Double glazed windows (or double-paned windows) are made up of two sealed panes of glass with an insulating void between them. This void is either filled with dry air or a heavy inert gas, such as argon. Together, the two panes of glass and the void between them prevent heat loss through your windows. Over time, the effectiveness of the double glazing unit can wane, especially if the seal around one of the panes of glass loses its integrity and allows moisture-laden air to seep into the insulating void. The most common sign of a failed window seal is condensation between the two panes of glass. This leads to a common request;
“Help, my windows are foggy!” Here are some questions and answers about fogged up double-glazed windows.
Why Do Double Glazed Window Seals Fail and Fog up?
Window seal failure commonly occurs in aging windows and windows that are subject to continuous changes in temperature. Faulty window installations and poor window production methods can also cause window seal failure.
Can Foggy Windows in your Home or Business be Fixed or Repaired?
Yes and No. Yes, the problem can be solved with a double-pane unit replacement. But, no, you cannot solve it by resealing – that doesn’t work. Unfortunately, you need to replace the whole sealed unit, but you do NOT need the entire window frame replaced.
What Is the Best Way to Fix Failed & Window Seals that cause fogged-up windows?
First, determine whether your windows are still under warranty. Most window companies offer a 10 year manufacturer’s product warranty with their double glazing installations. If your windows are under warranty, contact the original installer. They may agree to reseal your unit or replace it free of charge.
If the warranty on your windows has expired, contact a reliable glass company in Vancouver such as M&M Glass to get the next viable solution. Compared to a whole window frame replacement, glass replacement as a new sealed unit is a cost-effective option for fixing failed window seals.
Can I Re-seal My Windows? Does Resealing Foggy Windows Work?
The short answer is NO. The whole sealed unit needs to be replaced – whether single or double-glazed. Otherwise you will continue to have moisture build-up between the glass panes. Call our experienced glaziers in Metro Vancouver at (604) 588-7227. At least there is no need to replace the window frame itself.
Am I Limited to a Like-for-Like Replacement?
If your windows are under warranty, you may be limited to a like-for-like replacement for your failed double glazed window unit. However, if your warranty has expired, you will likely be free to choose from a variety of replacement window units. Your service provider for glass replacement in Surrey should be able to talk you through the options that will work for your specific situation. By phone is enough, if you call with a rough measurement of your glass windows – otherwise, we can visit your location and give you a free estimate.
In fact, there are a lot of environment-friendly options nowadays, such as window panes with low-emissivity coatings, which reduce energy loss by as much as 50% compared to regular windows. Reflective coatings also tend to reduce the amount of light transmitted through a window, while spectrally selective coatings filter out up to 70% of the heat normally transmitted through insulated windows while allowing full light transmission.
Careful consideration of window design factors, such as climate and window orientation, will help you to choose the best type of replacement window unit for your home. If you’re quite unsure as to how to go about this, you might as well seek professional advice from trustworthy and experienced service providers in your area.
What is the cost of double-glazed glass window replacement?
That totally depends on the kind of window unit, location, and other factors. It’s best to measure the window and call us to obtain a rough estimate of the repair/replace cost.
The real question to ask is “What does it cost to NOT replace my poorly sealed windows?” The answer to that is 1) higher heating costs due to escaped heat and 2) poor visibility and foggy windows due to condensation build-up.
Sources:
Window Types. Energy.gov