If you have been living in or around Chicago, you’ve probably noticed the presence of dew or condensation on your windows every morning after the temperature drops from the previous day. However, there is a difference between just having a minor accumulation of surface dew versus having a completely fogged-up window. Many homeowners ask themselves: “Is replacing windows a scam if I just have a little condensation?” or “Do I really need to replace my current windows now?”.
At FixHomeGlass, we want to help our neighbours through education. Understanding why double-pane windows fog up is the first step in deciding whether you need a simple ventilation fix or a high-tech glass replacement.
The Three Types of Condensation: What is Normal?
Moisture on the glass doesn’t always mean there is a broken window; therefore, before searching for “window installation services near me,” let’s differentiate and clarify the types of condensation you commonly encounter on your windows:
- Exterior Condensation: Exterior condensation occurs under certain climatic conditions such as when the outdoor humidity is very high or the night is clear. This indicates that your energy efficient glass (especially low-E glass) is performing correctly by keeping the warmth created inside your home inside, while at the same time allowing the outside pane to be cooler than the room temperature.
Conclusion: The glass does not need replacing.
- Interior Condensation: This occurs on the room-side surface of the glass. In most cases, this type of condensation is only temporary and is caused by cooking, taking showers, or the moisture generated from breathing.
Conclusion: Adding ventilation or using a dehumidifier will help eliminate the condensation from building on the inside surface of the glass and there is no need for you to replace the glass.
- Between-the-Panes Fogging: This is the most serious issue. When you see moisture trapped between the panes of glass and cannot wipe it away, your thermal seal has failed.
Conclusion: Replacement of the Insulted Glass Unit (IGU) is necessary.
What Exactly is a Thermal Seal and Why Does It Fail?
A modern window is an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU). The thermal seal is the airtight barrier that holds the panes together, creating a protected chamber often filled with argon gas for superior insulation.
When this seal breaks, the argon gas escapes and is replaced by the weakly-gassed moist air. The result of the thermal seal failure will be:
- Your view is obscured by foggy glazing
- Your heating and cooling costs will increase
- There will be permanent ring-like deposits or minerals on the interior of your unit
Common reasons for seal failure include:
- Solar Pumping: Each time the sun rises and sets, the thermal change in temperature causes the argon gas to expand and contract, therefore applying constant stress to the thermal seal.
- Water Saturation: If moisture stays in the window frame for too long, it can break down the sealants.
- Extreme Illinois Weather: Our rapid shifts from sub-zero winters to humid summers put immense stress on every window.
The FixHomeGlass Solution: Any Season, Any Time
A common window replacement myth is that you must wait for “perfect weather” to fix your glass. At FixHomeGlass, we work all year round. We specialize in glass-only replacement and because of that the process is fast and prevents your home from being exposed to the elements for long periods.
Why Our Glass Replacement Beats Full Window Replacement:
- Cost-Effective: All you need to replace is the actual glass and not the entire frame, saving you money.
- Preserves Your Style: We keep your original wood, vinyl, or aluminum frames.
- XL Edge Technology: We primarily use Cardinal XL Edge units. These feature stainless steel spacers that are much less conductive than aluminum, keeping the edges warmer and preventing the unit from reaching its “dew point”.
- 20-Year Warranty: Each Cardinal insulated glass unit comes with a 20-year warranty on thermal seal.
Restore Your Comfort Today
Don’t let foggy or cloudy glass ruin your home’s efficiency. Whether you need a window glass inspection or a fast patio door glass replacement, our family-owned team is here to help. After a free consultation, we provide a fixed individual price after our free consultation, no hidden fees, just honest service.
Contact us today for a free assessment:
- Phone: +1 (630) 225-3105
- Email: fixhomeglass@gmail.com
