Condensation between window panes

[sovereignrwe]

I have searched the forum for double pane window repairs. There is a common theme, which is to break the inner pane.

This makes tons of sense to me for vista views as one wants to remove the UV protective film (technical term is flakes) from between the panes.

Our trailer has condensation between the panes of the corner windows on the front of the trailer. I hate to destroy the inner pane if I can avoid it. Does anyone have any other suggestions? Didn't some of the 60's-70's double pane home windows just have a small vent? Couldn't a small hole be drilled in the inner pane?

[smily]

Actually, AS acknowledged this problem shortly after they came up with the brainstorm to use insulated windows.

they placed a desicate inside between the two panes of glass. It resembles dark rock candy or brown rock salt.

It seemed to work pretty well, but it is not attractive.

Remember that the concept of two panes being insulated better is by placing a gas between the two panels (read pressurized). If you drill a hole into one of the panes, it is almost certain that the glass will fog up.

I have not seen a better approach than removing one of the panes. I have heard of someone disassembling a dual pane window but I was not there to witness the outcome.

[Torii]

re: the moisture trapped in the corner windows...

I have been looking for a solution to this problem for some time now. I have read somewhere in these forums that there are replacement panes available that are single pane but only come smoked and are rather expensive.

I was thinking along the same lines of drilling a hole in the inside pane to allow the moisture to escape. I am not sure if this is possible though. If it is, this would be my first choice in dealing with the problem.

There was some discussion in these forums that I can no longer find that dealt with the removal of the inside pane altogether which would be better than total replacement.

Hopefully by now someone has remedied this very issue and can post results here... (please...)

[Inland RV Center, In]

If the inner pane is glass, it cannot be drilled without making it shatter.

The double pane wing windows can be vented by drilling two small holes in the bottom flange.

The hole must be drilled at about a 60 degree upward angle so that you miss the outside glass. The hole should be drilled through the outside extrusion "ONLY".

Then take a small rigid wire, insert it into the hole, and force it up throught the sealer that is between the two panes.

Do that on each bottom side of the wing window.

That will allow all the collected water to slowly drip out.

It will also allow all the condensation to slowly disappear. There may be some small staining in between the two panes.

We suggest that you let nature take it's course, as the stain will minimize itself.

"DON'T BE IN A HURRY". Drill "slowly". Wait a couple of weeks before you go any further.

Andy

[Torii]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

The double pane wing windows can be vented by drilling two small holes in the bottom flange.

The hole must be drilled at about a 60 degree upward angle so that you miss the outside glass. The hole should be drilled through the outside extrusion "ONLY".

Then take a small rigid wire, insert it into the hole, and force it up throught the sealer that is between the two panes.

Do that on each bottom side of the wing window.

That will allow all the collected water to slowly drip out.

Andy

Thanks for that tip Andy!

I have a few questions before drilling holes...

You say the holes should be made on the outside lower extrusion of the windows. I just want to be sure what you are refering to as "extrusion" Is it the strip of aluminum surrounding the window?

also - did you mean 2 holes total ( one on each window ) or 2 holes per window?

about where does the window edge sit behind the outer trim metal? there seems to be a slight ridge near the middle of that piece surrounding the windows... is that about where the edge of the glass is? (see blue line in attached photo)

Thanks again!

-T

[robandzoe]

I tried this on my 1985 Limited big window, and the drill nicked the window...shattering it in a million pieces...repalced the whole window...I had two inches of water in it and I wanted it to drain...it would have probably busted the first winter with water in it anyway...costly repair too! Good luck.

Rob

[Inland RV Center, In]

T Man

Two holes "per" wing window.

Start at the bottom edge of the ridge, as you indicated in your photo.

Be careful-----------------Be careful.

Take your time.

You can shatter the glass "IF" you nick it.

Andy

[robandzoe]

I think Andy is waiting for a call for a new window!!!! Good luck...but you will end up nicking the glass! And bam!!!!!!! instant privacy window when it shatters...it scares the heck out of you!

Rob

Andy, how much are these windows....I'd leave it be if it were me....

[Inland RV Center, In]

Today must be another full moon.

We have drilled out several hundred double pane wing windows without breaking any of them.

If someone wants to try it themselves, that's their choice, not ours.

We don't need to invent ways to sell glass.

Lord knows, some Airstream owners have figured out ways to break them, all by themselves.

Andy

[robandzoe]

Andy,

I'm just saying that you can ask for his address as he'll nick it....and put on order a new window....

[LowellN]

I driled out both inner panes in the wing windows on my '75 Sovereign without shattering the glass. I drilled directly into the lower portion of the glass pane with my dremel tool. I used one of the small sanding type stones in the dremel. It kinda just melted the glass in a way, but it made a small clean hole to let out the water. I eventually broke out the windows anyway because I didn't like the gray stuff in between the windows showing. Please be sure to wear safety glasses if you attempt this.

Lowell

[Chuck]

Andy, is there a way to just remove the inner pane, without screwing up the whole works? (and without using a hammer! )

I thought I saw this described in the service manual, but I don't have it in front of me at the moment....

[scf31]

The more I read this thread the more I like the fogged look,I aint touchin it With a drill or a dremel !!!!

[Inland RV Center, In]

Chuck.

Not easily.

Andy

[Torii]

Well, I will certainly wait until I have both time and money to cover the worst case scenario just in case that is the way it goes...

In the meantime, can anyone confirm the availabilty of replacement side wing windows for a 1975 Tradewind? I had read somewhere that clear ones are not available but smoked ones MIGHT be...

What about the cost? A few people mentioned having to replace them... how expensive is it.

Thanks for all the great Input everyone and to sovereignrwe for starting this thread!

-T

[Inland RV Center, In]

T Man

Wing windows are available in Solar Gray only.

They cost a little over $300.00, plus shipping.

Additionally you would need some olympic rivets and a tube of Vulkem sealer.

Andy