are repaired this way.

Does this work? I'm debating if this is a deal-breaker if the windows are not repaired or better yet, replaced. What are your opinions??

ArTravler · 02-20-2011, 11:20 PM

It is possible to replace them yourself or have it done. If you do a general search you will find several blogs on this subject.

If you are a DYI kind of person you can save a lot of money. I replaced the side windows in my 97 Holiday Rambler. I purchased new windows from Atwood for about $47.00 plus shipping. Check my photos for a complete photo breakdown of the replacement.
http://www.irv2.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=40028

If Atwood made your windows it will be a lot cheaper to buy direct from them instead of your OEM. If you pull the inner widow frame off the part number should be on the inside of the frame flange. If not you can give them the size of the window.

Midniteoyl · 02-21-2011, 12:09 AM

All you ever wanted to know about defogging windows: "Defogging" Double-pane Windows .... A Gimmick?? - DIY Chatroom - DIY Home Improvement Forum

And yes, it does work, and no you dont have to pay someone. The only problem would be if the glass is tempered, but that can be worked around by drilling the frame instead (which I would do anyways

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az bound · 02-21-2011, 06:10 AM

It would be a deal breaker for me unless the dealer agreed to have them repaired or compensated in an amount to offset the repair. Fogged windows will only get worse to the point of the glass having to be replaced due to etching. It is difficult to tell if the glass is etched without disssassembly.

**Gary RVRoamer** · 02-22-2011, 06:42 PM

The "fix" is to remove the windows, separate the panes, clean the glass, and reassemble with a proper seal between the panes. RV dual pane glass doesn't have inert gas inside - just dry air. In round numbers, it costs about $200-$250/window to do the job right, so the repair cost is a probably a deal breaker unless the dealer throws it in. It's expensive to do them all properly, and I would worry they are skimping on the job unless they are already overpriced on the coach to start with.

Some places don't bother to repair - they just replace the window (about $300-$400 in many cases).

A fogged window may look ok on a dry (low humidity) day when the air between the panes dries out, but it will come right back the next cool, damp morning or evening.