Managing condensation on your home’s back windows

Question: We have condensation forming between the panes of the upper part of our back windows, which seem to be sealed (unlike the bottom half which have screens, and you can open them). This has been ongoing for about six months, becoming more noticeable with time. We have been in our Edgewater home for five-and-a-half years, so I’m sure any warranty has expired. Any suggestions of how to get rid of this?

Answer: Your question describes exactly what a seal failure looks like. The windows in your house are double pane with an inert insulating gas sealed between the panes. Occasionally this seal fails and moisture will appear in the space between the two panes of glass. If this happens the window must be replaced, however you are in luck as they are warranted by the manufacturer. If you have Weathershield windows, used in Del Webb-built houses, there is a 20 year warranty. If you have Simonton windows, used in Pulte-built houses, there is a 10 year warranty.

The Weathershield warranty states: “For the first 10 years from the date of purchase, no charge will be made for providing replacement glass or a sash glazed with insulated glass. Thereafter, up to 20 years, the consumer will be charged for 50 percent of the then list price.”

You will be responsible for paying for the installation labor by a Weathershield dealer. You can find a dealer at:
www.weathershield.com/dealerSearch.

The Simonton warranty covers replacement glass at no charge for the first 10 years; however, you will have to pay for the installation labor. This warranty can be transferred to one subsequent owner of the house for a $50 fee and must be done within 30 days after the transfer. Simonton windows have no warranty after 10 years.

Potential fire hazard
One of the Woodchucks reported that a friend (not in Sun City) had a fire that burned his house to the ground. The arson inspector determined that the fire originated in a kitchen cabinet. The homeowner had recently changed the 9V batteries in his smoke alarms. The old batteries were tossed into a kitchen drawer where the contacts on two of them came in contact with each other and ignited a fire that subsequently burned the house down.

Before storing 9V batteries, put tape over the contacts so they can’t be shorted or come in contact with another battery. To dispose of batteries put them into a plastic bag and tape it to your recycling bin on trash day.

Back columns
Several people have asked about getting copies of past columns. They are all available at the Sun Day’s web site: www.mysundaynews.com. Click on the columnist tab and select “Ask the Woodchucks.” You will find columns dating back to August 26, 2010.

• If you have suggestions for future tips or have questions about maintenance around your home submit them to ask.the.woodchucks@gmail.com.

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