Foggy Window Repair in Wake Forest, NC
Our Wake Forest, NC clients always ask us: Why do my windows get foggy?
When looking at foggy windows, one of the first things we need to consider is whether or not you need a window seal repair or if your foggy windows are the result of another issue entirely. During our diagnosis of your windows, one of the first steps is to determine if your foggy windows are or are not insulated.
For energy efficiency, it’s important to have properly insulated windows– but when the windows of your house become foggy, the most common root cause is due to a failing seal. The window seal attaches the two pieces of glass, so when it isn’t properly sealed moist air is able to travel between the two glass panes, trapping air and moisture and allowing your windows to fog up.
Should You Get Your Foggy Windows Repaired?
When your windows fog, this causes your home to use up unnecessary energy, resulting in elevated energy costs. The moisture that is trapped between the window panes will begin to cause other long-lasting problems in your home if not treated quickly and correctly. From having the potential for mold growth and water damage, it is important to not only your home but your and your family’s health to stay informed on the nature of your foggy windows.
Our trained professionals in foggy window repairs have the tools, experience, and expertise to repair your Wake Forest home’s double-pane windows. We can help keep your home free of foggy windows while also protecting you and your family from any worries associated with water damage, mold and mildew, and loss of energy.
What Are the Benefits of Repairing Foggy Windows?
At first sight, it seems that the inconvenience of foggy windows is simply that the fog makes it difficult to see out of them. However, from energy and health concerns to not adequately protecting your home from outside elements, the potential issues your home faces if you do not repair your foggy windows can start to add up.
Foggy windows are typically caused by a broken window seal that allows moisture to build up between the two window panes. This causes windows to fog up and allows for air and moisture that may develop into the buildup of mold, mildew, and water damage if not treated quickly and properly. If you don’t repair the broken seal on your foggy window, you risk the potential for needing a complete window replacement.
Foggy Window FAQs
What happens when condensation enters between window panes?
When condensation enters between your window panes it means that moisture passed through the seal and became trapped. This leads to the growth of mold and mildew if you do not schedule a foggy window repair soon.
What causes foggy windows?
If there is a lot of moisture in your home or if the seal on your window is broken, your windows can get that foggy appearance, indicating that you should schedule a repair.
When the seal to your window breaks, moisture from outside becomes trapped between the two window glass panes, and if not repaired more moisture will continue to become trapped and leave your home vulnerable to the dangers of mold or water damage.
The most common causes of foggy windows are:
- A broken window seal.
- Indoor humidity.
- Poor outdoor window drainage.
- Poor window installation.
It is important to schedule a foggy window inspection with a certified window treatment specialist to determine the cause of your home’s foggy windows.
Why did the seals to my window fail?
The weather commonly impacts a home’s windows, particularly the window seal.
On days when temperatures are high, the heat causes the entire window to expand, whereas when the weather cools down in the evening the window unit will contract. This unstoppable back-and-forth exchange of contracting and expanding puts pressure on the seals of the windows, allowing air to push through the seals.
Over the course of time, your window’s seals give in to the daily stress of warm versus cool temperatures, allowing more and more air to enter through the seals and resulting in that unsightly fog caused by air and moisture between the panes.
When a window seal cracks, wears out, or succumbs to damage caused by weather and outside elements, the window’s seal leaves your home vulnerable to improper insulation, high energy costs, and water damage.
How do I stop condensation on windows?
Some great ways to limit the amount of condensation on your windows are:
- Turn your humidifier down if you have one.
- Use a product like DampRid that can improve foggy windows.
- Use fans in places that collect moisture such as the kitchen and bathroom.
- Turn on ceiling fans if your home has them.
- Use weather-stripping tools to ensure your windows are sealed properly.
- Move plants away from your windows, as they release moisture into the air and can lead to your windows becoming foggy.
Can you fix a broken seal on a window?
Your window seals are an important function in keeping your energy costs low and avoiding any kind of water or mold buildup. While there are some DIY products on the market, they can be costly, time-consuming, and if not done properly can lead to more intense and expensive issues to repair or replace a foggy window.
Unless you are experienced in window repair, it is very difficult and time-consuming to fix a broken window seal yourself. It’s best to call a professional in window repair and replacement.
Can insulated windows be resealed?
Unfortunately, insulated windows cannot usually be resealed. If your window’s seal is damaged, finding the exact match of your window’s seal for repair can be a challenge. Our glass company serving Wake Forest, NC works hard to ensure your foggy window repair is as quick, easy, and inexpensive if possible. We will work to find the best solution to your insulated window repair, and offer alternative solutions if the insulated window cannot be resealed.
What is the life expectancy of a window?
Depending on the type of window will depend on how long it will last, but most double-pane windows last between 10 to 20 years. Fiberglass and aluminum windows will often have a life expectancy of between 25 to 35 years.
Can you clean foggy windows?
Despite the cause of a foggy window often being the result of a faulty seal, you might want to try cleaning your foggy windows before scheduling a repair, and that’s perfectly fine. If you suspect your windows are foggy because they need to be washed or cleaned, using a cleaning with LYE in it is the best option. You let the product sit on the window for a few minutes, then wipe it off. If you feel the first attempt did not work, you can try another coat of the cleaner.
If your efforts in cleaning the foggy window do not improve the appearance or eliminate any of the fog, contact your Wake Forest residential glass replacement professionals to learn how we can help you.
How can I prevent foggy windows?
Because there are several ways that foggy windows occur that originate either inside your home, on the exterior, or between two window panes, you may never be certain that you will fully prevent foggy windows from happening.
The best things you can do to avoid the chances of getting foggy windows are:
- Use fans to keep the air circulating.
- Open blinds and curtains regularly so the windows can “breathe”
- Install and use exhaust fans in places of the home that generate steam like bathrooms and kitchens.
- Turn your humidifiers down or off– there may be generating too much moisture that will fog windows.
What should I do if I have foggy windows?
If you have a foggy window or foggy windows in your home, they should be repaired by professionals. Contact our experts in window repairs and replacements in Wake Forest to schedule a free estimate on window repairs.