GOT FOGGY WINDOWS? Learn About the Cause & Fix

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Question: What kind of tradesperson fixes failed window seals? My windows are foggy between the panes with moisture but I don’t know who to look for to fix them.

Answer: This is a common problem, and I’m not aware of any official trade name for this kind of work, but there are a number of companies around who specialize in resealing windows. Modern windows usually have two panes of glass in any given spot (sometimes three), with a sealed space between them. When this seal fails, it can let in moisture that condenses on the inside face of the glass causing condensation, but there’s another issue, too.

In most windows, the sealed space is filled with a gas (typically argon) that has more insulating value than just air. At least, that was true when the gas was there before the seal failed. The presence of moisture between window panes means that most of all the insulating argon gas is gone. Thermal performance of the windows will be reduced, probably by 20% to 30%.

Google “window seal failure repair” and a number of options come up.  Contact several companies, then ask for and check references with previous homeowners before you choose. Many homeowners skip this step and find they get poor work or some other kind of trouble. Sad to say, but checking on the quality of work and business practices is key for getting proper home improvement work done by professionals.

Current Window Condition

Before you do any of this, consider how old your windows are. Depending on the age, condition and number of windows with failed seals, you might consider window replacement instead of repair. Replacement will cost more, but you’ll also get better window performance, especially if you go with triple pane windows and not double pane. The infrared images below are quite telling. It shows a typical window and its exterior surface temperatures in relation to the surround area.

The triple pane windows below offer very efficient performance, with the exterior glass surface now much warmer than the surround exterior wall. Quite a difference!

There’s actually a fair amount to consider when you’re choosing new windows. Click here to learn all you need to know to make optimal decisions about window replacement.

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– Steve Maxwell