If your windows are several years old, you may notice them getting cloudy. Faulty insulation is usually to blame for foggy windows. This issue usually signifies the need for a replacement.
Check your seals, glass and sash. If you see signs of wear and tear, call a reputable window replacement company to request an estimate. In the meantime, read this article to learn how to fix foggy windows in your house.
What Causes Windows to Fog up in a House?
You may see condensation form on your windows if there’s an extreme temperature difference between the indoors and outdoors. In double-paned windows, a broken seal can trap moist air between the two glass panels, causing fog to creep up your windowpanes.
Most modern windows use insulated glass to prevent heat loss and improve energy efficiency. However, the insulation’s effectiveness decreases due to wear and tear. Windows with damaged seals can quickly become misted or cloudy with condensation.
Window seals often break due to issues like these.
- Exposure to water: Check your window seals after a flood or heavy rainstorm. The perimeter seals are vulnerable to damage when there is too much water buildup near your windows.
- Excess heat: Since warm air expands, the air inside a double-paned window could stretch your seals. While this won’t be an issue on every hot summer day, exposure to direct sunlight could deteriorate your window seals over time.
- Old age: After a couple of decades, you may notice fog in your double-paned windows that you can’t seem to wipe off. The seals wear down throughout their lifetime due to harsh weather conditions and the strain caused by opening and closing your windows.
Why Do the Windows Fog up in My House?
Other causes of fog in your window could include the following.
- Temperature difference: Condensation forms on glass when there is a dramatic difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures. You may notice this phenomenon in fall and winter when it’s chilly outside, but your house is cozy and warm.
- High humidity: Expect to see fog in the summer when there is a lot of moisture in the air. A perfect example is when you finish showering and see the mirror is all fogged up. That’s because the warm, humid air has interacted with the cool glass. Other activities that can cause this are cooking or drying clothes indoors. The extent of condensation can vary depending on the humidity level and the difference between the air and surface temperatures.
- Poor ventilation: Air can get trapped in your house due to improper ventilation. If you’ve upgraded the seals on your windows and doors to improve energy efficiency, there may be insufficient natural airflow.
Foggy Window Repair
The best way to fix foggy windows is to replace them. However, if the problem is still in its early stages, you could attempt a double-paned window fogging repair.
Here are some ways you can try to fix your foggy windows.
- Replace the insulated glass: Replace the seal or the second pane of glass inside your insulated window. While it’s cheaper, it’s also more complicated than replacing the whole window. A total replacement may be more straightforward and cost-effective if your windows are old.
- Apply defogging spray: You could use a defogging spray to prevent fogging on your windows. You can even use shaving cream every few weeks to treat window fog. While these tactics can temporarily keep your windows clear, they do not address the faulty insulation that is the primary culprit. You can only fix the problem for good by replacing your whole window. Some manufacturers offer lifetime warranties for their windows. In that case, you may be able to get a broken seal fixed or replaced at no additional cost.
- Identify the problem area: Find the windows with condensation inside, outside or between the panes.
- Drill holes: Make tiny holes at the tops and bottoms of each fogged-up window. The top hole is for moisture to escape, while the bottom allows for inserting a desiccant.
- Insert a desiccant: You can use a small funnel or tubing to insert silica gel desiccants into the bottom hole. These will absorb the moisture trapped between the two panels.
- Allow it to dry: Give the window a few days to dry out. You can accelerate this process with a hairdryer.
- Seal the holes: Once the moisture is gone, seal the holes with silicone so they don’t fog up again.
While DIY fixes for foggy windows are possible, you will need a specialized drill for the glass and various other tools to complete the job. Calling a professional is better, as they will repair the window without damaging it.
How to Prevent Window Fog in Your House
Your energy-efficient windows should last for decades. Professional installation will prolong their life span.
Here are other ways to prevent window fog in your house.
- Buy energy-efficient windows: Invest in high-quality, energy-efficient windows. Heat gain and loss through windows make up 25% to 30% of your home’s energy use. Check with your manufacturer to see if your windows have a lifetime guarantee.
- Improve ventilation: A well-ventilated house can keep window condensation away. Ventilation also reduces contaminants like allergens, mold and volatile organic chemicals, enhancing your indoor air quality. Keep fans running, even in winter, to prevent the warm air from sticking to your windows.
- Install your windows correctly: Make sure you trust the person putting in your windows. Ask your contractor questions to find out about their experience with windows. Improper installation could cause failure in your direct-set glass and seals.
- Inspect your windows every couple of months: Examine your windows, sash and seals, proactively looking for early warning signs of decline. When you’re not in an emergency, you have more time to shop for the best prices.
- Get rid of moisture: A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air that could get between your windowpanes.
- Add protection to your windows: You can apply window films to regulate temperatures and prevent moisture from entering between your windowpanes.
Keeping moisture out of your home will prolong your windows’ life span. While you can’t control the outside temperature, here are some ways to limit the amount of moisture in your home’s atmosphere:
- Use a fan while running your washing machine, dryer and dishwasher.
- Cover your pots and pans while cooking.
- Open the windows, especially in the rooms you use often.
- Check your home’s insulation, including in the attic and closet spaces.
- Leave room doors open.
- Use your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans.
- Ventilate your washer and dryer.
- Weatherstrip your walls and doors.
- Close your bathroom door while showering and bathing.
- Keep all air registers open.
- Inspect your outdoor gutters.
- Allow proper ventilation for fireplaces.
- Remove furniture from exterior-facing walls.
Trust Garrety Glass to Replace Your Foggy Windows in South Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland
As a company, we pride ourselves on hard work and dedication. If you need a window replacement, you can count on us to complete the work quickly and efficiently. For more information about removing condensation from your windows, contact us online today or call us at 717-741-9949.