Spring is here! And along with that, maybe some spring cleaning. Window washing might be on your list now that the weather in PA is hopefully staying on the warmer side. And when all the washing in the world doesn’t remove that pesky fog/milky haze on your panes, it’s time to figure out what’s going on.
Why are my windows foggy?
Fog in your windows indicates a problem inside the window, not surface-level, as it may seem.
Modern windows are designed as an insulated glass unit or IGU. Two or three panes of glass are sealed together with a gap in between filled with air or an inert gas – most commonly argon – to enhance insulation.
Built into that seal is a moisture-absorbing material that keeps the inside of the unit dry. When the seal fails, the fog appears.
All the outside air and humidity that was once forced out, is now easing its way into your window panes and condensation will start to form on the interior glass surfaces. You can’t clean it because it’s not on the outside of the window, it’s stuck inside the panes.
Why did my window seal fail?
Natural wear and tear. If you get a decade or two out of your windows, that’s fantastic, but after that, normal wear is going to creep in and seals are going to fail no matter what you do.
Thermal cycling. Your windows expand in the heat and they contract in the cold. This cycle puts mechanical stress on the seals and even the highest quality window is eventually going to take a hit.
Bad installation. Without proper shimming, leveling or flashing, your window might be working overtime. Issues can come up quicker when seals are stressed.
Bad materials. Lower cost windows tend to use sealants that don’t hold up against the pressure differentials and temperature swings that come with our volatile PA seasons.
Too much moisture. Windows on north-facing walls, windows near landscaping that holds moisture or windows that are pressure washed can all experience accelerated seal degradation.
How do I know if my window needs to be replaced due to fog?
You have to figure out where the moisture is coming from before you make any decisions.
Condensation on the interior surface of the glass is normal in humid conditions. If you can wipe it away, your seal is fine.
Condensation on the exterior surface can happen on cool mornings and is actually a sign that your windows are working properly. It’s cool inside, but your windows are keeping you warm.
Condensation between the panes that you can’t wipe away or doesn’t clear up on its own, signals a failed seal.
Can I repair a foggy window?
You might be able to repair a foggy window if your frame is intact and the glass can simply be swapped out. If your window is under 15 years old, it’s a good sign it can be repaired.
When do I need to replace a foggy window?
If your window is over 20 years old and the frame is damaged, you are looking at a replacement. You’re probably noticing higher energy bills and multiple window units are failing all at once.
At UPG, we start with a free on-site assessment, give you an honest recommendation, measure and order to spec, and back every installation with our one-year workmanship warranty.
Request a Free Quote or give us a call at (570) 286-6791 and we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.