Five People You Need To Know In The Misty Window Industry
What Causes a Misty Window?
If the windows in your home or apartment get clogged up, it can cause a lot of stress. Fortunately, it is easy to stop and fix when you understand the root of the problem.
Many people suggest using dehumidifiers to eliminate the moisture. However this does not address the root cause of the issue, which is seal failure.
Moisture Buildup
Moisture is a common cause of misty windows, especially in homes with older double or single windows with glazed frames. These windows were designed to hold the heat in your home while preventing cold air from getting in but they can also cause condensation and the build-up of moisture. This could cause damage to the window's glazed or glass surface, which can cause a costly repair or replacement.
The buildup of moisture on windows is usually caused by the interaction of cold and warm air. This is most common in homes with high humidity levels however, it can also happen if the seal of your window is damaged or broken.
Every day life generates a shocking amount of indoor water, with every time you boil water or prepare meals adding four or five pints to the air. Showers or tumble dryers, and watering plants in the house all add to the indoor moisture. Even breathing in and out creates tiny amounts of water vapour. This means that the air in your home is saturated with moisture and when it cools, it will liquify on any surface it touches, including your window.
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. Usually, there will be an opening between two glass panes and it is designed to trap any moisture that might be within the gap. The spacer is usually invisible but can be spotted by gently shining a light at the window to check for any streaks or dark spots.
When the spacer fails it is not unusual to discover black mould in this area, which is both unsightly and a potential health hazard. The mould is difficult to get rid of and can cause discoloration of the plaster walls that surround the affected window. If left untreated, it can lead to irritations to the skin, respiratory problems and asthma.
Condensation
Condensation occurs when warm moist air comes into contact with a cooler object, such as a window. The change in temperature causes the air's moisture to turn into a gas (water vapor) into a liquid (water droplets). It is normal to experience condensation, however, if it is frequent it could be problems with your air conditioning and indoor humidity, or your window quality. Changing these factors may help you resolve the problem and keep your windows clear.
Moisture buildup is the primary cause of foggy windows. If your windows are double or single glazing and a strong seal then moisture from the inside is unlikely to escape and cause condensation. However, if your windows are older or have damaged seals, 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 drained, it can accumulate on the glass causing fog to form on the window. Fogged windows are not just unsightly, but they can also trigger many issues within the home. Moisture can cause damp spots which can breed mould and discolor surfaces such as wallpaper or paint. It can also cause a worsening of existing health issues, such as asthma, allergies and respiratory infections.
If you notice damp in your home, it's essential to take care of it as soon as possible. Otherwise, it can cause structural damages. It could also trigger the development of fungal and bacterial infections. It could even cause the destruction of wooden structures such as flooring and roofs.
You may have heard suggestions for defogging spray or wiping the windows with shaving cream, but these are just temporary solutions. These solutions are intended to remove the moisture, not fix the issue that's causing the condensation.
Heat Loss
Windows aren't only a source of light and a connection to the outside, they also provide insulation for our homes. However, over time, they may lose their insulation when seals get damaged. This can result in windows that are misty that are not just unsightly, but also lead to a significant energy loss.
If the glass of the double-glazed window turns blurred, it is a sign that the seals between the panes have failed and moisture is being allowed to enter the window. This can be caused by various causes, including sunlight, water, changes in temperatures, and barometric pressure. Over time, the seals will begin to fail. This is the reason you should replace your double-glazed windows as soon as they start to mist.
When the warm air in your home contacts the cold glass surface, condensation forms which leads to fog or mist that forms on the windows. This is because the dew point lies below the cold surface of glass. The dew point is the temperature at which moisture in the air changes into water vapour. So the water vapour that is released from the warmer air has nowhere to go and will fall onto the colder surface of your double glazed window where it will be kept until it evaporates.
There are several ways to avoid these problems like using an exhaust fans that are designed to let the moisture outside. Repair My Windows And Doors can help reduce the amount of humidity in your home, which can be one of the major causes of misty windows. Also removing the plants from your window sill and opening the windows as wide as you can will help balance humidity levels. If the problem continues however, it might be advisable to invest in a top quality dehumidifier. It can help keep humidity levels low and prevent fog or mist from forming on your windows.
In addition, it's also worth investing in energy efficient double-glazed windows if you are looking to replace your windows. According to the Energy Saving Trust, old single-glazed windows account for around 25% of the heating loss in homes. upgrading your windows to energy efficient PVC double glazed ones can reduce this figure by as much as 75 per cent.
Damage to the Glass
Window glass that is damaged is not only a visual affront, but can also be a nuisance and attract unwanted intrusions. Understanding the root of these problems is crucial so that you can stop them from happening in the future.
Misty windows are a typical problem, especially in winter. The accumulation of moisture is caused by single or double glazing that allows moisture to get into the glass and frame. This can be caused by many factors, such as high indoor humidity and temperature fluctuations.
Quality windows have frames and glass that is insulated and designed to be more energy efficient. They are usually double-paned and feature an argon gas seal and to limit the loss of heat. This could save money in the long run on energy bills and make your home more comfortable. However, windows that have single panes can have a variety of problems that affect their efficiency and could require replacement to lower energy consumption and improve the comfort of your home.
In a lot of cases, people who have windows that are cloudy will try to solve the issue by themselves. It is typical to suggest placing a dehumidifier close to the window to get rid of any excess moisture. This isn't necessarily an ideal solution, but it won't solve the root issue, which is that the window seals aren't working.
A more efficient method to clean a window is to make a mixture of water and vinegar. This solution can be sprayed onto the glass or wiped clean using a microfibre towel or squeegee. Once the glass is dry it can be polished and buffed to eliminate any streaks or spots.
It is essential to repair or replace the damaged seals on your windows as soon as you can. This will improve the insulation in your home and prevent future repairs. Contact the experts at Portage Glass & Mirror to inspect thoroughly your windows and recommend a course of action that will improve their appearance and function.