Seeing fog between the windows in your home? Learn what caused it and how to get rid of it here.
In this post, we’ll share everything you need to know about fog between the windows. Our customers buying windows in the Raleigh, NC area have a lot of questions about moisture between the window panes.
If you’ve ever wondered what causes this condensation, how to fix it, and how to prevent it, then keep reading!
Why is there fog between the widows?
Double or triple pane windows have two or three panes of glass, respectively.
Between the panes of glass is a spacer that is usually made of aluminum or foam. During manufacturing, glass is placed on either side of the spacer and then sealed into place.
Over time, the seal can break down, or fail (more on what causes this in a bit).
This seal failure allows air and moisture to flow and become trapped between the panes of glass.
Is it a problem that my windows are foggy and have condensation between the glass?
Sure, it’s unsightly. But beyond aesthetics, is it really so bad that there’s fog between the panes of your windows?
What’s important to remember is that the fog itself is not the problem. The foggy condensation is a symptom of the real problem you need to address, which is the seal failure.
As the weather changes, the condensation may come and go based on weather conditions.
This is certainly relevant for Window Works Co’s customers. At the time we’re writing this post, we’re expecting a temperature swing of 50 degrees over the next three days here in Raleigh, NC.
But, the fact remains that you’ve seen fog between the window panes at some point. This tells us that, whether or not the windows are foggy right now, you have permanent seal failure.
In many double or triple hung windows, inert gasses like Argon or Krypton are added between the panes of glass. The gas minimizes the transfer of heat through window, and improves the insulation of your home.
If your window has seal failure, these gasses are no longer between the panes of window. Thus, your window is not as efficient as it was designed to be.
Over time, the impact of seal failure can become more severe. Eventually, windows may warp, crack, or collapse without the inert gasses in place.
How do I repair seal failure that’s causing fog between my window panes?
You have two options to repair the seal failure:
- You can replace the whole window.
- Or, you can repair just the glass unit affected by the seal failure.
Here are five questions to ask yourself to help you decide if you should replace the whole window or just repair the glass.
1. What is the condition of the window? Is there any wood rot on the sashes, panels, or frames?
If not then replacing the glass is probably the best option. If there is rot, then it is time to consider replacing the window or door.
2. Does the window operate well? Can you open and close the unit easily? Does it still close tightly?
If the window operates well, then replacing the glass might be the best option. If you answered ‘no’ to any of these questions, it’s probably time to replace the window.
3. Is replacing the glass cost prohibitive?
In most cases, replacing just the glass is more economical than replacing the entire unit.
However, older windows may have True Divided Lites. In this type of window, each small piece of glass is separate from the others that make up the window unit.
If one True Divided Lite window develops multiple seal failures, replacing each one can add up and become costly.
This is a rare situation in which replacing the window may be the more cost-effective option.
4. How old are the windows and what is the possibility they will fail soon?
Suppose your windows are 20+ years old and are made of wood.
It may not make financial sense to repair the seal failure now only to replace the whole window in the next few years. It may be more economical to replace the whole window now.
5. Is a glazier able to repair the seal failure?
A glazier is a professional who repairs glass and corrects seal failures. A glazier can help you decide what options are available in your circumstances.
Here in Cary, NC, we recommend Window Wise for homeowners in need of a glazier.
In some cases, they may not be able to repair the seal failure, and may recommend that you replace the window.
What you should NOT do if you see moisture between the panes of your windows
We have heard many DIY option that people have tried to repair foggy windows over the years.
Usually, the well-meaning people recommending these solutions are focused on ‘making the moisture disappear’. But remember, these solutions ultimately won’t fix the underlying problem, which is the seal failure.
Recommendation: Place a dehumidifier next to the foggy window to remove the moisture.
Problem with this recommendation: While this won’t damage your window, it likely won’t have much impact, either. The dehumidifier can’t be directed between the panes of glass, which is where the excess moisture is. It’s also not going to prevent future window fogginess, since as you know, it’s the seal failure that’s the real problem.
Recommendation: Drill a small hole at the top of the window. Use a drain snake or hanger wrapped in fabric to clean inside the window.
Problem with this recommendation: Homeowners should not attempt this. Without training, they are likely to break the glass in their window if they attempt to drill near it. Also, as you already know, this does not prevent future moisture buildup between the window panes.
Recommendation: Drill a small hole at the top of the window. Use a dropper to drip a few drops of alcohol into the space between the glass to evaporate the moisture.
Problem with this recommendation: This method may look similar to the what a glazier will do to repair seal failure. But, it’s again important to note that without proper training and tools, homeowners are very likely to cause permanent damage to their windows attempting this. Glaziers use cleaning and drying agents that are formulated specifically for windows. These specialty products are much more effective than alcohol. They also know how to repair the holes they drill so that you won’t see fog between the windows again.
Tips to avoid getting fog between the windows in the future
You may be wondering how to avoid getting moisture between your window panes in the future.
It may help to know what specifically causes seal failure. The main cause of seal failure in windows is solar (thermal) pumping . This the process of variable sunlight causing window glass to expand and contract.
Over time, this change in the size of the glass applies inconsistent pressure to the seal. Eventually, this change in pressure causes seal failure.
For this reason, windows that are exposed to direct sunlight on southern or western facing exterior walls may be more likely to experience seal failure.
In addition to weather conditions, there are other factors that can contribute to seal failure. These include:
- Low quality glass
- Incorrect window installation. This is one of the reasons that choosing an inexperienced window installer is a costly window buying mistake to avoid.
- A home’s foundation settling
- Damage to the seal during painting (either from heat gun or chemical application)
Summary
At Window Works Co., we have helped many customers select new windows after seal failure damage.
If you’re ready to pick a top-of-the-line window with a longstanding track record for quality, we’re ready to help.
Complete the form below to tell us about your project today.
