Today, double glazed windows are mainly used for new construction or as a replacement, as they offer a much better thermal barrier compared to single pane windows. The core of this double glazing is the IGU (insulating glass unit). The basic IGU has air that fills the space between the sealed panels, while the more sophisticated IGU comes with inert gas that fills the space. Inert gas provides improved insulation, thus reducing heat loss, as a result of which these windows are much more energy efficient than basic IGU windows.

What Causes Glass Windows To Fog Up?

Sometimes mist builds up inside double-glazed panes, which not only reduces visibility, but also makes the window appear unsightly. Haze can come and go and is a clear sign of seal failure. Over time, the seals around the edges of the glass unit begin to deteriorate due to a number of factors including sunlight, exposure to water, wind loads, workloads, etc. All this causes the inert gas inside the space between the panes to escape while the humidity outside fills the space. The infiltrated moisture condenses and forms mist when the temperatures inside and outside the house are extreme. The mist that forms between the panes affects the energy efficiency of the window, increasing heating bills.

Foggy Glass Solutions

Until recently, you either lived with your lenses fogged up or were looking for a complete double glazing replacement. Replacement involves changing the insulated glass unit along with the frame around the glass or replacing only the IGU panel within the sash frame. However, the process is cheaper compared to having to repair the entire window, as there is less labor and fewer parts involved in the work. These IGU panels are available under warranty for a limited period.

The demisting procedure

There is a cheaper technique for repairing fogged glass windows called the demisting procedure. This inexpensive solution involves drilling a hole in the glass to remove moisture between the glass panels, then tightly sealing it to prevent outside moisture from infiltrating the IGU. The cost of defrosting is about half the cost involved in replacing a complete GUI. This is an aesthetic enhancement and the window looks better without the mist inside the panes. However, no inert gas within the panes is replaced nor is the thermal efficiency of the window restored.

Although there are DIY tutorials available to get rid of fog in double glazing, these tutorials are not that helpful and there is a good chance that the job will get messed up. It will be a wise decision to hire the services of professional companies since they have the appropriate tools and equipment necessary to work safely. Not only can experienced glaziers complete the job faster, but the result will enhance the beauty of the property.