What Causes a Misty Window?
If your windows in your home or apartment get clogged up it can cause a lot frustration. It's actually quite simple to fix and prevent when you know the cause of the problem.
Many people recommend using dehumidifiers in order to remove the moisture. However it doesn't address the root cause of the issue that is seal failure.
Moisture Buildup
Moisture is a common cause of misty windows, especially in older homes with single or double windows with glazed frames. These kinds of windows were designed to keep warm air inside your home, and prevent cold air from getting in but they can also lead to condensation and the build-up of moisture. If not properly checked, this could lead to damage to the glazed or glass surface of your window, which can result in the need for a more expensive repair or replacement of the window.
repairing misted double glazing build-up is typically caused by warm and cold air colliding and causing moisture to build up on the window. This is more frequent in homes with high humidity levels, but can also occur when the seal of your window is damaged or faulty.
Every day you add between four and five pints of moisture to the air each time you cook or boil water. Showers, tumble dryers and watering house plants all add to the indoor moisture. Even breathing in and out creates little water vapour. This means that the air in your home is filled with moisture. As it cools down, it will liquify on any surface it touches, including your window.
If you have a double- or triple-paned glass and notice condensation between the panes, it is likely the seal has been damaged or broken. There will usually be a gap between the two panes and it is designed to absorb any moisture entering the space. The spacer is usually visible, but it is possible to detect by gently shining a flashlight at the window to check for any streaks or dark spots.
If the spacer is not working, it is not unusual to find black mould in this region, which is visually unattractive and could pose a health risk. It can be difficult for mould to eliminate and can discolour plaster walls around the affected window. If left untreated, it can lead to irritations to the skin, respiratory problems and asthma.
Condensation
Condensation occurs when warm moisture-laden air comes into contact with a cooler surface like windows. The temperature change causes the air's water to transform from a gas to a liquid. It is normal to experience condensation, however, if it happens frequently, you may have a problem with your air conditioning, indoor humidity or window quality. The solution is by changing these factors.
Moisture buildup is the primary cause of foggy windows. If your windows are insulated with single or double glazing and have a strong seal, then moisture from inside the house will not be able to pass through and cause condensation. If the windows are old or have damaged seals or if you live in a place that is humid, moisture will more likely escape through the gaps.
If the moisture is not eliminated, it will accumulate on the glass, forming the appearance of a white fog on the window. Fogged windows aren't just unsightly, but they can also cause numerous issues in the home. Moisture can cause damp spots, which can lead to mould and cause discoloration of surfaces such as wallpaper or paint. It can also worsen existing health issues like asthma, allergies, and respiratory infections.
If damp appears in your home, it is important to treat it as soon as possible. If not, it can cause structural damages. It could also encourage the growth of fungal and bacterial infections. It could lead to the destruction of wooden structures such as roofs and floors.
You may have heard suggestions like using defogging spray or wiping the windows with shaving cream, but these are only temporary solutions. These are meant to make the moisture disappear and not addressing the underlying cause of the condensation, which is a fault with the window seals.
Heat Loss
Windows are more than a way to let in light and connect to the outside. They also function as insulation for our homes. Over time, they can lose their insulation properties if their seals are damaged. This can result in the appearance of misty windows which are not just ugly, but also result in a significant loss of energy.
If the glass in the double-glazed window turns cloudy, it indicates that the seals between the panes have failed and that moisture is allowed to get into the space. This could be due to a number of factors, such as sunlight, water, changes in temperatures, and barometric pressure. As time passes, these seals will eventually break down and that's why it is essential to have your double-glazed windows replaced as soon as you notice any signs of them becoming cloudy.
As the warm air inside your home comes into contact with the cold glass surface and condenses, it leads to fog or mist that forms on the windows. This is because the dew point is located below the glass's cold surface. The dew point is the temperature at which the moisture in the air transforms into water vapour. The water vapour in the warmer air will not have a place to go, so it will fall on the colder surface on your double-glazed windows. It will stay there until it is evaporated.
There are a variety of ways to stop these issues from occurring like exhaust fans that are designed to release moisture outside. This will help lower the humidity levels in your house which is one of the primary reasons for misty windows. Also, removing all plants from your windowsill and opening windows as wide as possible will also help to balance humidity levels. If the issue persists however, it might be advisable to invest in a good quality dehumidifier which will help to keep humidity levels at a minimum and avoid fog or mist on your windows.
If you're looking to replace your windows it's also worth investing in double-glazed windows that are energy efficient. According to the Energy Saving Trust old single-glazed windows account for 25% of the heat loss in homes. Upgrading your current windows to energy-efficient PVC double-glazed ones can reduce the loss by up to 75%.
Damage to the Glass
Window glass that is damaged is not only a visual affront, but can also be a nuisance and attract unwanted invaders. It is essential to identify the root cause of these issues so you can take the necessary steps to avoid them from happening again.
A common problem is misted windows, particularly in winter. The reason for this is single or double glazing that allows moisture to penetrate into the glass and frame. This can be caused by many factors, including high humidity in the indoors and temperature fluctuations.
High-quality windows come with frames and glass that are insulated and are designed to provide better energy efficiency. They usually have double-panes. argon gas, and a seal that helps to reduce heat loss. This can save money over time on energy bills, and make the house more comfortable. Older windows with single panes might have a range of issues that affect their efficiency. They may need to be replaced in order to lower energy costs and improve comfort.
In a lot of cases, people with windows that are foggy will attempt to resolve the issue by themselves. A common recommendation is to place an air dehumidifier next to the window to eliminate the moisture. This is not necessarily negative however, it won't resolve the issue at hand the root of which is that the window seals are failing.
Water and vinegar are great ways to clean windows. This solution can either be sprayed onto the glass or wiped clean using a microfibre towel or squeegee. Once the surface has dried it can be polished and polished to remove any streaks.
If your windows have damaged seals, you need to get them repaired or replaced as soon as you can to improve the insulation of your home and avoid costly repairs in the future. Contact the experts at Portage Glass & Mirror to perform a thorough examination of your windows and suggest a course of action to restore their appearance and function.