Custom Arched Window Replacement in Springboro, Ohio
A failed seal had left this large second-story half-round window cloudy and fogged. Valicor completed a custom full-frame replacement to restore the clear glass and distinctive architectural appearance of the home.
Replacing a Fogged Architectural Window
The homeowners contacted Valicor after noticing that the seal had failed in a large half-round window located on the second floor of their Springboro home.
Moisture and fogging between the panes had reduced the clarity of the glass and affected the appearance of one of the home's most distinctive architectural features.
Because this wasn't a standard rectangular window, the replacement needed to match the existing opening and curved shape while also working with the home's established exterior colors and architecture.
The result was a custom full-frame replacement with a beige frame and energy-efficient Low-E glass.
Springboro Arched Window Project at a Glance
What Happens When a Window Seal Fails?
Insulated windows contain multiple panes of glass separated by a sealed space. When that seal fails, moisture can enter the space between the panes.
One of the most visible symptoms is condensation, haze or fogging that cannot simply be wiped off because it is located between the panes of glass.
On a large architectural window like this one, the problem becomes particularly noticeable because the glass occupies such a prominent area of the home's exterior.
Common Signs of a Failed Window Seal
- Fogging between the panes
- Condensation that cannot be wiped away
- Cloudy or hazy glass
- Reduced clarity through the window
- Visible deterioration around the insulated glass
A failed seal does not automatically mean every window in the home needs to be replaced. In this case, the homeowners needed a solution for one specialty window.
From Fogged Glass to a Clear Architectural Feature
Because of the size and location of the window, the difference is visible from both inside and outside the home.
Failed Insulated-Glass Seal
The existing half-round window had become cloudy after the insulated-glass seal failed.
Clear New Half-Round Window
The replacement restored clear glass while maintaining the shape, scale and architectural appearance of the original opening.
Why Arched Windows Require Careful Measurement
Standard rectangular windows provide relatively straightforward dimensions. Specialty windows introduce additional considerations because the replacement needs to fit both the opening and the existing architectural shape.
For a half-round window, measurements need to account for the overall width, height, radius and surrounding opening.
This becomes especially important when replacing a window that is surrounded by existing exterior trim and siding. The finished replacement should look like it belongs in the original architecture of the home.
Beige Frame to Coordinate With the Exterior
The new window used a beige frame that coordinates with the home's existing siding and exterior trim.
With specialty windows, the goal isn't necessarily to make the replacement window stand out. Often, the best result is when the new window looks as though it has always been part of the home.
The completed installation preserves the original architectural character while eliminating the cloudy, failed glass.
What Went Into This Custom Window?
Custom Half-Round Shape
The replacement was sized specifically for the existing architectural opening rather than converting it to a standard rectangular window.
Low-E Glass
Energy-efficient Low-E glass helps reduce heat transfer through the glass while allowing natural light into the room.
Beige Frame
The beige frame coordinates with the home's existing exterior colors and helps the replacement blend with the surrounding architecture.
Full-Frame Installation
The entire existing window assembly was replaced rather than simply installing a replacement unit inside the old frame.
Second-Story Installation
The window's elevated location required additional planning and careful access during removal and installation.
Custom Fit
Specialty-window measurements are critical to creating a finished result that fits the existing opening and surrounding trim.
What Is a Full-Frame Window Replacement?
A full-frame replacement removes the existing window assembly rather than leaving the old frame in place.
This allows the installer to work directly with the original opening and install the new window as a complete assembly.
For this specialty half-round window, Valicor completed a full-frame replacement so the custom window could be properly positioned, secured and sealed within the opening.
Full-frame installation can also provide access to areas around the old window that would otherwise remain hidden during an insert-style replacement.
Replacing a Large Second-Story Arched Window
The location and shape of this window required a more specialized installation process than a typical ground-floor rectangular replacement window.
Measure & Plan
The existing opening was measured so the custom half-round replacement could be produced to fit the home's existing architecture.
Remove & Install
The old window assembly was removed and the new full-frame unit positioned and secured within the second-story opening.
Seal & Finish
The replacement was sealed and finished before the completed installation was inspected for fit, appearance and proper finishing.
Restoring One of the Home's Architectural Features
Large specialty windows often serve as architectural focal points. That means a failed seal can affect more than the view through the glass—it can change the appearance of an entire side of the home.
The completed half-round replacement restored clear glass while retaining the original shape and visual character of the opening.
From the exterior, the beige frame coordinates with the existing siding and trim rather than looking like an obvious replacement.
From inside, the clear glass once again allows the large opening to serve its original purpose: bringing natural light into the room.
You Don't Have to Replace the Whole House
This Springboro project is also a good example of something homeowners often ask us: can you replace just one window?
Yes.
If you have a failed seal, broken window, difficult-to-operate window or specialty opening that needs attention, you don't necessarily need to replace every window in your home.
We can evaluate the individual opening and help determine the appropriate replacement approach.
Not Every Window Is Double-Hung
Homes throughout the Dayton area use specialty windows to create architectural interest and bring additional natural light into rooms.
These may include half-round windows, full-round windows, arches, picture windows and other custom shapes.
When one fails, replacing the specialty shape rather than eliminating it can help preserve the original design of the home.
What the Springboro Homeowner Said
“Valicor staff were friendly, followed through on their promise, gave a great price to replace a custom window, and made sure the job was done right. Don't go anywhere else.”
— Springboro Valicor customer
From One Specialty Window to a Whole Home
Not every replacement-window project needs to involve dozens of windows.
This project involved one problem window. Other Springboro projects we've completed have involved multiple windows or whole-home replacement.
The starting point is the same: identify the problem, evaluate the opening, understand what the homeowner wants to accomplish and determine the appropriate replacement approach.
Request a Free Estimate →Planning a Larger Window or Door Project?
While this Springboro project involved a single specialty window, Valicor also completes multi-window and whole-home replacement projects.
Financing options are available for qualified homeowners and eligible projects. Terms and eligibility vary.
Explore Financing Options →Explore Your Options
If you're considering replacing several windows, entry doors, patio doors or completing a larger home improvement project, financing may provide another way to structure the project.
Review available financing information before deciding what works best for your project and budget.
View Financing →Research Your Replacement Window Project
Dayton Window Replacement Guide
Learn about replacement styles, Low-E glass, installation, energy efficiency and window options for Southwest Ohio homes.
Read the Window Guide →Replacement Window Cost Guide
Understand general Dayton-area replacement-window pricing and the factors that can affect the installed cost of a project.
View Window Costs →Financing Options
Learn about financing options available for qualified homeowners considering eligible window and door projects.
Explore Financing →Questions About Arched Window Replacement
What type of window was replaced in this Springboro project?
Valicor replaced one large second-story half-round, or arched, architectural window.
Why did the original arched window need to be replaced?
The insulated-glass seal had failed, resulting in visible fogging and cloudiness between the panes.
Can you replace just one specialty window?
Yes. This Springboro project involved a single specialty window. Homeowners do not necessarily need to replace every window in the home when only one opening needs attention.
Can arched and half-round windows be replaced?
Yes. Specialty windows can be custom-sized to fit existing architectural openings. Accurate measurements are especially important when working with curved and specialty shapes.
What is a full-frame window replacement?
Full-frame replacement involves removing the existing window assembly and installing the new window into the original opening rather than leaving the old window frame in place.
What color was the new arched window?
The replacement window used a beige frame selected to coordinate with the home's existing exterior siding and trim.
Did this specialty window include Low-E glass?
Yes. The replacement half-round window included energy-efficient Low-E glass.
Does a fogged window always mean the glass is dirty?
No. If condensation or haze is located between the panes of insulated glass, it can be a sign that the window's sealed glass unit has failed. Because the moisture is between the panes, normal cleaning will not remove it.
Does Valicor replace specialty windows in Springboro?
Yes. Valicor Windows & Doors provides replacement-window installation in Springboro and throughout the greater Dayton area, including specialty and custom-shaped windows.
How do I get an estimate for a specialty window?
Contact Valicor Windows & Doors to schedule a free estimate. We can evaluate the existing opening, take measurements and discuss replacement options for the window.
Have a Fogged, Broken or Outdated Window?
Whether it's one specialty window, several aging windows or a whole-home replacement, Valicor Windows & Doors can help you understand your options and provide straightforward project pricing.