Insulated double-paned and triple-paned windows, also called IGUs, offer far better energy efficiency compared to a single pane glass. These windows are often referred to as thermal windows and can double up the energy efficiency of the window, whether it is a simple sealed two-pane glass window or a more sophisticated IGU with coatings and inert gas filled in between the glass panes.
Today, nearly all the windows have an insulated glass unit, whether they are newly constructed or replacement windows. Two or sometimes three panes of glass are factored sealed to form a single unit and cannot be separated, single pane glass is rarely found and are mainly used in older homes or sheds where energy saving does not matter. A basic IGU in which the space between the panes is filled with inert air will offer more thermal and energy-efficiency than a single-paned window and the molecules in the window are easily activated which allows thermal energy to pass through easily. Double- and triple-paned windows provide this kind of option in a much better way forming a thermal break.
The better solution here is to fill up the space between the panes with an inert gas like krypton or even argon as the molecules move very slowly under the impact of thermal energy which means that these windows can create a better barrier against heat loss and keep your home warmer for a longer time – this is one of the main reasons by many insulated thermal windows use inert gases nowadays to fill the space between panes.
What causes foggy glass?
A common problem faced with IGUs is when the seal around the edges of the glass unit starts to fail and this allows the inert gas to escape and the moist air outside to enter the area in-between the glass panes. When it’s warm outside, and the sun shines on the windows and the air in the gap heats up. This causes the air to expand and the pressure increases. Tiny amounts of air are squeezed out to balance the pressure.
As the window cools in the evening, the pressure reduces and the air is drawn back through the gap. Most of the times, this air can contain moisture which is absorbed by the silica desiccant in the spacer bar.
After years, the silica desiccant cannot absorb any more moisture and this caused the glass to develop a hazy fogginess. This fogginess may come and go depending on weather conditions but when it doesn’t then you know you are dealing with an insulated window that has lost its seal. All IGUs gradually lose the inert gas filling the space and the seals as well have a limited life expectancy due to a host of factors, like sunlight, water, water vapor, working loads, wind loads, temperature fluctuations, and more. You can expect the window to lose its effectiveness and for the seals to fail over the years.
At this point, most homeowners think they are left with only one option to replace the glass if the window’s warranty period is over. However, when it comes to foggy glass window repair, there are a lot of other options you, as a homeowner, can try.
Can foggy glass be fixed?
Up until recently, fogginess in an insulated glass was something you either lived with or dealt with through a full-scale window replacement which involved changing the entire sash as well as the wooden or fiberglass frame around the glass. Not only was this quite expensive but homeowners had to go through a lot of hassle to get their windows changed. There is, however, another solution that is much cheaper than total window replacement and requires fewer tools and parts, and less labor. Foggy windows can be fixed using a defogging procedure which will help restore the window to its original condition and extend its life by another 20 years.
Defogging a window is a niche patented technology that can help in producing cosmetic results for your window pane and can help save you the cost of replacing an entire window. Defogging costs about half of what it costs to replace an entire IGU and it can help restore your window’s insulation and thermal properties as well as the performance of the window.
To Summarize
When it comes to your foggy windows, defogging is a tried and tested technology and is done by highly professional and skilled individuals to ensure that your window is as good as new. Always do your research and look for brands that provide high-quality parts, professional services and will assist you in all your window repair work.
Visit https://ottawa.windowmedics.com/defog/ for more information.
