2000 U320 - Blown Double Pane Window Seals - Looking for best Permanent Fix

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2000 U320 - Blown Double Pane Window Seals - Looking for best Permanent Fix

December 22, 2016, 03:42:27 pm

Hi all, new 2000 U320 40' owner here. I am living in my unit in "sunny" California, where it has been raining for the past couple of days. I knew the windows needed attention when I bought the unit, but after this rain, I am going to accelerate the repairs to the top of the list. The front door window frame was full of water this morning, and there are a couple of other windows that have some dampness in the slot that the window slides in.

Looking for advice on repair method or a repair service to seal these windows back up. I'm not so sure that the leakage is due to the blown seal in between the panes, but I would address the seals for no reason other than aesthetics - the bowing seals look terrible! (all but 2 windows have visible seal issues) Should I look into repair, or replacement of the windows? Budget is certainly a concern, but so is longevity/quality of whatever fix I decide on. I have no desire to do this every few years....

Appreciate any input!

Cheers,

Evan

Re: 2000 U320 - Blown Double Pane Window Seals - Looking for best Permanent Fix

Reply #1 – December 22, 2016, 10:02:10 pm

There is a Rv windows repair place in the inland empire. Was at he FMCA rally in Pomona.

909 area code. Do not have their info in front of me. Maybe someone here?

Re: 2000 U320 - Blown Double Pane Window Seals - Looking for best Permanent Fix

Reply #2 – December 22, 2016, 10:10:41 pm

Have heard good reports about "theFog Doctor". They have a website.

Re: 2000 U320 - Blown Double Pane Window Seals - Looking for best Permanent Fix

Reply #3 – December 22, 2016, 10:52:33 pm

The seals going (snaky look) should not cause the leaking and some moisture at times is not uncommon in the lower track, that is why they have slots on the outside to allow water-condensation at times- to find its way out via these slots.
If you have damp woodwork below the window frames I bet you have a gap around the frame and sidewall so the outside black tape or the newer rubber seals need to be done. The window has to come out (which is not a big deal- easy to do) and of course if the seal has gone then you fix both issues at once.
It should not be too hard to find a glass company that has done this work. Not rocket science at all.
JohnH

Re: 2000 U320 - Blown Double Pane Window Seals - Looking for best Permanent Fix

Reply #4 – December 22, 2016, 11:28:28 pm

Evan,

Since you said that budget was a concern, don't even think about going to a normal glass repair place to get replacements.

I went to RVFogDoctor, in Arkansas and had two fixed (one the door) for about $200 each. I am sure there are RV Fog places somewhere in your neck of the woods.

Good luck,

Trent

Re: 2000 U320 - Blown Double Pane Window Seals - Looking for best Permanent Fix

Reply #5 – December 22, 2016, 11:46:53 pm

Here in BC when I called for prices the regular window shops were a lot cheaper to take apart clean install new seals and caulk with urethane black.. I think sometimes the supposed RV shops/ experts charge more 'cause they try to make jobs for RV's sound more tech. Shop around as making sealed units is very common they just have to be cleaned properly before putting together.
IMHO
JohnH

Re: 2000 U320 - Blown Double Pane Window Seals - Looking for best Permanent Fix

Reply #6 – December 23, 2016, 12:11:44 am

John,

I had a nonstandard sized shower door made at the largest glass place around. When picking it up, I talked to them, including the manager, about replacement windows for my two snaky windows. The prices they quoted were even more outrageous than the overpriced shower door I bought.

That's when we decided to drive to Arkansas to have our two fixed. If we get snakes in any of the others, we will take them there, too.

Trent

Re: 2000 U320 - Blown Double Pane Window Seals - Looking for best Permanent Fix

Reply #7 – December 23, 2016, 12:52:31 am

delete

Re: 2000 U320 - Blown Double Pane Window Seals - Looking for best Permanent Fix

Reply #8 – December 23, 2016, 09:03:09 am

I had Suncoast in Florida do all my windows three years ago. Snakes are starting again in 3 of the 11 windows. There is also a seal between each window that I have found no way of replacing. A driving rain will come right through. I now wish I had bitten the bullet and replaced my Creation windows with Peninsula's.

Re: 2000 U320 - Blown Double Pane Window Seals - Looking for best Permanent Fix

Reply #9 – December 23, 2016, 09:16:37 am

Howdy Evan,
As others have mentioned, we had our "snaking" windows repaired in May, 2011 at RVFogDoctor in Searcy, AR.
Link: RVFogDr.com All windows still look great.
Definitely a long way from California, but they have a great facility, do a good job, and reasonable pricing.
Good Luck, Dave A

Re: 2000 U320 - Blown Double Pane Window Seals - Looking for best Permanent Fix

Reply #10 – December 23, 2016, 09:31:26 am

Quote from: John Haygarth – December 22, 2016, 10:52:33 pm

The seals going (snaky look) should not cause the leaking and some moisture at times is not uncommon in the lower track, that is why they have slots on the outside to allow water-condensation at times- to find its way out via these slots.

Make sure that the slots (weep holes) aren't clogged by pouring a small amount of water in the track from outside. If the water doesn't flow out then remove the blockage with a toothpick or something similar.

Re: 2000 U320 - Blown Double Pane Window Seals - Looking for best Permanent Fix

Reply #11 – December 23, 2016, 10:30:03 am

Here's a company in Quartzsite, Arizona If you have plans to attend the Foretravel Desert gathering in January. Most likely other companies doing the same there that time of the year.

Foggy Fogged RV Motorhome Side Window Repair & Replacement | NOMAD GLASS...

Re: 2000 U320 - Blown Double Pane Window Seals - Looking for best Permanent Fix

Reply #12 – December 23, 2016, 12:08:46 pm

Quote from: Caflashbob – December 22, 2016, 10:02:10 pm

There is a Rv windows repair place in the inland empire. Was at he FMCA rally in Pomona.

909 area code. Do not have their info in front of me. Maybe someone here?

909 area code would put them very close to me. Maybe I can dig around and find registered vendors at the Pomona rally. Thanks for the tip.

Re: 2000 U320 - Blown Double Pane Window Seals - Looking for best Permanent Fix

Reply #13 – December 23, 2016, 12:16:03 pm

Quote from: John Haygarth – December 22, 2016, 10:52:33 pm

The seals going (snaky look) should not cause the leaking and some moisture at times is not uncommon in the lower track, that is why they have slots on the outside to allow water-condensation at times- to find its way out via these slots.
If you have damp woodwork below the window frames I bet you have a gap around the frame and sidewall so the outside black tape or the newer rubber seals need to be done. The window has to come out (which is not a big deal- easy to do) and of course if the seal has gone then you fix both issues at once.
It should not be too hard to find a glass company that has done this work. Not rocket science at all.
JohnH

My initial thought was that the snaky seals weren't the cause of the damp tracks, but I've never pulled one of these windows apart to know exactly how they're constructed. Fortunately, there is no damp wood work so I don't think it is an issue with the perimeter seal of the window to the body. I did just find yesterday that I have a leaky clearance light on the front of the unit, but that is another adventure to tackle!

As another member suggested, it is probably that the drain slots are clogged and not allowing moisture to drain properly. The window tracks have a good thick layer of desert dust in them that needs to be cleaned out, so I suspect the slots are full of dust/silt as well. This thing is in need of a serious deep clean, but I won't be able to tackle that until after the new year. I appreciate the response.

Re: 2000 U320 - Blown Double Pane Window Seals - Looking for best Permanent Fix

Reply #14 – December 23, 2016, 12:20:47 pm

Quote from: TulsaTrent – December 23, 2016, 12:11:44 am

......That's when we decided to drive to Arkansas to have our two fixed. If we get snakes in any of the others, we will take them there, too.

Trent

Unfortunately, any travel for repairs is out of the question. I work a full-time job & live in the MH, so I'd like to spend time off having fun & adventure, not driving around the country to get the MH worked on. Maybe that is the definition of fun & adventure for some, but my means of fun & adventure gets towed behind the Foretravel

I appreciate the input though!

Re: 2000 U320 - Blown Double Pane Window Seals - Looking for best Permanent Fix

Reply #15 – December 23, 2016, 12:24:15 pm

Quote from: amos.harrison – December 23, 2016, 09:03:09 am

I had Suncoast in Florida do all my windows three years ago. Snakes are starting again in 3 of the 11 windows. There is also a seal between each window that I have found no way of replacing. A driving rain will come right through. I now wish I had bitten the bullet and replaced my Creation windows with Peninsula's.

This is the kind of experience I was fishing for. If I have to look forward to doing a couple windows every couple of years, I may as well learn to do the work myself or pony up for higher quality windows. Did Suncoast offer any kind of warranty on their work? I could live with a 5 year warranty, but anything less seems like throwing money down the drain.....

Where do you spend most of your time? I would suspect the snaky widows is due to intense heat? My FT spent a lot of time in California & Yuma, Az.

Re: 2000 U320 - Blown Double Pane Window Seals - Looking for best Permanent Fix

Reply #16 – December 23, 2016, 12:25:05 pm

Quote from: Travelin' Man – December 23, 2016, 09:31:26 am

Make sure that the slots (weep holes) aren't clogged by
pouring a small amount of water in the track from outside. If the water doesn't flow out then remove the blockage with a toothpick or something similar.

Thanks for this tip. That is probably my issue! Lots of dust & silt in the tracks. This thing needs a deep clean!

Re: 2000 U320 - Blown Double Pane Window Seals - Looking for best Permanent Fix

Reply #17 – December 23, 2016, 12:27:21 pm

Quote from: Doug W. – December 23, 2016, 10:30:03 am

Here's a company in Quartzsite, Arizona If you have plans to attend the Foretravel Desert gathering in January. Most likely a other companies doing the same there that time of the year.

Foggy Fogged RV Motorhome Side Window Repair & Replacement | NOMAD GLASS...

Great! Thanks for the contact. I will be in touch with them

Re: 2000 U320 - Blown Double Pane Window Seals - Looking for best Permanent Fix

Reply #18 – December 23, 2016, 12:57:52 pm

At the FMCA rally in Pomona the window guys had a booth so they should be on the vendors list.

My old buddy was the Paul Everett Rv manager at the show and used them to replace windshields while I was there.

I can call him if you need the contact info.

I had to look at your info to see where you are like most members here.

Re: 2000 U320 - Blown Double Pane Window Seals - Looking for best Permanent Fix

Reply #19 – December 23, 2016, 01:18:49 pm

Reading between the lines in all your comments it seems to me to be just that with living in it FTime there is going to be condensation esp' at this time of year, plus you say that the coach is VERY dusty etc but you have not the time to clean it!!
My comment about the drain holes being there to allow water to exit coach is what others have mentioned, but if clogged up they cannot do the job. This HAS to be done asap and is not a hard job. Toothbrush dipped in water with TSP will get them clean fast, then you clear those drain slots from inside and outside.. Windows will slide much better ( so you can slide them open a touch) to stop the condensation and once all of them (tracks) are dry you use a dry toothbrush again with dry silicone spray. This will lube those tracks.
Simple job so do a couple each night if you are that busy.
JohnH

Re: 2000 U320 - Blown Double Pane Window Seals - Looking for best Permanent Fix

Reply #20 – December 24, 2016, 08:54:27 am

You made me check the Suncoast Designers warranty. It is lifetime to the owners that had the work done, and applies to workmanship, materials, and especially fogging. I'll have to see if they claim snakes aren't defects. Maybe I'll have to plan a trip back to Florida.
My coach spends the winter in Arizona and the summer under cover at Cape Cod-not extreme heat environments.

Re: 2000 U320 - Blown Double Pane Window Seals - Looking for best Permanent Fix

Reply #21 – December 24, 2016, 09:33:48 am

If you feel handy enough, Dave Root sells the supplies to do it yourself. Before we had our Foretravel, I did all windows in our old Monaco. Very easy and if you follow the procedure, they will never leak again. When we bought our Foretravel, that was the first thing I looked at. All of our current windows were redone using the same technique, never have to worry about them again.

Matthew

Re: 2000 U320 - Blown Double Pane Window Seals - Looking for best Permanent Fix

Reply #22 – December 24, 2016, 11:08:34 am

Here's a thread describing my replacement of the entry door glass. I would think the other windows would be similar. I have heard the Peninsula Glass was not selling direct to consumers anymore. You would need to check.

Entry door window & latch repair

I also replaced all the seals between the window frames and the coach body last year. It took about 2 hours per window to remove, clean, install new seals and re-install the window. A second person was very helpful for the 5 minutes to remove and replace the window when there were no screws holding it in place. I found that every window had at least one corner where the seal integrity was compromised. Caused by a round window corner in a square cutout and seal creep (not the insulated glass seal creep). If you can't see the seal material at each window corner flush with the outside frame edge, I'd be concerned. The opening in the coach wall is very close at each corner.

Rich

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