What Causes a Misty Window?
It can be quite frustrating when the windows of your house or apartment get smudges. Fortunately, it is easy to stop and fix when you know the cause of the problem.
Many people suggest using dehumidifiers to eliminate the moisture. However, this does not address the root of the issue, which is seal failure.
Moisture Buildup
The most frequent cause of misty or foggy windows is moisture, especially in older homes that have double- or single-glazed window frames. These windows were made to keep warm air inside your home, while preventing cold air from entering, but they can also cause condensation and the build-up of moisture. If left unchecked this can lead to damage to the glass or glazed surface of your window, which could result in a more costly repair or replacement of the window.
The buildup of moisture is usually caused by warm and cold air colliding and causing moisture to build up on the window. This is more common in homes that have high levels of humidity. However, it can occur if your window seal is damaged or broken.
Everyday living generates a surprising amount of indoor moisture, each moment you boil water or prepare meals adding four or five pints of water to the air. Showers, tumble dryers and watering plants in the house all add to the indoor moisture. Even breathing in and exhaling releases water vapour. This means that the air in your home is saturated with moisture. When it cools down it will begin to liquefy on any surface it meets, including your window.
If you have a double or triple-pane window and you spot condensation between the panes, it's likely that the seal is broken or damaged. Most likely, there is a spacer held between two panes of glass and is designed to absorb any moisture that may be within the gap. This spacer will normally be invisible but you can identify it by shining a light on the window and looking for dark spots or streaks.
It is not uncommon to see black mold in the space where the spacer failed. This is not only unsightly and a health risk. Mould is difficult to remove and can also discolor the plaster walls that surround the affected window. Untreated, it can cause respiratory problems, skin irritations and asthma.
Condensation
Condensation occurs when warm, moisture-laden air comes into contact with a cooler object, such as a window. The temperature changes cause the water in air to transform from a gas into a liquid. It is normal to experience condensation however, if it is frequent it could be an issue with your ventilation and indoor humidity, or your window quality. The change in these factors can aid in resolving the issue and keep your windows clear.
Moisture buildup is the most common cause of foggy windows. If your windows are double or single glazing and a good seal, then moisture from the inside is unlikely to leak through and cause condensation. However, if your windows are older or have seals that are damaged, or when you live in a humid climate it is more likely for moisture to escape through the gaps around the window.
If the moisture isn't cleaned away, it can accumulate on the glass and form a layer of white fog on the window. Fogged windows aren't just unsightly, but they can also cause numerous issues within the home. The moisture can result in damp spots which can then become the perfect breeding ground for mould and may discolor surfaces such as wallpaper or paint. It can also worsen existing health issues such as allergies, asthma and respiratory infections.
If you notice damp in your home, it's crucial to address it as soon as you can. Otherwise, it can cause structural damage. It may also trigger the growth of fungal and bacterial infections. It can even cause the destruction of wooden structures, such as floors and roofs.
Some have suggested using defogging or shaving cream to clean the windows, however these are temporary solutions. These are aimed at making the moisture go away and not addressing the root cause of the condensation and the problem is with the window seals.
Heat Loss
Windows are not just a source of light and a connection to the outside, they also act as insulation for our homes. Unfortunately, over time they can lose insulating efficiency when the seals are damaged. double glazing misting can result in the occurrence of misty windows which are not just ugly, but also cause an enormous loss of energy.
When the glass in your double-glazed window begins to become misty, it means that the seals between the panes are not working and that moisture is allowed to get into the space. This could be due to various factors like sunlight, water, varying temperatures, or even 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 see any indication of them becoming misty.
As the warm air inside your home contacts the cold surface of glass and condenses, it results in fog or mist forming on the windows. This is because the dew point is located below the cold surface of glass. The dewpoint is the temperature where moisture in the surrounding air changes into water vapour. The water vapour in warmer air will have nowhere to go, and will fall on the colder side of your double-glazed windows. It will stay there until it vaporizes.
There are several ways to avoid these problems by using a exhaust fan designed to vent the moisture to the outside. This can lower the humidity levels in your home, which can be one of the major causes of misty windows. Also taking the plants off your window sill and opening as many windows as you can will help in balancing humidity levels. If the issue persists, it is best to invest in high quality dehumidifiers to keep humidity levels at a minimum and stop fog or mist from growing on your windows.
Additionally, it's worth investing in energy-efficient double-glazed windows if you're looking to replace your windows. 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 windows can reduce this by up to 75 percent.
Damage to the Glass
Damage to windows is not just ugly, it can also affect the overall comfort level of the building and also attract unwanted invaders. It is essential to identify the root cause of these issues so that you can make the necessary changes to prevent them from occurring again.
Misty windows are a typical issue, particularly in winter. The reason for this is single or double glazing that allows moisture to penetrate into the glass and frame. This is caused by various factors, including high indoor humidity and temperature fluctuations.
Good windows have frames and glass that are insulated and are designed to provide better energy efficiency. These windows are often double-paned, and come with the gas argon and seal to reduce heat loss. This will save you money on energy bills and make your home more comfortable. Older windows with single panes could have a variety of issues that reduce their efficiency. They may have to be replaced to save energy and increase comfort.
In many cases, people who have windows that are cloudy will try to solve the issue by themselves. It is common to recommend placing a dehumidifier close to the window in order remove any excess moisture. This is not necessarily negative however, it won't solve the underlying issue, which is that your window seals are failing.
Vinegar and water are a great way to clean windows. This solution can either be sprayed on the glass or wiped clean using a microfibre towel or squeegee. Once the glass is dry it can be polished and buffed to get rid of any streaks or spots.
It is crucial to repair or replace damaged seals on your windows as fast as you can. This will improve the insulation of your home and will prevent further repairs. Contact the experts at Portage Glass & Mirror to conduct a thorough inspection of your windows and recommend the best course of action that will improve their appearance and function.