Need Help In Ohio - Freezing Cold Rehau Windows

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Ohio
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Need Help In Ohio - Freezing Cold Rehau Windows

#1 Post by Ohio »

We had Rehau tilt turn windows put in by the Gilkey Window Company of Cincinnati, Ohio in 2009. When the outside temp. drops, say below 35 F, the bottom of each window gets very cold. So cold that we get icy cold condensate, or even ice, on some of the window frames bottoms. Gilkey came out and adjusted the windows twice but the service calls didn't do any good. Gilkey indicated that the windows were installed correctly. Is this normal? What could be causing the issue?

Any help would be appreciated.

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Windows on Washington
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Re: Need Help In Ohio - Freezing Cold Rehau Windows

#2 Post by Windows on Washington »

Check the reveal and alignment of the sash with the frame.

Argon is denser than air so as long as you have some gas fill, it should congregate near the bottom of the IGU.

Most icing issues at the bottom rail of a sash are due to air leakage and the rail and poor circulation near the window.

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Window4U (IL)
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Re: Need Help In Ohio - Freezing Cold Rehau Windows

#3 Post by Window4U (IL) »

I have installed a bunch of Rehau tilt n turns and never had an issue with leaking or condensation. WoW, that is the same window as from Advanced. Have you had any issues with them?

I would be inclined to look at what 'Windows on Washington' is thinking about... air leakage because of out of square opening. Also check to see that the weatherstripping is all there and that it meets at the corners properly.

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Windows on Washington
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Re: Need Help In Ohio - Freezing Cold Rehau Windows

#4 Post by Windows on Washington »

Window4U (IL) wrote:I have installed a bunch of Rehau tilt n turns and never had an issue with leaking or condensation. WoW, that is the same window as from Advanced. Have you had any issues with them?

I would be inclined to look at what 'Windows on Washington' is thinking about... air leakage because of out of square opening. Also check to see that the weatherstripping is all there and that it meets at the corners properly.
Never had and issue with them in the least. Very solidly built window in my dealings.

Look for a racked window and missing weatherstripping.

Ohio
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Re: Need Help In Ohio - Freezing Cold Rehau Windows

#5 Post by Ohio »

All,

Thanks for the responses. Makes sense. If the windows are out of square is the solution to reinstall them or do I new windows?

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Windows on Washington
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Re: Need Help In Ohio - Freezing Cold Rehau Windows

#6 Post by Windows on Washington »

Ohio wrote:All,

Thanks for the responses. Makes sense. If the windows are out of square is the solution to reinstall them or do I new windows?
As long as the window will accommodate the rough opening, removal and re-installation should be fine.

REHAU
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Re: Need Help In Ohio - Freezing Cold Rehau Windows

#7 Post by REHAU »

Looks like you got some good replies here. These are actually very high performing windows that meet the most stringent energy codes when properly installed.

Other things for you to investigate:

Is there air coming in between the frame and the sash or between frame and building structure? A simple test to determine this -- take a lit candle and go around the perimeter of the window when the wind is blowing outside. You will be able to identify if air is coming in by watching the candle flame.

Is the sash seal on the inside continuous all around the perimeter?
How much of a compression is achieved on the seal between the frame and the sash? Distance between sash and frame should measure between 3.5mm to 4.5mm.

How much of an overlap does the sash have over the frame? Should be 8mm +/- 2mm.
How many locking points are on the window and do they all engage properly, when the handle is turned into the closed position.

Or - Is there cold coming in between the window and the building structure? How is the gap sealed on the inside between the window frame and the buiding?

What insulation has been used to insulate the gap between frame and building structure?

Hope this information helps.

Thanks,
REHAU Windows

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Re: Need Help In Ohio - Freezing Cold Rehau Windows

#8 Post by TheWindowNerd »

No one has mentioned to check the interior relative humidity.

TLHWINDOWS
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Re: Need Help In Ohio - Freezing Cold Rehau Windows

#9 Post by TLHWINDOWS »

anthony wrote:No one has mentioned to check the interior relative humidity.
Humidity? You get that in Ohio? :D

Also, what about the seal betweeen the glass and the sash frame? Probably random, but it may be good to do a least a check and see on it.

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Re: Need Help In Ohio - Freezing Cold Rehau Windows

#10 Post by buddy110 »

Tilt and turn windows are tricky to install. The must be perfectly square and level. If they're not they can leak a little air at the base.

Ohio
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Re: Need Help In Ohio - Freezing Cold Rehau Windows

#11 Post by Ohio »

All,

Just found out that we do not have Rehau windows. Rehau rep. came to our house to check the windows. While our contract with Gilkey Window called for Rehau windows, Gilkey installed another brand of window.

Thanks to Rehau for sending someone out to our house. At least we are on a path to getting the issue resolved.

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Re: Need Help In Ohio - Freezing Cold Rehau Windows

#12 Post by HomeSealed »

Ohio wrote:All,

Just found out that we do not have Rehau windows. Rehau rep. came to our house to check the windows. While our contract with Gilkey Window called for Rehau windows, Gilkey installed another brand of window.

Thanks to Rehau for sending someone out to our house. At least we are on a path to getting the issue resolved.
:shock: Sounds like the condensation may be the least of your problems!

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Window4U (IL)
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Re: Need Help In Ohio - Freezing Cold Rehau Windows

#13 Post by Window4U (IL) »

Ohio wrote:All,

Just found out that we do not have Rehau windows. Rehau rep. came to our house to check the windows. While our contract with Gilkey Window called for Rehau windows, Gilkey installed another brand of window.

Thanks to Rehau for sending someone out to our house. At least we are on a path to getting the issue resolved.
What did Gilkey say?

Ohio
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Re: Need Help In Ohio - Freezing Cold Rehau Windows

#14 Post by Ohio »

All,

Gilkey wasn't very cooperative. So, we got our attorney involved. Found lots of issues in addition to the windows being the wrong windows.

Again, Thanks to Rehau for taking the time to visit and clarify our window situation.

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