Foggy Window Solutions

Condensation is the fog that suddenly appears in cold weather on the glass of windows and sliding glass doors. It can block out the view, drip on the floor, freeze on glass...it's annoying! It's natural to blame the windows...but you shouldn't.

What causes window condensation?

1. Condensation can develop between the panes if the seal fails. When this happens, the vacuum or gas escapes and the outside air is free to invade the space between the panes, resulting in a bbuild-upof moisture or condensation. Seals can fail due to faulty installation, inferior sealants or extreme temperatures and weather conditions

If you have an older home subject to frequent temperature changes, our insulated glass (IG) units can help balance the indoor climate. If your home already has double-pane windows, but there is condensation or a “milky” appearance between the panes of glass, it’s time to contact our glass specialists. 

2. Window condensation can also be the result of excess humidity in your home. The glass only provides a cold surface on which humidity can visibly condense. The fog on your windows is a form of condensation; so is the water that forms on the outside of a glass of iced tea in the summer and on the bathroom mirrors and walls after someone takes a hot shower. Condensation usually occurs first on windows because glass surfaces have the lowest temperature of any of the interior surfaces in the house. When the warm, moist air comes into contact with the cooler glass surfaces, the moisture condenses.

The important thing is, your foggy windows and sliding doors are trying to tell you to reduce indoor humidity before it causes hidden, costly problems elsewhere in your home - problems like peeling paint, rotting wood, buckling floors, insulation deterioration, mildew, even moisture spots in ceilings and walls. Foggy windows and sliding doors are the indicators, the warning signs, that humidity could be damaging your home.

Double Pane windows can help increase your home’s insulation. Contact us today and we would be happy to come to your home and assisit in assessing your home and find you a solution to your foggy window’s. 604-929-7292

TIPS FOR FURTHER REDUCING YOUR HOMES HUMIDITY

1. Use Exhaust Fans: Exhaust fans are common in bathrooms, kitchens, and other places that are likely locations for hot water usage. Make sure to use these fans whenever necessary as they will keep the moist air from escaping to other parts of the house as well as decreasing humidity levels at the source.

2. Take Shorter Showers: Most of the moisture in the air in your home will get there from one source: steam. The most likely culprit for this is long, hot showers in improperly vented bathrooms. By reducing the amount of time you spend in the shower, you will not only reduce the amount of water that escapes into the air, you will also use less water and spend less money on heating that water.

3. Hang Damp Clothes Outside: Except in the case of adverse weather conditions, there is no good reason to hang wet or damp clothing to dry inside if you already have a humidity problem. The water evaporating from your clothing or towels has nowhere to go but into the air of your home. Instead, hang these items outside whenever possible so the unwanted moisture stays outside where it belongs!

4. Only Run Washers When Full: Some clothes or dishwashers have settings for the size of the load but many do not. Prevent unnecessary water wastage and unnecessary humidity by only running these appliances when they are full.

5. Don’t Turn Your Home into a Jungle: Plants can be a great addition to a home: they purify the air and are great decoration but they also create extra humidity in your home. If plants are forming mold, you may have too many. Consider giving one or two away and see if that helps the atmosphere of your home.

6. Open Windows and Doors: Air circulation will do a lot in reducing the stuffy, sticky feeling of a humid home so open up those windows and doors when possible to let in fresh air. Keep inside doors open so air flows freely through the home.

7. Do a Moisture Audit: Once you have taken care of these easy ways of reducing humidity, perform one final check around your property to look for any less obvious problems that could be contributing to the moisture in the air:

Glass is't just for Windows

Glass isn’t just for Windows!

When thinking of glass, most people think windows for their home, car or business. But you would be amazed at how many other things Glass Doctor works on. Glass is often used in home décor on items such as tabletops, cabinets, shelving, showers and patio doors.

Glass-topped dining tables are very stylish and don’t stain or warp like wooden tables can. They also don’t require polishing, and you can place hot dishes directly on the glass. Many people choose a glass top for a table so they can customize the shape and size such as round, rectangle, square or to custom fit a specific area.

Many homeowners opt for glass shelves, as they appear to float and don’t detract from the items being showcased. This leads to clean lines in a home and can be utilized in all rooms for displaying items such as books, candles, flowers and more. And new technology allows for tongue and groove glass shelves that require no unsightly hardware.  

Shower doors are often used in place of shower curtains. A beautiful shower is the centerpiece of any bathroom. It allows light into the space and can make showering more enjoyable. A well-appointed bathroom can greatly increase the value of your home. Glass Doctor has many shapes, sizes, designs and colors available for handling your updating needs. 

Patio Doors take a lot of abuse at home with people in and out on a daily basis. Ensuring that you have energy efficient glass in these doors will help keep the heat in and reduce your energy costs. Not only are these doors an outlet to your yard but also they serve as security and a light source. Make sure you select and maintain your patio glass with care.

Whatever your glass needs, Glass Doctor has many different styles to best suit your home and your décor needs.

Clearing the Fog

Your Glass Doctor can diagnose whether a fogged IGU window can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced.

IG units are windows made from two or more pieces of flat pane glass separated by a sealed air space. If your home already has double-pane windows, but there is condensation or a “milky” appearance between the panes of glass, Glass Doctor needs to diagnose whether or not we can repair the foggy windows or recommend replacing the windows. Glass Doctor can upgrade your existing IGU windows with new energy-efficient glass replacements.

Foggy windows cause your home to lose energy efficiency. If you have an older home subject to frequent temperature changes IG units can help balance the indoor climate. In the winter IG units reduce cold transmittance at windows and help maintain a consistent temperature in the home. In the summer IG units reduce heat gain from outside. As a result your home’s air conditioning and heating system should run less, saving energy and money. In general IG units may cost three times more than single pane glass windows. But that cost can be recovered in a few short years through lower energy bills.

Glass Doctor of North Vancouver can help you select the best IG units for your home’s climate, from a wide variety of manufacturers. Call 604-984-4527  for an appointment today.