Friday, February 28, 2014

THERMAL PANE GLASS MOISTURE REMOVAL

Cloudy Glass?

There are a few small businesses, which have the ability to remove the moisture from between the thermal panes of glass in windows for less than $150 each.

Using a special tool, they drill a small hole in the glass at two opposite corners, pump in some chemicals, rinse with a drying agent and plug the holes.  They claim the moisture will not reappear for at least 20 years.

It is important that the business have enough liability insurance to cover the cost of glass replacement should a crack or chip in the glass occur during the procedure.

Please note that this service removes only the moisture and will not remove any milky streaks.

Also, this procedure cannot be performed on tempered safety glass, which includes all sliding thermal pane glass patio doors.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

SLIDING PATIO DOOR MAINTENANCE

All sliding doors require periodic maintenance and cleaning.  Each manufacturer provides detailed information about how their products are best maintained.  http://www.steinerhomesltd.com/manuals/windows/jeldwen_vinyl_windows_care.pdf
Unfortunately, home owners rarely take the time to access such information.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

PELLA WOOD ROT

If your solid wood core sliding patio door is in close proximity to a pool, pond, fountain, stream, river, lake, waterfall or ocean... it will eventually rot.  It doesn't matter whether your door has external cladding or not.



The deterioration and swelling of the wood core is most apparent at the bottom frame of the operating door(s) and/or stationary panel(s) and, although it can be apparent within 10 years, in most cases, it can take over 20 years for the softened wood to no longer support the rollers.


However, wood rot has been found to be severe in less than ten years with some Pella products and is not covered under their 10-year warranty.  A class-action suit has attempted to address this consumer concern. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH_G8cIvTb4


If caught in time, the deteriorating lower frame can be cost-effectively rebuilt.