fog between windows AFTER repair

[17snyders]

Hi- all the windows in our motorhome had the dreaded fog between them. We have followed all the correct steps, with the correct products, and they were pristine. However, when we went from A/C out into a South Carolina August day, we saw some fogging upon re-installation. I am 99.9% sure I cleaned them thoroughly and that there was not any etching. We used the CRL spacing tape that has the desiccant embedded in it, followed by silicone caulk, all done inside with A/C. Hoping that it was just a bit of moisture from the inside air was trapped and the temperature change caused it but the desiccant will take care of it. Has anyone else had this happen?

[groveln]

Originally Posted by 17snyders

Hi- all the windows in our motorhome had the dreaded fog between them. We have followed all the correct steps, with the correct products, and they were pristine. However, when we went from A/C out into a South Carolina August day, we saw some fogging upon re-installation. I am 99.9% sure I cleaned them thoroughly and that there was not any etching. We used the CRL spacing tape that has the desiccant embedded in it, followed by silicone caulk, all done inside with A/C. Hoping that it was just a bit of moisture from the inside air was trapped and the temperature change caused it but the desiccant will take care of it. Has anyone else had this happen?

I did all my windows this past late April with all the CRL products you used & so far they look good as new still & I'm in Northern Illinois. Some were really fogged up but none etched either. Since completing them I've gone about 4000 miles to Rainy & cool Wisconsin..Extreme HOT Colorado in early to mid July to Wyoming then to the Hot Black Hills of South Dakota..so far so Good!!

[travelin2]

Originally Posted by 17snyders

Hi- all the windows in our motorhome had the dreaded fog between them. We have followed all the correct steps, with the correct products, and they were pristine. However, when we went from A/C out into a South Carolina August day, we saw some fogging upon re-installation. I am 99.9% sure I cleaned them thoroughly and that there was not any etching. We used the CRL spacing tape that has the desiccant embedded in it, followed by silicone caulk, all done inside with A/C. Hoping that it was just a bit of moisture from the inside air was trapped and the temperature change caused it but the desiccant will take care of it. Has anyone else had this happen?

Did you forget to run a high temp heat gun over the inner surface of both pieces just before you mated them? That can make the difference.

[scenic route]

I did our entrance door window due to fogging. Bought some special tools and materials for a perfect fix. After all said and done, I spent $30 more than the professionals would have charged me. I had some very slight etching after cleaning the panels, I was in it too deep time and cost wise, so I completed the job. No more! The pros have access to the glass panels if need be and although you can't tell where the etching is (unless you know where it is), I'll leave that job to the pros. Still, no fogging after a year or so...

[17snyders]

In all the research we have done, no one else has mentioned that idea, but it makes complete sense! So, I guess the idea is that the heat gun will remove any residual moisture but you're not trying to actually heat the glass? Really appreciate you taking the time to share this trick.

[travelin2]

Originally Posted by 17snyders

In all the research we have done, no one else has mentioned that idea, but it makes complete sense! So, I guess the idea is that the heat gun will remove any residual moisture but you're not trying to actually heat the glass? Really appreciate you taking the time to share this trick.

I am just mentioning that procedure because I saw the pros doing it on my MH. They came to my house and did several windows on my Safari Trek. They actually used a propane torch since they were equipped to do the job in the field without power. They told me they used a high-powered electric heat gun in their shop. They started at one edge and went in a sweeping motion full width all the way across to the other edge, keeping the blue tip of the flame about 3 inches from the glass. By looking at an angle you could see the moisture flash on the glass and disappear in about a 4-inch band with each sweep of the torch. On the large side windows, they only spent about 30-40 seconds for the process and the glass could be handled bare handed, so it didn't heat the glass much as a whole. Just prior to using the torch they had cleaned the glass using Sprayway glass cleaner and dried the glass well using 2 different cloth baby diapers. Then low pressure air to blow any lint away before the heat treatment. Once the heat process was over, 2 guys immediately flipped over the last glass that was heated, and set it down on the first glass that had the seal installed.

[17snyders]

That was an amazing reply. Thank you! We should know tomorrow morning if using the heat gun made a difference. Although the cooler, less humid weather that we're having can't hurt! Thanks again!