LESLIE: Now it’s time to talk to Alan in New Jersey about a window situation. What’s going on?
ALAN: Yes, hi. I have replacement windows in my home and I’m finding – these are double-pane windows, as you’re probably aware, and as I believe, they’re filled with some kind of a gas.
TOM: Yes, mm-hmm.
LESLIE: Like an argon gas or something.
ALAN: And I’m finding moisture in between not all of the windows but some of the windows. I’m finding moisture. And I’ve been told that there may be a leak in the seal. What can be done in lieu of replacing the entire window, perhaps?
TOM: Well, that is correct. When you have a thermal-pane window you have a gasket that goes between the glass. The technical word for that is swiggle and when the …
LESLIE: Which is my favorite home improvement word.
TOM: When the swiggle leaks you get condensation; you get moisture in between the panes of glass. Now, the good news is that it really doesn’t affect you terribly in terms of energy efficiency at this stage.
LESLIE: It’s just a cosmetic situation that can be terribly annoying.
TOM: It looks pretty nasty but it doesn’t impact you. Can you clean that? No. Can you fix it? Not really. Nothing short of replacing that glass, which is probably more expensive than replacing the window.
ALAN: Right.
TOM: So I would live with it for now, Alan. If it gets really bad, then maybe it’s time to think about some new windows.
ALAN: Got that. OK. I appreciate that information.
TOM: You’re welcome. Thanks so much for calling us at 888-MONEY-PIT.
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