Your windows give the perfect view of the world beyond your home. Whether watching children play in the backyard or admiring the views of mountains, valleys, or lakes around your home, you want your windows to maintain their crystal-clear appearance. However, as you go to look out your windows, you may find a layer of fog forming between the panes.
While you might not initially be concerned, addressing fog between glass panes can be difficult without professional support, especially if you don’t know why it’s there. If you’re dealing with fog between glass panes across your home, keep reading to learn why this is occurring and what can be done to address this problem.
Why Is There Fog Between Your Window Panes?
Fog may accumulate between glass panes slowly over time. By the time you realize it has accumulated, you may not know where it came from or why you’re dealing with this. There are several reasons why there may be fog between glass panes on your property, including:
Damaged or Broken Seal
As your windows age, the seals may break down or become damaged. Frequent inclement weather and exposure to direct sunlight may also cause a deterioration of these seals. If the seals on your windows are damaged or broken, moisture may find its way between the window panes, leading to fog development.
Internal & External Temperature Difference
If the temperature outside has dropped, you may quickly run to your heater for support. While this ensures your comfort while spending time with loved ones, it may also contribute to the development of fog between glass panes. If this fog dissipates when your heater is off, you can trust that the temperature difference is to blame.
High Humidity
As inclement weather rolls into town and humidity levels rise, this may lead to fog between glass panes. Often, this humidity isn’t the sole cause of the fog, and instead, it is a combination of moisture and compromised window seals. If you’re unsure whether seals contribute to this problem, speaking to your trusted glass provider may be best.
Window Age
Your windows have an anticipated lifespan of 15 to 30 years. As you approach the 20-year mark, you may notice more problems with the window, including fog accumulation. Older windows are generally more susceptible to this kind of problem, as they aren’t as advanced as newer windows on the market.
Low-Quality Glass
Much like the technology used to make newer windows, older glass isn’t nearly as advanced as newer options. If you have older glass across your home, it may be a lower-quality product than other options on the market. This may lead to fog between glass panes, especially when the lower-quality glass is paired with damaged seals.
How To Treat Fog Between Glass Panes
While dealing with fog between glass panes can be frustrating, you have a couple of options to address it. Although you may be tempted to do so, it is always best to turn to the professionals for repairs and replacements. Working with them ensures the job is done right the first time, and you can avoid repeat problems down the line. If you’re dealing with fog between glass panes, consider one of the following options:
Window Repairs
If you’re experiencing fog buildup due to damaged or broken seals, you may want to talk to your glass provider about whether repairs are an adequate solution. If so, this is a great way to address this accumulation without paying for premature window replacements. However, it is important to understand that repairs may only prolong the life of your windows by a couple of years, and that now may be the right time to begin saving for complete window replacements.
Window Replacement
For homeowners who are dealing with older windows with thin panes of glass, it is often best to invest in window replacements. While this may be more of an investment than you originally anticipated making, it is the best choice for your home. There are many benefits to installing new windows, including removing fog between glass panes, increasing energy efficiency, and reducing drafts. If your windows are over 20 years old, it may be time to consider this upgrade.
Retrofit Windows
If the glass in your windows is old but the frame is still in great condition, you may want to talk to your glass providers about retrofit windows. With this service, they will remove the old, low-quality glass in your windows and replace it with a more modern, reliable option. Retrofitting is a great option for homeowners who live in a historic home and want to maintain the charm of original windows while upgrading to something more efficient.
Your Trusted Window Replacement and Repair Expert
Although fog between glass panes can be frustrating, working with an expert glass provider can help you remedy the problem quickly. Whether repairs or replacements are right for your home, trust that our Valley Glass team will help you through this process. From Salt Lake City to Boise, our team has 60 years of experience providing high-quality glass products to homeowners.
With our experience helping homeowners design new windows for their property, restore windows through retrofitting, and achieve expert repairs, we’re confident that we’re the right choice for your home. No matter what option you choose, you’ll know that you made the best investment for your property.
If you need help addressing fog between glass panes across your home or have any questions for our team, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
