5 Misty Window Myths You Should Stay Clear Of
What Causes a Misty Window?
It can be frustrating when the windows of your home or apartment are smudged. It is easy to fix the issue and prevent it from happening again if you know the cause.
Many people recommend using dehumidifiers in order to remove the moisture. However, this does not fix the root of the issue, which is seal failure.
Moisture Buildup
Moisture is a common cause of misty windows, especially in older homes that have single or double windows with glazed frames. These windows were made to keep cold air from entering your home and keep heat in. However, they could result in condensation and moisture build-up. If left unchecked this can lead to damage to the glass or glazed surface of your window, which could result in the need for a more expensive repair or replacement of the window.
The buildup of moisture is usually caused by cold and warm air colliding and causing moisture to build up on the window. This is most frequent in homes with high humidity levels However, it could also occur in the event that the seal of your window is damaged or faulty.
Everyday life produces a surprising amount of indoor water, each time you boil water or cook food 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 inside your home is filled with moisture. As it cools down, it will liquify on any surface it meets including your window.
If you have a triple- or double-paned window and notice condensation between the panes, it is likely that the seal has been damaged or broken. There is usually an opening between the panes. It is designed to absorb any moisture in the gap. The spacer is usually invisible but you can identify it by shining a flashlight on the window and searching for dark spots or streaks.
It is not uncommon to see black mold in the region in which the spacer failed. misted window repair is not only ugly, but also a health risk. Mould is difficult to remove and can cause discoloration of the plaster walls around the window affected. If not treated, it could lead to respiratory problems asthma, skin irritations.
Condensation
Condensation occurs when warm humid air comes in contact with a cooler object, such as a window. The temperature changes cause the air's moisture to transform from a gas to a liquid. This is normal, but if you are experiencing frequent condensation, it could be a sign of a problem with indoor humidity, ventilation levels or the quality of your windows. The solution is by adjusting these elements.
Windows that are sagging with condensation are usually caused by the buildup of moisture. If your windows are well-insulated with double or single glazing and have a strong seal, moisture from inside the house is unlikely to get through and cause condensation. However, if the windows are old or have damaged seals, or when you live in a humid climate the likelihood of moisture to escape through the cracks around the window.
If the moisture is not removed, it could accumulate on the glass and create an opaque white fog on the window. Fogged windows are not just ugly, they can also cause numerous issues in the home. The moisture can create damp spots that can become the perfect breeding ground for mould and can discolour surfaces such as wallpaper or paint. It can also worsen existing health issues like asthma, allergies, and respiratory infections.
It is crucial to take care of damp as soon as it appears since if it is left untreated it could cause structural damage to your home. It can also promote the development of fungal and bacteria-related infections. It could lead to the destruction of wooden structures such as floors and roofs.
You might have heard suggestions like using defogging sprays or wiping the windows with shaving cream, but these are only temporary solutions. They are designed to make the moisture disappear instead of addressing the root of the condensation, which is a fault with the window seals.
Heat Loss
Windows are more than just windows to let in light and connect with the outdoors. They also function as insulation for our homes. Unfortunately, over time they may lose their insulation when seals get damaged. This can result in the appearance of misty windows which are not only unsightly but they also cause a significant loss of energy.
If the glass of your double-glazed window is misted it means that the seals that separate the panes are not working and moisture has been allowed to get in. This could be due to a number of factors, such as sunlight, water, changes in temperatures and barometric pressure. As time passes, the seals will eventually fail which is why it is crucial to have your double-glazed windows replaced immediately you notice any signs of them becoming hazy.
When the warm air inside your home gets in contact with the cold glass's surface this causes condensation to form which causes the formation of fog or mist on the windows. The reason for this is because the cold surface of the glass is below the dew point of surrounding air. The dewpoint is the temperature at which moisture in the surrounding air transforms into water vapour. Thus, the water vapour from the warmer air is unable to go and will fall on the colder surface of your double glazed window where it will be held until it is evaporated.
There are a few methods to avoid these issues like using an exhaust fan designed to vent the moisture outside. This will reduce the humidity inside your house, which is one of the primary causes of misty windows. Also removing the plants from your window sill and opening as many windows as you can will help in balancing the humidity levels. If the problem persists however, it might be best to invest in a good quality dehumidifier that can help keep humidity levels low, preventing fog or mist on your windows.
If you're looking to replace existing windows, it is also worth investing in double-glazed windows that are energy efficient. According to the Energy Saving Trust old single-glazed windows account for about 25% of heat loss in homes. Moving your windows to energy-efficient PVC double-glazed windows can reduce this by as much as 75%.
Glass Damage
Window glass damage is not just ugly, it can also impact the overall quality of life in the building and also attract unwanted invaders. Understanding the root of these issues is essential to prevent the same thing from happening again.
Misty windows are a typical problem, especially in winter. The accumulation of moisture is caused by single or double glazing that allows moisture to penetrate into the glass and frame. This is caused by many factors, including high humidity indoors and temperature variations.
Quality windows have frames and insulated glass designed to be more energy efficient. They typically have double-panes, argon gas and a seal which helps to reduce heat loss. In time, 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 affect their efficiency. They might need to be replaced to save energy and increase comfort.
Many people who have windows that are foggy try to solve the issue by themselves. It is commonplace to suggest the use of a dehumidifier in close proximity to the window in order get rid of any excess moisture. This isn't necessarily a bad idea but it will not solve the root issue which is that the window seals have failed.
Vinegar and water are a great way to clean windows. This solution can either be sprayed over the glass or wiped with a microfibre towel or squeegee. After the surface has dried, it can be polished and buffed to eliminate any streaks or spots.
If you have windows with damaged seals, it's important to get them repaired or replaced as soon as possible to improve the insulation of your home and to avoid costly repairs in the future. Contact the experts at Portage Glass & Mirror to inspect thoroughly your windows and to recommend the best course of action that will restore their appearance and function.