Understanding Double Pane Fogging Problems & Defogging Repair

If you have a double glazed or double pane window and you notice that the glass appears quite foggy on the inside, then you may think that you need to replace your window. This is a common issue, but you do not have to completely replace the window unless it is showing other signs of old age. You can instead hire a window replacement professional who can defog the window. Keep reading to learn why a double pane window becomes fogged, why it is best to wait on a replacement, and also how defogging works.

Why Do Double Pane Windows Fog?

Double glazed or double pane windows are exterior home windows that are made up of two layers of glass. A small space sits between the two pieces of glass, and this space is filled with a gas. While different gasses may be used, argon is a common one that fills the space. The gas is colorless, odorless, and completely harmless. It is also heavier than air and a poor conductor of heat. This poor conduction makes it a good insulating material. Since it does not conduct heat well, warm air is more likely to remain in your home and unaffected by the outside temperatures. Also, it keeps warm air outside if you have the AC on indoors. 

Argon is sealed in the window with the help of a strong gasket. However, this gasket can pull away from the window as it ages and is subjected to variable temperatures. When this happens, some of the argon escapes from the window. When the outside air enters the window in place of the argon, it brings condensation with it. 

Since argon is heavier than the air, the air and the condensation are likely to move towards the top of the window pane. Condensation is likely to develop in the top corners of the window and spread down as more and more argon escapes. 

Why Is it Best to Wait for a Window Replacement?

Some argon will escape from your double pane windows over time, and it is a sign that the gasket that seals your window is starting to breakdown or degrade. While this is true, some argon will remain in the window and this will allow the gas to offer insulation. Even when the argon does completely escape, the construction of the window, the two panes, and the new cushion of air in between the pieces of glass will all help to insulate your home.

While the window will not offer the same energy efficiency as a new double pane window, it will still provide energy efficiency that is far greater than that of a single pane window. This fact as well as the several hundred dollars it costs to replace the window make it wise to stick with the window you have until it ages a bit more. 

What Happens During Defogging?

If you do decide to stick with your window and to replace it another day, then you can invest in a few different fixes to reduce the fogging problem. You can have the argon gas replaced between the pieces of glass. The gasket can then be replaced and the window will be sealed back up once again. However, it can be difficult to find an experienced window or glass replacement specialist who is able to properly restore the insulating gas in the window.

You can have a defogging completed instead. This type of fix involves the placement or a small hole in the exterior window pane. An aerosol cleaning solution is sprayed inside the window. The solution is left to dry and the condensation is released from the window at the same time. A vent is then placed through the opening to keep condensation from building again.

The defogging process will release all of the leftover argon from the window. However, it will fix the fogging issue and keep it from returning. To learn more, contact companies like Glasshopper Schor Glass.