Why Are My Double Pane Windows Foggy?

Insulated double or triple-pane are a great investment toward your home’s energy efficiency, and most homes built after 1990 have them installed for that reason. Especially with the hot summers we get in Raleigh, having an extra layer of protection to keep cool air in and hot air out can make a major dent in your heating and cooling bills. But what if you’ve noticed fog and condensation forming on the inside of your window where you can’t wipe it away? If foggy windows are blocking your light and visibility, our custom glass company in Raleigh is breaking down why insulated glass forms condensation, what it means for your energy efficiency, and how to restore clarity to your windows. 

How Does Insulated Glass Work?

Insulated glass, or thermal windows, can be as simple as two panes of glass that have been sealed together within your frame and can’t be separated. More complicated styles will have argon gas sealed within the panes or specialized thermal coatings on the glass. This minimizes thermal energy transfer so you won’t experience hot August air radiating into your home through your windows (or cold January air, too). 

Why Does Fog Get Between Double Pane Windows?

Over time, the sealed edges of the glass can wear out or fail and if there is inert gas between the panes, it will eventually filter out. Sunlight, water, water vapor, and even temperature and barometric pressure can cause these seals to break down. The average life expectancy of the insulated glass unit (IGU) is around 15 years, though the factors listed can speed or slow that time frame.

Once the seals fail, moisture leaches into the space between the glass and as temperature shifts, condensation will form. The more dramatic the temperature change, the worse the condensation will be. While the foggy windows may evaporate and clear up from day to day, if left untreated, calcium in condensation can etch the glass and leave a permanent hazy appearance on your windows.

It’s also important to note that foggy windows are more than an inconvenience. Because there is a build up of moisture between the panes of glass, it can lead to mold and water damage.

Solutions for Foggy Windows

For a long time, the only way to fix an IGU was to replace the whole window  – even the wooden or vinyl frame. Today, professional glass installers can put in new IGU panels and install them in your window frames. – a much less expensive process. 

Window Defogging

There are window defogging kits available for a DIY repair, and you can also have your windows professionally de-fogged. Basically, tiny holes are drilled in the glass to remove the moisture, then an anti-fog solution is applied between the panes of glass and a liquid sealant is applied to the bottom of the glass. Once complete, another seal is installed where any holes were drilled.

While this provides a great cosmetic solution to the issue, clearing up visibility and restoring clarity, you will lose the window’s insulation benefits.  

Contact Us for Foggy Window Repair

If you want your windows to let in light and block out heat and cold, let us help you with our foggy window repair services. Our experienced team of glass experts are able to quickly install new insulated window glass so you can keep your energy efficiency without having to replace an entire window. We serve Raleigh, Cary, Garner, Apex, Wake Forest, and surrounding areas. To get a free estimate or to schedule service, reach out to us today at  919-772-1007 or fill out our contact form below!