Problem with Gorell window - Spots in-between panes

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mrmichaeljmoore
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Joined: Tue May 18, 2010 12:55 pm

Problem with Gorell window - Spots in-between panes

#1 Post by mrmichaeljmoore »

As I was cleaning my windows this past weekend, I noticed some spotting on one of my front casement windows. The spots are somewhere in between the triple pane glass.

I posted some links to pictures. Hopefully, someone can give me some insight as to what it is.

I am afraid this may be a seal issue for the casement window.
As you can see, the casement window is part of one large picture/casement combo, so I am not sure how easy of a job to repair/replace would be, esepcially considering Gorell is out of business now.

I uploaded pictures to flickr and posted links to those photos here:
https://flic.kr/p/yojZ7Q
https://flic.kr/p/yFEnGn
https://flic.kr/p/xHTpnQ
https://flic.kr/p/yFEpgz
https://flic.kr/p/yoi1PJ
https://flic.kr/p/yCArdw
https://flic.kr/p/yooYac
https://flic.kr/p/yEUSQ4

Thanks.
mm

fridge2020
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Re: Problem with Gorell window - Spots in-between panes

#2 Post by fridge2020 »

Seal failure. You will need a new glass unit.

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Windows on Washington
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Re: Problem with Gorell window - Spots in-between panes

#3 Post by Windows on Washington »

Yep. Failed Low-e via moisture via seal failure.

Keep us posted.

As Randy mentioned, it has been an uphill battle for many past Gorell clients.

mrmichaeljmoore
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Re: Problem with Gorell window - Spots in-between panes

#4 Post by mrmichaeljmoore »

Well, seal failure was the bad news I expected to get.

Since this is my first (and hopefully only) experience with a seal failure, let me ask a few follow up questions:

1. What should I expect going forward with the window?
I assume the spots will accumulate/worsen over time? Right now, the spots are not obvious to anyone except my wife and I. And they are only noticeable to us, when we look for them.

2. Is there anything I can do to slow down the deterioration process?

3. Would the entire window (casement, picture, casement) need to be replaced?
Or, is there a way to replace/repair the glass in just the failed casement window?

4. If replacement of the entire window is the only option, I wonder if there is a brand that will closely match the style and look of the Gorell windows. This casement, picture, casement window is on the front of the house. If it doesn't match the other windows on the front of the house, it will look silly....

5. I am going to email my installer. But, customer service after the install has been subpar at best, so I am not confident I will get a helpful response from them.

Thanks for the help.
mm

randy
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Re: Problem with Gorell window - Spots in-between panes

#5 Post by randy »

1. Yes, they will get progressively worse.

2. No

3. Only the insulated glass unit needs to be replaced, not the entire window. A local glass company could do the work if you can't get satisfaction from Soft-lite.

4. N/A

5. Sorry to hear that. Soft-lite probably won't be any better.

Hopefully this is the only one that fails. Best wishes on getting this resolved.

mrmichaeljmoore
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Re: Problem with Gorell window - Spots in-between panes

#6 Post by mrmichaeljmoore »

Randy -

Thank you for the responses.

My plan is to email my installer and see where that goes. If I get no help from them or Gorell/Soft-lite, I will try a local glass guy.

Final question: I assume there is no harm in waiting for it to get worse? Meaning, wait until the spots accumulate and become an eyesore? Like I said earlier, the spots now aren't really visible if you aren't looking for them.....so no rush in getting the window repaired, correct?

Thank you.
mm

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HomeSealed
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Re: Problem with Gorell window - Spots in-between panes

#7 Post by HomeSealed »

Spot on by Randy.

The spots will indeed get worse. The main detriment is appearance, but reduced efficiency as well. Not much harm though beyond that.

I have personal experience in this matter having briefly sold Gorell, and as Randy mentioned, don't expect much help from Softlite. The last 2 or 3 times that I submitted parts for a quote, not only did they not offer a discount, they actually quoted me list price (to the tune of $400 for an IGU in one case). Personally, we have offered our Gorell clients an "allowance" for parts which we absorb completely. I have sourced glass units locally far cheaper than Softlite has been willing to sell them to me. In one case they actually declined to even sell it at all, claiming that it was "too large to ship" via ups, despite the fact that they have their own delivery trucks within blocks of my warehouse on a weekly basis.
I'd contact your original installer to see what, if anything that they can do for you. If that fails, your best bet will likely be a local glass company.

Pane in the Sash
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Re: Problem with Gorell window - Spots in-between panes

#8 Post by Pane in the Sash »

Paradise Renovation & Repair has been helping Gorell customer's since they went out of business in 2012. We are located in Cleveland, Oh and serve all of the Northeastern Ohio area. We replace glass, hardware, sliding glass doors etc.

TheWindowNerd
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Re: Problem with Gorell window - Spots in-between panes

#9 Post by TheWindowNerd »

Pane in the Sash wrote:Paradise Renovation & Repair has been helping Gorell customer's since they went out of business in 2012. We are located in Cleveland, Oh and serve all of the Northeastern Ohio area. We replace glass, hardware, sliding glass doors etc.
PIS, love the handle, welcome to the forum.
You need to read the board rules, self promoting is not allowed.
I do not see alocation of the OP.

theWindowNerd.

toddinmn
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Re: Problem with Gorell window - Spots in-between panes

#10 Post by toddinmn »

Love the acronym.

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