Do I Have To Replace My Foggy Insulated Windows? Can't I Just Do Some Window Repairs?

So, you have foggy insulated windows. Foggy windows are usually the result of water condensation trapped in between the thermal panes of your windows. No, it's nothing that you have or haven't done. Moisture build-up within panes naturally takes place over time due to various reasons. To have a better understanding of what window repair or window replacement options you have for foggy windows, let us first go back to the basics of insulated glass panes.

Insulated windows, also called double-pane windows or insulated glass, are made up of two panes of glass placed parallel to each other with a space in between. The perimeter of the glass is then completely sealed, keeping outside air from going into the space between the glass panes.

Contrary to single-pane windows which have practically no insulation value, insulated glass units are common energy conservation measures in residences and commercial buildings, and are even mandatory in some states.

Four main components affect the overall efficiency of insulated glass, and its overall cost. These are:

1.    The Glass Used. Insulated panes may use coated or uncoated glass. Coated glass works better because a coating of thin metallic oxide is applied on it which decreases the amount of heat that passes through the panes.  Coated glass is also called "Low e", meaning low emissivity.

2.    The Gas Used between Panes. For the best efficiency possible, Argon and Krypton are the choice gases for insulated glass because they are the most effective in slowing down the movement of heat through the air space. These gases are also the most expensive. In the more affordable insulated glass windows, dehydrated air is used.

3.    The Type of Spacing Material. The spacing material used is also critical in producing efficient windows. Many companies use aluminum, which is actually a poor choice considering the heat-conducting properties of this material. Lately however, manufacturers have been trying out more suitable spacing materials such as stainless steel or a combination of composite metal and rubber.

4.    The Window Frame Material. Even if it has nothing to do with the glass at all, the material used for framing the window is also an important factor to consider. Solid metal frames, although commonly used, are not quite a good fit for this purpose as they draw the heat out of the house, canceling out some of the effect of the insulated windows. Better and newer framing materials are wood, vinyl-clad wood, or metal with insulators between the inside and outside components.

Now let's go back to the original problem of foggy windows. Sad to say, fogged up or cloudy insulated windows cannot be repaired. As window seal failure and moisture entering the glass panes is an irreversible process, there are no window repair options and the only question for you is if you can just have the glass panel replaced or the whole window (hopefully not).

The typical rule of thumb when replacing foggy windows is that metal windows can be easily disassembled allowing you to just replace the glass, while most wood windows need to be purchased as a complete sash, meaning frame included.   

If you have a branded window, the process is made easier because you can just contact a representative of the company to assess your window repair needs. In most cases with big manufacturers, they would have custom replacement panels ready for installation so that you won't even need to take your window apart for measurements.

For the cheaper or "no-brand" windows, some trial and error might be needed in disassembling the glass panes from the frames. You might also need to have customized glass window replacement made for these. In this case, it is best to have a professional window contractor take a look at your windows.

If you have foggy windows in Minneapolis, MN area and need them replaced, visit the Minneapolis windows directory to find a contractor.