10 Things You've Learned From Kindergarden Which Will Help You With Misty Window
What Causes a Misty Window?
It can be a hassle when the windows of your home or apartment get smudges. It is easy to fix the issue and prevent it from happening if you understand what causes it.
Many people recommend dehumidifiers as a way to eliminate moisture. However, this does not address the root of the problem that is seal failure.
Moisture Buildup
The most common cause of misty or foggy windows is condensation, especially in older homes that have double- or single-glazed window frames. These windows were designed to stop cold air from entering your home, while keeping heat inside. However, they can result in condensation and moisture build-up. This could cause damage to the window's glazed or glass surface, which could cause a costly repair or replacement.
The buildup of moisture is usually caused by warm and cold air meeting and causing moisture to form on the window. This is more prevalent in homes that have high levels of humidity. However, it can also happen if your window seal is damaged or broken.
Every day life generates a shocking amount of indoor water, with every moment you boil water or prepare meals adding four or five pints to the air. Showers and tumble dryers, as well as watering plants in the house all add to the indoor moisture. Even breathing in and exhaling releases water vapour. The air in your home is saturated with water vapour, and as it cools it will liquefy any surface it comes into contact with including your windows.
If you have a triple- or double-paned window and notice condensation between the panes, it is likely the seal has been damaged or broken. There is usually a gap between the two panes, and it is designed to absorb any moisture that enters the gap. This spacer will normally be invisible however, you can detect it by shining a flashlight on the window and searching for streaks or dark spots.
It is not uncommon to find black mold in the region where the spacer failed. It's not just unsightly but also a health risk. It can be difficult for mould to eliminate and can discolour plaster walls around the affected window. If not treated, misty window repairs could lead to respiratory problems asthma, skin irritations.
Condensation
Condensation occurs when moist and warm air comes into contact with a surface cooler like the window. The change in temperature causes the water in the air to turn from gas (water vapor) into liquid (water droplets). This is normal, however when you notice frequent condensation it might indicate a problem with your ventilation, indoor humidity levels, or the quality of your windows. You can resolve the problem by changing these factors.
The majority of windows that have a cloudy appearance are caused by moisture buildup. If your windows are well-insulated with double or single glazing and have a strong seal, moisture from inside the home will not be able to pass through and cause condensation. However, if your windows are older or have seals that are damaged, or if you live in a humid climate, moisture is more likely to escape through the gaps around the window.
If the moisture isn't eliminated it can build up on the glass, causing a layer of fog to appear on the window. Fogged windows aren't only ugly, but they can also trigger a host of problems in the home. Moisture can cause damp spots, which can breed mould and cause discoloration of surfaces such as wallpaper or paint. It can also exacerbate health issues such as asthma respiratory infections, allergies and asthma.
If you notice damp in your home, it is important to treat it as soon as possible. If not, it can cause structural damages. It may also promote the growth of bacterial and fungal infections. It could even lead to the destruction of wooden structures, such as flooring and roofs.
Some people have suggested using defogging cream or shaving cream to clean the windows, but these are temporary solutions. These are meant to make the moisture disappear, rather than fixing the underlying cause of the condensation and the problem is with the window seals.
Heat Loss
Windows aren't just a source for light and a connection to the outside, they also act as 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 windows that are smudgey, which is not just unattractive, but also result in a significant loss of energy.
If the glass in your double-glazed windows is misted, this means that the seals which separate the panes have failed and moisture has been allowed to get in. This can occur due to many factors like sunlight, water, varying temperatures and even barometric pressure. As time passes, the seals will deteriorate. This is the reason you should replace your double-glazed windows as soon as they start to mist.
As the warm air inside your home contacts the cold surface of glass, condensation forms which can result in fog or mist that forms on the windows. This is because the dew point is below the cold surface of glass. The dew point is the temperature at which the moisture present in the air transforms into water vapour. So the water vapour that is released from the warmer air doesn't have a place to go and so it will fall onto the colder side of your double glazed window where it will remain trapped until it evaporates.
Fortunately, there are many ways to stop these issues from occurring like exhaust fans that are designed to vent the moisture out. This can reduce the levels of humidity within your home, which is the main reason for misty windows. Also, removing any plants from your windowsill and opening the windows as wide as possible will also help balance humidity levels. If the problem persists however, it might be advisable to invest in a top quality dehumidifier. It will help keep humidity levels at a minimum, preventing fog or mist on your windows.
In addition, it's also worth investing in energy efficient double glazed windows if you're planning to replace your windows. According to the Energy Saving Trust, old single-glazed windows contribute around 25 per cent of heat lost in homes and upgrading your windows to energy efficient PVC double-glazed windows could reduce this by as much as 75 percent.
Glass Damage
Window glass damage isn't just ugly, it can also impact the overall comfort of an area and draw unwanted invaders. Understanding the root of these issues is essential so that you can stop these issues from occurring again.
A common issue is misting windows, especially during winter. The accumulation of moisture is caused by double or single glazing that allows moisture to seep into the frame and glass. This can be caused by many factors, such as high humidity indoors and temperature variations.
High-quality windows come with frames and insulated glass designed to be more energy efficient. They typically have double-panes, argon gas and a seal which helps to reduce the loss of heat. This will save you money on energy bills and make the house more comfortable. Windows that are older and have a single pane might have a range of problems which reduce their effectiveness. They might need to be replaced to save energy and increase comfort.
In many cases, people who have windows that are cloudy will try to solve the problem by themselves. It is common to recommend installing a dehumidifier near the window to to remove excess moisture. This isn't necessarily a bad idea, but it won't solve the underlying problem which is that the window seals aren't working.
Vinegar and water are great ways to clean windows. This solution can either be sprayed over the glass or scrubbed with a microfibre towel or squeegee. When the surface is dry and polished, it can be polished and buffed to get rid of any streaks or spots.
If you have windows with damaged seals, it's crucial to get them repaired or replaced as soon as is possible to improve the insulation of your home and prevent costly repairs in the future. Contact the experts at Portage Glass & Mirror to conduct a thorough inspection of your windows and to recommend an action plan that will improve their appearance and function.