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Even under the best of circumstances, no window is perfect, at least not forever. Windows, just like roofs, siding and exterior doors, are exposed to the elements all the time. And, the elements aren’t always kind. Sometimes, it’s a matter of manufacturing defects. Whatever it is that’s causing your windows to look foggy, chances are, you’re due for windows replacement.
There are different circumstances that might make your windows look foggy, but if you’re wondering if the seals are broken, you might be right.
Old windows typically have one pane of glass. That doesn’t do much for insulation and energy efficiency even if the glass is properly sealed. Modern windows, on the other hand, usually have two or more glass panes right next to each other to form an insulative barrier against outdoor temperatures. These are called insulated glass units (IGUs).
The most effective IGUs have an inert gas filling between glass panes. The gas is usually either argon (as is the case with Renewal by Andersen® windows) or krypton. With its gas filling, special spacers, the seals around the glass and the quality of the window frame, the IGU protects the home’s interior from the temperature outside by slowing the transfer of heat or cold through the window.
Over time, however, the gas filling will slowly escape even if the seals appear to be fine. In some cases, the seals may fail, allowing the gas to escape more quickly. When this happens, the dual- or triple-pane glass window will lose its effectiveness as a temperature barrier.
When your window looks foggy, it usually means the seals have failed, and condensation has formed. There may be a few ways to deal with this, but those methods can only remove the condensation, which is likely to eventually return anyway. None of these methods can return the window’s original energy efficiency. So, the best way to deal with this is by getting replacement windows.
It’s not always easy to determine whether your window seals have failed unless there is obvious damage, such as a crack in the seal, frame, sash or glass. But there are a few ways that might help.
Clean the window glass. Sometimes, you can’t tell immediately if the “fog” is inside the glass panes. To find out, thoroughly clean both sides (outdoor and indoor) of the window. If the glass is still foggy, then there’s condensation between the panes.
Check if reflections are distorted. Go outside, and stand a good distance from the window. If the reflection on the glass is distorted when compared to the reflection on the other windows, your seals are broken, and the vacuum has resulted in glass deformation.
Quality windows are a significant investment. If you don’t mind the broken seals, especially if you live in a temperate region, you can probably live with the occasional condensation. Otherwise, call Renewal by Andersen of San Francisco for new replacement windows.
Again, note that trying to repair a window with broken seals does not return its energy-efficient properties. The results are often temporary, and it might also be very expensive.
Renewal by Andersen of San Francisco custom manufactures and installs windows according to your specifications and preferences. Call us at (866) 609-5033, or request your estimate here. We look forward to working with you in San Francisco, CA.