Fogged Double Pane Windows

[harrisski]

We have this problem with our motorhome and I know it is pretty common. Just viewed a website advertised in FMC magazine for a "fix" (foggeddoublepanewindow.com). Has anyone bought this manual ($32) and performed the fix? Does it actually work? The ad makes it sound easy -- is it? How much additional you do have to invest in parts, etc. to implement the fix? Would appreciate some feedback. Thanks.

[tbutler]

I just referred another member to your query in the mistaken belief that I had read a discussion here about solutions to your problem. It turns out I was wrong. I had found a discussion on another web site so I'll post that information here for your as well. While this information doesn't mention the DIY solution, here are some other choices.

I have found one reference for Suncoast Glass in Hudson, Florida in a post on another web site. Another mentions Lazy Days also in Florida as a location for a fix. I also found mention of someone who attempted a fix on their own and broke the glass.

A fourth post mentions having a new window rebuilt by Binswanger Glass - Marietta, Georgia. The owner removed the glass and took it to this company which then made a new glass. Their cost was about $120. www.binswangerglass.com (check for your location) Binswanger has more than 150 locations in 22 states.

This seems to be a fairly common problem with motor home owners who have the thermal pane windows. Of course this same problem sometimes occurs with thermal pane windows in bricks and sticks homes.

If you check out these sources and find a solution. Please post here your solution and how it worked and what it cost you as a service to others.

[tonykoss]

I too had a problem with a "fogged" thermal pane window on the door of my 2007 Damon Tuscany. I notified Damon and they shipped me a new door window (free of charge ) which I installed myself. Not a big job if you are just a little bit handy. It will take 2 people however.

After some discussions with others, it appears a seal on the double pane fails and moisture gets between the 2 panes causing the fog. This can be caused by people adding window tints to the windows or when storing, putting the reflective material in the windows to keep the heat out. The traps the heat between the window and literally melts the seal. While neither of these were the cause of my problem, seals can fail for any reason.

If you are thinking of adding a tint film to your windows, read the box first. Most will tell you not to apply to thermal or dual pane windows.

[ambyn]

We just had 9 windows in our 05 Expedition repaired this week by Suncoast Designers in Hudson, FL. They did a great job. We were very pleased with their work. http://suncoastdesigners.ccwindow.com/ is their web site. I do a lot of work on our coach but was happy to see someone else take this on.

They are setup with 50A and water and a dump station. We were there early and were suprised at the constant coming and going of motorhomes including expensive Country Coaches. They took all of the windows out starting Tuesday morning and were finished after lunch on Wednesday.

SE-GI windows are the pits.

Cost is $250 for drivers window and $200 for all others. They remove the windows, take them apart, clean, reseal, and install. One thing they did that Fleetwood did not is to use silicon caulk all the way around the windows. Fleetwood had only done the top and down around the corners about 2 inches.

Amby N

[tbutler]

Thank you Ambyn! It is good to get a first hand account on your repair job and the information of how it was handled including the amenities at the company. So many of these threads end with no information about how a problem was solved. I wish more people would share their success (or failure) stories as a thread progresses.

[ambyn]

I should have mentioned that the prices in my post yesterday were for each window.

Drivers window $250 and all other windows no matter size are $200 each.

Amby

[DRicketts]

I just had my two cloudy windows repaired at SunCoast Designers in Hudson, FL and I can only echo the good things I have heard about them. It did take a day longer than anticipated because of the rain and the on rush of RV's immediately following the SEA rally at Brooksville, but the job was done and apparently done very well. The price - just as quoted $250 for the drivers side and $200 for the other one. $450 + tax. Sure beats the replacement cost.

[Guest Wayne77590]

I just caught up on this thread and I noticed mention of silicone sealant. Just to bring to mind, silicone does not stick very well to painted surfaces, and some other surfaces. The sealant that is used on the typical motorhome or rv is a urethane based sealant. It can be painted.

Thanks for bringing this thread back up. I have bookmarked some information for future reference should I need it.

[DesertDawg]

I just joined FMCA tonight and the first forum I came to is exactly what I have on my '98 Monaco. Was this way when I bought it, so don't know how long it's been. Are there repairs in the Phoenix area?

[travelerbob]

I had the same problem in the front drivers side slider. I talked to the place in Fla. and they sounded very reliable but you need an appointment several mo.in advance.

I did a jury-rigged fix because I could not see out to use the mirror.

I drilled a couple holes approx .06 diameter at an upward angle about 1 in. from the bottom of the glass then did the same at the top. The heat (convection) vented the steam and it has worked for 2 years. Not very professional but cost "0" and had nothing to loose.

[dwightginnyputzke]

May 20 2009

We have this problem with our motorhome and I know it is pretty common. Just viewed a website advertised in FMC magazine for a "fix" (foggeddoublepanewindow.com). Has anyone bought this manual ($32) and performed the fix? Does it actually work? The ad makes it sound easy -- is it? How much additional you do have to invest in parts, etc. to implement the fix? Would appreciate some feedback. Thanks.

Copy of post #1 ------ Fogged Double Pane Windows

I ordered the kit for evaluation but decided that it was a process that involved time and probably would need to be repeated when the window moisture problem reoccurred because a motor home is parked outside where sunlight and temperature changes cause the space between the glass to breath because the original seal has not been repaired. I have used and resealed double pane windows in my own buses and motor homes for over 30 years. It is labor intensive to remove, dissemble, and clean the glass as spotless as possible, but my local glass business charges me less that $50 to reseal a window with the latest materials. I have completed 9 double pane windows in my motor home for less then $350. My time is my hobby and I enjoy it.

Dwight

[aztec7fan]

Check out RV Fog Dr. http://rvfogdr.com/

They have a 2 year warrenty and I've heard a couple of people were very happy with the results. They are a member of FMCA too!

[timfitzgerald]

I live in L.A. does anyone know of a place out here? I would love to travel to Florida but with two kids in school it isn't going to happen in the near future.

Thanks , Tim

[dickandlois]

I have compiled a list of different locations that repair Fogged Windows,and other window related issues. Always call and check with the locations and get feedback form others. Not all locations use the same method to repair the windows. There is no real order to the list, just put them in a file as they popped up.

List of window repair and hardware items

1-Foggy Window Repair

2-Window and Door Parts

3-Window replacement shop locator

4- Seals for pod doors plus other applications

Sun Coast Designers

15050 Labor Place Hudson, FL 34667

727-868-2773

www.suncoastdesigners.com

I understand that Dave Root now has a shop in the Southern Ca. and or Az. area.

Redwood Glass 1886 Demaray Drive

Grants Pass, Oregon, 97527

541-476-8101

]http--,,--//www.daveroot[/url] rvglassrepair. com/

RV Fog Dr. 2110 Dodge Ave.

Searcy, AR.

72143 501-278-3015

www.rvfogdr.com RV Window info.

Foggy Side Windows and Creepy Seal Fixed Here

http://www.rvglassexperts.com

The RV Glass Experts can now repair or replace your side windows.
Are your RV windows fogged up? Is there an ugly, black seal hanging between the glass panes? Not only are these unsightly, but they can be visibility hazards.
With decades of expertise and two fully-equipped warehouse / service locations in Phoenix, Arizona and Eugene, Oregon, RV Glass Solutions is your one-stop resource for replacement and repair of defective side windows.
Though we can source replacement windows from virtually any manufacturer, purchasing a new window may not always be your best option! In many cases, repair of your existing windows will provide you a faster, more durable, and significantly less-expensive solution, than an OEM or aftermarket replacement.
We guaranty all window repairs against future leaks and creepy seal for two full years. And, in most cases, we can have your coach back on the road within 24 hours.
RV Glass Solutions offers side window repair and replacement in the following locations.

880 S. 67th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85043

90 N. Polk St.
Eugene, OR 97402

*Mobile service available in many surrounding areas.
To receive a free quote, set an appointment or get more information, please call us at (888) 777-6778

1--Fog free window info. Continued.

Some listings are duplicated.

http://www.suncoastdesigners.com/

http://www.fogfree.ca/asp/AboutUs.asp?LID=38

http://www.rvglassexperts.com

Dave Root

www.daverootrvglass repair.com

2--Window and door Parts.

These sights are more for the replacement hardware.

Seals,hinges and latch parts.

Some of the locations have a greater inventory then others, hope you can find what you may be looking for.
There are other locations with parts and some of these links supply the harder to find items.

http://www.parkin-acc.com/page2.html

http://www.pellanden...x?CategoryID=71

http://www.pellanden...CFciA5QodWCrdDw

http://www.interstat...at_windows2.htm

http://www.pplmotorh...indow-frame.htm

Kinro torque kits or torque tubes for Kinro windows
http://www.dcmco.com/kinro.htm

3-- Glass Replacement Shop Finder
This list is geared more to windshield replacement.





4-- Find Seals you may need / Cargo / Pod doors and similar applications.

http://www.cleanseal.com/

They have a downloadable catalog. It may take some time to match up what you need. It is an extensive list with a number of stiles and sizes

http://www.trimlok.com/

They supply door edge trim and moldings

http://www.pacificrvparts.com/prodselect.asp?SID=8&DID=158&CID=552

They supply Exterior entry door screw Rubber and Vinyl cover moldings

http://www.all-rite.com/insert-moldings-c-54.html

They supply insert moldings and parts

Rich. Edited 7-4-2013

[jc21014]

Very good information. Thanks for taking the time to compile this for everyone.

[OLDMARINE]

Welcome to the forum, DesertDawg

I had this problem with our coach. Got it fixed locally by Joe from Auto Glass Boss, 602 505 3803 . He did a great job

for us . He will come to your location (with Appointment), $200.00 per Window with warranty.

We are Members of Alfa See Yas. He did about 30 Coaches at a Rally last March. We are happy with his work.

Good luck + save travels

[dickandlois]

Made some edits and added a new seals file to my post covering forged windows.

Rich.

[andyshane]

Thanks for the catalog links!

For those of us with indoor shops, this can be an Intermediate DYI project. My current avg is about 4 manhours per window, operating solo.

[fsquire]

I just purchased a '96 Fleetwood Bounder, 32'. Both fixed windows for mirror viewing are fogged over. Making it nearly impossible to see the mirrors. I'm not sure if it's moisture or if the glue used is causing the fog-like look between the panes. They were recalled because the glue used between the panes was inferior.

I called Fleetwood and found out the original company had gone belly up and the new company is not honoring their recall for these windows. New windows would cost $250 plus s/h and taxes or just over $300. each (uninstalled), with a 4 week delivery time.

I tried my insurance company and made the mistake of not saying the windows were vandalized and cracked, so a $500. deductible goes into play. My next choice of options is to call Safelite Auto glass and get a quote from them. After reading a few of the very informative blogs here. I copied some addresses in Va. for replacement RV windows. I am heading to Norfolk on the 8th for 2 weeks and hopefully I can get this problem resolved there.

Updates to follow.

I'm too old to read all of the blogs, so if anyone found a cheaper resolution to this problem... please reply.

TY,

Fred

[romaneagle49]

Repairing these windows requires an expertise and tools that the average person most likely would not have. I had 6 windows repaired at Suncoast Design in Hudson, Florida. They did an EXCELLENT job. I'm having the remaining 6 repaired in November.

It was quick, easy (at least for me) and comes with a limited guarantee.

They have the tools to do this work in a most efficient manner.

[rdtripn]

I am in a similar position, new to owning a motor home. Have moisture in the slider on the drivers side an found your post. Wondering which side of the slider you drilled the holes. In my coach it is the rear portion that slides in a t-type of window, the bottom front is stationary and the top glass is across the two bottom pieces and is stationary. Hope you see this post and reply.

[dickandlois]

This is the only reference regarding drilling holes in the windows that you mentioned.

Is this what you are asking about ?

Rich.

Posted 02 January 2012 - 04:53 PM

I had the same problem in the front drivers side slider. I talked to the place in Fla. and they sounded very reliable but you need an appointment several mo.in advance.

I did a jury-rigged fix because I could not see out to use the mirror.

I drilled a couple holes approx .06 diameter at an upward angle about 1 in. from the bottom of the glass then did the same at the top. The heat (convection) vented the steam and it has worked for 2 years. Not very professional but cost "0" and had nothing to loose.

[toyotamike]

It's too bad that we have to bear the brunt of poor workmanship. My 07 Providence has the problem on ALL windows. If it were just one or two, I could say hey, that's the way it goes. I'd pay for replacements and move on. But every window in this coach has fogged, creating a safety hazard due to poor visibility in trying to see the mirrors. My dealer and Fleetwood refuse to do anything about it. I'm not looking for 100% from them but something that shows a little goodwill would have gone a long way to keep my business.

Anyone have success going up against "Goliath" on this issue?

[RVerOnTheMove]

If you are under warranty you should have some kind of recourse. If you are no longer under warranty I suspect that you have none.

[dickandlois]

Hi Bill,

I have been tracking this issue for a number of years. I have not had a problem to date. Just jinked myself LOL

I have been wondering if the fogging issue is related to the difference between the outside / inside temperature difference and the natural expansion and contraction of glass and the type of sealer(s) used between the glass layers.

Do you or any of the full-timers out there have any thoughts in this regard?

Rich.