During colder parts of the year, you may notice your windows fogging up. This may be a small amount around the bottom edge, or it may cover a large portion of your windows. But regardless of how severe the condensation is, it should not be ignored. Fogging windows leads to excess condensation, which can cause major problems with moisture in your home. That is why it is important to understand where the fogging comes from and what to do about it. Here are some tips to help prevent this problem and when you may need to consider replacement windows in Michigan for your home.
What Causes Foggy Windows in Michigan and How to Fix It
When it comes to foggy windows it’s not something that happens all of a sudden. In fact, many times the windows will get worse and worse depending on the problem. It may start as a small spot on the window but if it’s not dealt with it can quickly become a huge problem. For extended periods of time where you don’t take action your home may also experience mold damage from the excess moisture. Don’t wait if you have foggy windows or condensation around the window frames. Here’s some tips on how to prevent this and what you should do if you find your windows aren’t clear as they once were.
What Causes Fogging Windows?
There are really two types of window fogging. The first is fogging on and around the window pane. This is the most common type of fogging and is typically caused by a lack of insulation around the windows and the temperatures inside and outside your home differ greatly. The other way windows fog is when the seal between panes of glass is broken. If you have a double or triple pane window, they have seals in between each pane. When one of these seals is broken, air can get in and the difference in temperatures can cause fogging in this space.
How to Treat Fogging Windows?
The best way to prevent damage from condensation is to wipe away as much moisture as possible. If moisture is allowed to sit on your windows it can lead to mold growth that can spread and lead to health problems and home damage. But otherwise, you will need to either repair or replace your windows to fix the full problem.
Repairing or Replace the Windows in Your Home that Are Foggy?
When it comes to deciding whether to repair or replace your windows, it comes down to several factor. The first thing to consider is what the overall issue is. If your windows have seal damage or a lack of insulation, it may be something that can be repaired, but it is important to have a professional inspect the window and decide whether a repair can be done.
You also need to consider how old the windows are and whether they are able to fully do their job. Older windows are far more likely to have problems as the materials degrade. If your windows are over 10 years old, you may want to consider just replacing your windows and starting fresh with no issues.
Another thing to consider is what type of windows and insulation you have. If you have single pane windows with a poor energy efficiency rating, you may want to replace your windows for something more environmentally friendly, that will also save you money on your energy bills. Multiple pane windows, gas fillings, low-e coatings and better insulation is all available to help you save money on your heating and cooling costs. You can also opt for windows that have a strong rating for preventing condensation.
Preventing Fogging in the Future
The best ways to prevent fogging is to choose windows that have proper insulation and can better resist condensation. But if new windows are not in your budget, you should consider trying to keep the difference in temperature inside and outside your home as small as possible.
If you’ve found condensation around your home’s windows or they are foggy it’s best to get them checked by a qualified home improvement contractor in Michigan. All Point Construction offers free consultations on home windows and can even help with financing if your home needs new windows installed. Call them today at 734-407-7110