Wand’ring Thru Wayne & Pike County PA

Fogged Windows Can Be Repaired

Double paned windows that have become fogged or hazy is a recurring issue with many homes  15 – 3o years old.  Fogged windows are  unattractive & only functional in the most basic of ways (keeps the weather out).   The haze between the panes filters out sunlight and also blocks your view.

Then again, it could be “Pollyanna-ized” and called a “built in privacy feature!”

Or not.  All joking aside, this fogging happens as the window ages.  Until recently, the only way to get rid of the problem was to get rid of the window.

In the case of window choices in many chalet and contemporary style homes, this can be quite costly, since the windows tend to be very large, and thus, expensive.

Replacing a basic sliding glass door can cost as much as $1,000 for a standard model.  A picture or bay window could easily set a homeowner back $1,200 – $1,500.

But there’s good news for homeowners – I got the following info below from a local Poconos home inspector.  It seems that these windows can be repaired – or de-fogged – for a fraction of the cost of new windows, and the work is guaranteed for 20 years!

Imagine getting another 20 years out of your windows!  Read on:

Windows Fail Due to a Variety of Reasons — Provided by Affordable Inspections, Inc.

1. Flaws to the window during manufacturing.  This includes voids and separation of seals and the spacer bar.
2. Damage caused during transportation and installation.
3. Exposure and building pressure.
4. Day to Day atmospheric pressure.

Radiant Heat caused by atmospheric pressure is by far the most destructive.

Window Condensation Process

During the day as the sun rises, the air molecules between the panes of glass are heated.  As the space is heated, this causes the window glass to expand apart.

As the sun sets in the evening and temperatures drop, the molecules between the two panes of glass cool.  This causes contraction of the air space resulting in the panes of glass contracting in towards each other.

This process of heating and cooling of the airspace is called Solar Pumping.  As the air between the glass cools, it cannot hold as much water vapor as warm air.  The result is water droplets in your window.  This also creates dew on the grass.

The window treatment uses a patented process for removing moisture. It has been successfully used on hundreds of thousands of foggy windows and doors.

Basically, the window or door is re-egineered to allow the moisture in the failed unit to escape.  During the process, the inside of the glass surfaces are cleaned using patented processes.  Once the moisture has escaped, patented valves prevent moisture from returning.

Once the unit has been re-engineered, the R value will be permanently recovered and this service is backed by a 20 year warranty.

Call or Email now for further details.

Affordable Home & Building Inspections

570-470-9410

Affordable Pocono Home Inspections Website

Window image by Uberculture, used with permission via Flickr Creative Commons license.