If you've ever tried to look through your window on a damp day only to have your view blocked by a cloudy blur covering the glass, you might have asked yourself, what causes foggy windows?
It doesn't take a meteorologist to understand the causes of foggy windows. The explanation comes down to how water functions in the environment and certain problems that can come up with your window itself.
Foggy Windows Come From Condensation
The major cause of foggy windows isn't so different from the cause of fog outside. It all comes down to water, or more precisely, to condensation.
Condensation happens when warm air, full of moisture, comes into contact with a cold surface. The short version is that condensation is the process of water vapor turning back into liquid water.
When it comes to windows, this can happen in one of three ways. Condensation can form on the inside surface of your windows, the exterior surface of your windows, or between the panes of glass for insulated windows. But why?
What Causes Foggy Windows? Window Issues
While not all cases of foggy windows are due to structural problems, the two most important ones are. If your windows fog up on the outside on a hot or cold day, that's simply a matter of humid air outside and the temperature difference between the indoors and outdoors.
However, if the condensation forms on the interior side of your windows or between the two panes of insulated windows, the issue lies in flaws with the window structures.
Condensation on Interior Window Surfaces
If the foggy effect happens on the inside surfaces of your windows, the problem is due to the high humidity inside of your home. This humid air comes into contact with the window surface, and the water vapor condenses against the glass.
There can be many reasons for this to happen, but one key problem is the lack of a good seal on windows and doors. This allows wet air into your home, and the temperature difference between the inside of your home and the outside takes care of the rest.
Condensation Between Window Panes
If you have dual- or triple-paned glass windows, there's only one reason that you might notice a foggy effect between the panes. That reason is a faulty seal.
Window seal failure is common in older windows, but it can happen in more recent installations under certain circumstances. The faulty seal allows moisture to enter between the panes of glass, and the temperature differences between the indoors and outdoors cause it to turn into vapor and condense.
So, how to clear foggy windows in this case? Cleaning isn't really possible, so your options are repair or replacement.
Don't Rush to Replace Foggy Windows
While you might think your only choice is to replace the windows affected by condensation, foggy window repair is more cost-effective and also more efficient.
An experienced technician can clean up the water between the panes and perform a window seal repair in next to no time.
Restore Your Windows For a Better View
If you have dual-paned or triple-paned glass and find yourself asking, "why are my windows so foggy?" the answer may be simple. What causes foggy windows? Failed window seals allow wet air between the sheets of glass, which results in condensation.
Fortunately, window seal repair is a simple process, and you'll get a clearer view along with better energy or gas bills from better insulation.