5 Misty Window Myths You Should Stay Clear Of

What Causes a Misty Window? It can be frustrating when the windows of your house or apartment fog. It is easy to fix the issue and prevent it from happening again if you understand what causes it. Many people recommend dehumidifiers to eliminate moisture. However it does not address the root cause of the problem, which is seal failure. Moisture Buildup The most common cause of misty or foggy windows is condensation, especially in older homes that have single- or double-glazed window frames. These types of windows were designed to keep warm air inside your home, and prevent cold air from entering, but they can also lead to condensation and moisture accumulation. This can result in damage to your window's glass or glass surface, which could result in a more costly repair or replacement. The formation of moisture is usually caused by cold and warm air meeting and causing moisture to form on the window. This is more common in homes with high levels of humidity. However, it could occur even if the window seal is damaged or defective. Every day life generates a shocking amount of indoor moisture with every moment you boil water or cook food adding four or five pints of water to the air. Every shower, tumble dryer usage and watering of the house plants adds more. Even breathing in and out produces tiny amounts of 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 comes into contact with even your window. If misted window repair cost www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk have a double or triple-paned window and you notice condensation in between the panes it is likely that the seal has been damaged or broken. Most likely, there is a spacer held between two panes of glass and this will be designed to absorb any moisture that may be in the gap. The spacer is usually invisible but can be spotted by shining a flashlight at the window to see if there are any streaks or dark spots. If the spacer is not working, it is not uncommon to find black mould in this area, which is both ugly and a health hazard. It can be difficult for mould to eliminate and can affect the plaster walls surrounding the affected window. If left untreated, it can lead to irritations to the skin, respiratory problems and asthma. Condensation Condensation occurs when warm humid air comes in contact with a cooler object, such as a window. The change in temperature causes the air's moisture to transform from a gas into liquid. It is normal to experience condensation however, if it happens frequently it could indicate an issue with your ventilation and indoor humidity or window quality. Changing these factors may help you resolve the issue and keep your windows clear. The majority of windows that have a cloudy appearance are caused by condensation. If your windows are well-insulated with single or double glazing and have a good seal, then moisture from inside the house is unlikely to get through and cause condensation. If the windows are older or have seals that are damaged or if you live in an area that is humid and humid, water will likely escape through the gaps. If the moisture isn't removed, it could build up on the glass and form a layer of white fog on the window. Fogged windows can cause more than an unattractive appearance. They can also trigger many problems inside the home. The moisture can result in damp spots which can then become the perfect breeding ground for mould and can discolour surfaces such as wallpaper or paint. It can also cause conditions like asthma as well as respiratory and allergy infections. It is important to take care of damp when it first appears since if it is left untreated it can cause structural damage to your home. It may also trigger the development of fungal and bacteria-related infections. It can even cause the destruction of wooden structures, such as floors and roofs. You might have heard suggestions for defogging spray or wiping the windows with shaving cream, but these are just temporary solutions. These solutions are designed to remove the moisture, but not solve the issue that's causing the condensation. Heat Loss Windows aren't just a source of light and a link to the outdoors, they also provide insulation for our homes. As time passes, they may lose their insulation properties if their seals are damaged. This can result in the occurrence 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 begins to become blurred, it is a sign that the seals between the panes are not working and moisture is being allowed to enter the window. This could be due to various factors, including sunlight, water, changes in temperatures, and barometric pressure. Over time these seals will eventually break down which is why it is important to get your double-glazed windows replaced as soon as you notice any signs of them becoming hazy. When the warm air in your home comes into contact with the cold surface of glass condensation develops, which can result in fog or mist forming on the windows. This is because the dew point is located below the glass's cold surface. The dewpoint is the temperature at which the air surrounding you changes into water vapor. So the water vapour in the warmer air doesn't have a place to go, and will fall onto the colder side of your double-glazed window where it will be trapped until it evaporates. Luckily, there are several ways to avoid these problems from happening, like using exhaust fans that are designed to release the moisture out. This can help to reduce the amount of humidity within your home, which is a major cause of misty windows. Also removing the plants from your window sill and opening as many windows as possible will help in balancing the humidity levels. If the issue persists however, it might be advisable to invest in a top quality dehumidifier that will help to maintain a low humidity and avoid fog or mist on your windows. In addition, it's also 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 about 25 per cent of heat lost in homes and upgrading your current windows to energy efficient PVC double glazed ones can cut this by up to 75 percent. Damage to the Glass Damaged window glass is not only an eyesore it can also be a nuisance and 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. A common problem is misted windows, particularly during winter. The reason for this is single or double glazing that allows moisture to penetrate into the glass and frame. This can be caused by many factors, including high humidity in the indoors and temperature variations. Good windows come with frames and insulated glass designed for better energy efficiency. They typically have double-panes, argon gas and a seal that helps to reduce the loss of heat. Over time, this can aid in reducing energy bills and make homes 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 improve comfort. In many cases, people with foggy windows will try to resolve the issue by themselves. The most popular suggestion is to place an air dehumidifier next to the window to remove the excess moisture. This isn't necessarily an excellent idea but it will not solve the root issue which is that the window seals have failed. A more efficient method to clean windows is to make a mixture of vinegar and water. This solution can be sprayed on the glass and wiped down using a microfibre cloth or squeegee. Once the glass is dry, it can be polished and buffed to eliminate any streaks or spots. It is crucial to repair or replace the damaged seals on your windows as fast as you can. This will improve the insulation in your home and avoid future repairs. Contact the experts at Portage Glass & Mirror to inspect thoroughly your windows and to recommend the best course of action that will improve their appearance and function.