Windows tend to fog up depending on the weather condition or difference in outdoor and indoor temperatures. This fogginess or cloudiness generally disappears when there’s a change in humidity level or temperature. But windows that are constantly foggy are something different altogether.
Foggy Windows May Indicate an Underlying Problem
Modern windows are usually designed with two layers of glass separated by a spacer material, filled with inert glass and sealed together at the edge. When the space between the two panes becomes foggy or hazy, it can only mean the seal has already broken, compromising the window’s insulating value and energy performance. According to experts, broken or damaged seals may occur due to partial pressure differentials between the temperature outside and the gas inside, causing the inert gas inside to naturally escape the window. Changes in atmospheric pressure, or just normal wear and tear over the years, may also result in window seal failure, which in turn allows for the fogginess between the panes.
How to Check for Window Seal Failure
It can be tricky to determine whether the seals in your windows have already failed. You’ll know for sure by consulting a trusted local window company, but you can still do some simple checking. For instance, you can:
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Clean the glass. You should clean both the inside and outside of your windows thoroughly. This way, you can confirm that the fogginess you see isn’t caused by grime or external moisture.
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Check for distortion. When the inert gas escapes from between the glass, sometimes, you’ll notice that the panes are beginning to bend or collapse slightly in the center. Look at the reflection of the glass from outside. If there’s distortion, it can only mean the window seal has already failed.
Make sure to deal with failed window seals promptly, not only to defog the glass, but to maintain your home’s energy efficiency as well. High-quality residential window replacement from Renewal by Andersen® of Southwest Missouri is just the thing. Our windows use top-tier Fibrex® frames and High-Performance™ Low-E4® SmartSun™ glass with stainless steel spacers and argon gas. With our options, keeping a more energy-efficient home is worry-free.
Renewal by Andersen of Southwest Missouri serves Springfield, MO, and the surrounding areas. Call us today at (417) 268-9301, or fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation. We’d love to hear from you!
