I would like to get some feedback on something that I’m thinking of doing. I’m wanting to find out if it will be worth the time and money I’ll have to invest. I’m also looking for people who can invest towards it.
I’m sure you’ve all heard of the Window Medics and Glass Guru franchises. They’re the folks who teach you how to drill holes in, and then apply vents to, double paned windows that have lost their integrity and gotten foggy looking. The holes allow air flow so that the moisture can get out and the windows can clear up. They also rinse out the window with vinegar or soapy water, and then rinse with pure water before installing the vents. They say it takes about 15-20 minutes per window and they charge $100-$125 per window. They want tens of thousands of dollars to buy your own territory. The thing is, the only part of their process that is patented is the vents themselves. The process isn’t patented.
What I want to do is to manufacture my own vent design and offer them to anyone who wants to add that service to their business. I already have the design, and it’s superior to the vents that these companies use. My vent will allow moisture out, but not back in. Their design allows moisture out and back in. I won’t be asking for any kind of fees, I’ll just be selling the vents.
I’ve found a good plastic mold injection machine that would work to start with that costs $7,500, and I’ve found a designer who will make the mold for me for $500.
If any of you would be interested in buying these vents if I made them, please let me know. You can email me at [email protected]
There is no way to ever get all the moisture out of the windows. Save your money and don’t bother.
Ditto. You would be better off just getting into glass replacement.
When my customers ask if there is anything that I can do for their fogged up windows I tell them to turn their head for a minute and I will throw a rock at it. Replacement, though costly, is the only “fix” they are going to be happy with in the long haul.
[B]THE GLASS MACHINE[/B]
[I]“because glass looks it’s best when you can’t see it”[/I]
Does every customer need a “long haul fix”?
What is the warranty, and why should anyone risk believing that you have the ability to stand behind it?
Leafblower?
The thing is, the results are already in. There are many satisfied customers who’s windows are no longer foggy after having had this process done. Once the windows have been rinsed and the vents attached it takes about 12 weeks for the windows to clear up.
Another very strong plus for the customer is that once the windows have been treated they will never get foggy again the way new windows eventually will when the desiccant in them gets saturated, thus having to replace the window yet again, and having to send another window to the landfill. So it’s a very “green” solution to the problem that appeals to many people. As for the desiccant, in case you didn’t know, dual-paned windows are manufactured with a desiccant inside of the frame to absorb any moisture that gets inside. Once the desiccant is saturated then the moisture starts going onto the glass. It’s easy to say that there is no way to get all of the moisture out of windows, and that may be true for some, like if they have a breach near the top that allows water to trickle in from the top, but there is a way to get the fog out and to have a clear window again.
What about tempered windows? Can’t drill them or the glass breaks.
The current method is to drill through the frame to install the vent.
How does your method deal with the saturated desiccant?
Whats the R-value of the window vs a new window?
At a cost of $100 - 125 per window, I would think replacement would be considered - money better spent???
Help me…
There is definately a longevity issue from day one with all thermopanes as they all will go bad some day. Either from a sloppy manufacturer/process, bad engineering of frame design, enviromental, careless installation into the frame, the dessicant, etc. They will fail.
The units are designed to INSULATE, create better performance through tints and coatings, eliminate the the sweating at the interior, reduce noise transmission, etc and the benefits are obvious.
Is the “clearing” process supposed to re- insulate the window???
Clearing the panes or removing water condensation may have a purpose to quick fix the visibility, (only if the interior panes are not chemically etched) but how does it restore the original insulated intent of the window(s)???
Is there any study to compare the sealed igu to the “breathing” igu relating to an energy value???
What do you tell the customer???
I would think these “clearing services” would have some doc’s to validate this type of benefit for the end user. This would be a great justifying cost of service.
Overall, the service is out there and there is a market. I am personally not enthused about it but I can appreciate the “better mouse trap”. Maybe you should consider to sell your idea to the clearing companies??? They may buy it up to keep it off the market and retain the patent.
From the ones that I have seen that have had this type of work done the visible effects are not great. I have seen about 15 and out of that only 1 looked decent. Most fog up on rainy or humid days. Some with the low E almost have a vacuum effect that suck in dust due to the heat. I have seen spiders making webs inside as well. If all this is getting in then some must get out. I would assume the R values are no where near what they would be in a sealed unit that insulates properly. In my eyes it is almost almost like turning a dual pane window into a fixed single pane with a pane that cannot be removed. It will still get dirty and can’t be cleaned. Lets not forget about the gas inside when the window is new. It’s a good concept but needs to be refined a bit more for me.
