We’ve all seen this phenomenon, but we’re not sure why it happens. What causes that cloudy fog between window glass? How do you get rid of it?
Foggy Window Causes
First, know where the fog is happening the outside (exterior), the inside (interior), or in between the panes of glass. Condensation on the exterior of the windows happens on humid, hot days, when the temperature inside your home is below what’s outside. And when the inside of your home is warm but the outside is cold, condensation occurs on the inside.
However, moisture occurring between the panes of insulating glass happens when the seal between the glass fails. While this is a common occurrence with older windows, it also happens with newer windows that use a seal and spacer system that is prone to early failure. As windows age, the seal fails and allows moisture to leak inside. It can happen to any window, but tends to happen to the ones that get a lot of sun, since the heat from the sun can cause contraction cycles that can speed up seal failure if it’s likely to happen..
Fixing Foggy Windows
The best safeguard against fogging windows is choosing the right glass system. When selecting new windows for your home, really do you research on the failure rate of the windows you’re looking to purchase. No matter what, always check the warranty and make sure these lovely window glass panes you’re investing in are covered by warranty for at least 10 years.
In some cases, you may need to replace the entire window. In other cases, you may just need to replace the glass with a new unit. Quality windows with insulating glass have all kinds of benefits, from lessening fading damage to lovelier aesthetics and reducing energy bills. Make sure the ones you choose have been tested for all kinds of weather, from the hottest sunshine and freezing cold to the saltiest air and excessive humidity. Ultimately, the best choice is windows with the ENERGY STAR ® label, because these ensure rigorous testing and prime energy efficiency. You can take it a step further and only consider windows with the ENERGY STAR ® Most Efficient designation. The windows that fall into this category will provide the best comfort, value and energy savings.
Warranties and Why They Matter When Selecting New Windows
When purchasing new windows and doors, you want to be sure that your purchase is covered by a rock solid warranty. For instance, NT Window offers a No Hassle, Easy to Read, No Registration Required Lifetime Warranty* on our products. We are confident in the performance of our window systems that we back them with our lifetime warranty. This offers customers greater peace of mind by providing long term performance protection for the life of their home. To review the NT Window Warranty click here.
Note: To fix a glass failure contact your window manufacturer if your windows are under warranty, or contact a local professional to assess and fix the problem for you.
