Defog house windows

Why are my house windows cloudy? Old windows tend to develop condensation from moisture. If you see fog in your windows, you have a problem with your window’s insulation. An insulated window’s seal should prevent fogging, but if it doesn’t, you need to replace your window.

As you figure out the reason for your fogging windows, check your window seals, glass and sash. Then, call your window manufacturer to conduct a foggy window repair. Until then, here are some tips for how to fix foggy windows in the house.

What Causes Windows to Fog Up in a House?

Most of the time, you see fog on your windows when the seal fails around your windows. Insulated windows use two panes of glass, with air between the panes. This air — usually argon or krypton — will increase the energy-efficiency of your windows. Energy-efficient windows keep temperature-controlled air inside the home.

Almost all windows have an insulated glass unit (IGU) inside of them. An IGU doubles the R-value of a glass window, increasing its energy efficiency. Foggy windows occur when the seal around the IGU begins to deteriorate.

Over time, the seal around your insulated windows will begin to decline. A window’s seal will often break because of:

• Exposure to water: After a flood or a heavy rainstorm, check your window seals. 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 pane 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 pane windows that you can’t seem to wipe off. The seal has to withstand the opening and closing of the window throughout its lifetime. It also must endure harsh temperatures in both the summer and winter.

Moisture from air escaping in through the glass panels can condense, thus causing fog. You’ll notice fog as the weather cools because of the heat from the inside mixing with the cold from the outside. Your windows may be foggy from extreme temperatures inside and outside of your home.

Can Foggy Windows Be Repaired?

The best way to fix foggy windows is to replace them. On the other hand, there are ways to try to fix old windows. Here are some ways you can attempt to repair your foggy windows:

• Replace the IGU unit: 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. There are many parts of an insulated glass window. It’s much easier to replace the whole window. If your windows are old, replacing your windows may be more cost-effective anyway.
• Use a defogging spray: You could use a defogging spray to prevent fogging on your windows. You could even use shaving cream every couple of weeks to treat window fog. While your windows might be clean for a little while, the main reason why your windows are fogging is because of poor window insulation. Professional defogging costs about half of what a window replacement would cost. You can only fix the problem for good by replacing your whole window.

Replacing your window is the best option. Consult with your window manufacturer about a warranty for getting your windows replaced. Some companies offer lifetime warranties for their windows. If you need a replacement, find out if your windows come with a lifetime warranty on seal failure.

Replace your foggy windows before they become a danger to you and your family. Excess moisture around your windows could lead to mold buildup. Old, worn-out windows could also raise your energy bills each month.

How to Prevent Window Fog in Your House

Before your windows fog, make sure you have proper ventilation throughout your home. Your energy-efficient windows should last for decades. Make sure you install them correctly to get the most out of them.

Here are other ways to prevent window for 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 come with a lifetime guarantee.
• 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. Check for signs of decline before you need to replace your window. When you’re not in an emergency, you can get the best rate for when you need the windows.
• Ventilate your home: Have good air circulation throughout the home. Keep fans running, even during the winter, to prevent the warm air from sticking to your windows.
• Get rid of moisture: Use a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air that could get between your windowpanes.
• Add protection to your windows: Buy a window film kit. You can add a film on top of your window that regulates the temperatures of your windows. It also prevents moisture from entering between your windowpanes.

To prolong the life of your windows, you should try to keep moisture out of your home. While you can’t control the outside temperature, you can control your living space. Here are some ways to control the amount of moisture in your home’s atmosphere:

• Keep track of how often you use your washing machine, dryer and dishwasher.
• Use a fan while running the dishwasher or washing machine.
• 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.
• Make sure your washer and dryer have ventilation.
• Weatherstrip your walls and doors.
• Keep the bathroom door closed while showering and bathing.
• Keep all air registers open.
• Inspect your outdoor gutters.
• Allow proper ventilation for fireplaces.
• Keep furniture away from exterior walls.
• Keep all air vents open.

Trust Garrety Glass to Replace Your Windows in South Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland

As a company, we pride ourselves on hard work and dedication. We have a wide variety of replacement windows for your selection. If you need a window replacement, you can count on us to get the job done.  For more information about removing condensation from your windows, contact us online today. You can also call us at 717-741-9949.