What causes windows to Fog up in a House?

If your windows are a few years old, you might notice they’re starting to look cloudy. This is usually caused by faulty insulation, which is a common reason for foggy windows.

Check your window seals, the glass and sash. If you notice signs of wear and tear, reach out to us here at Revitalize Windows And Doors to request a free quote. Serving the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding regions we’re your go to window repair specialist. You can also read this article below to find out what are some common causes of foggy windows.

If you’ve ever noticed condensation forming on your windows, it’s often because of a big temperature difference between the inside and outside of your home. In the case of double-paned windows, this can be a sign of a broken seal. When the seal is damaged, moist air gets trapped between the glass panes, causing that annoying fog to build up.

Most modern windows are designed with insulated glass to reduce heat loss and boost energy efficiency. However, over time, wear and tear can weaken the insulation. When the seals break, windows can quickly become cloudy or misty with condensation, reducing their effectiveness and appearance.

There are a few common reasons why window seals fail, including:

Exposure to water: Check your window seals after a flood or heavy rainstorm. The perimeter seals are vulnerable to damage when there is too much water buildup near your windows.
Excess heat: Since warm air expands, the air inside a double-paned window could stretch your seals. While this won’t be an issue on every hot summer day, exposure to direct sunlight could deteriorate your window seals over time.

• Old age: After a couple of decades, you may notice fog in your double-paned windows that you can’t seem to wipe off. The seals wear down throughout their lifetime due to harsh weather conditions and the strain caused by opening and closing your windows.

Why Do the Windows Fog up in My House?

Temperature difference: Condensation forms on glass when there is a dramatic difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures. You may notice this phenomenon in fall and winter when it’s chilly outside, but your house is cozy and warm.
High humidity: Expect to see fog in the summer when there is a lot of moisture in the air. A perfect example is when you finish showering and see the mirror is all fogged up. That’s because the warm, humid air has interacted with the cool glass. Other activities that can cause this are cooking or drying clothes indoors. The extent of condensation can vary depending on the humidity level and the difference between the air and surface temperatures.

• Poor ventilation: Air can get trapped in your house due to improper ventilation. If you’ve upgraded the seals on your windows and doors to improve energy efficiency, there may be insufficient natural airflow.

How to Prevent Window Fog in Your House

Improve ventilation: A well-ventilated house can keep window condensation away. Ventilation also reduces contaminants like allergens, mold and volatile organic chemicals, enhancing your indoor air quality. Keep fans running, even in winter, to prevent the warm air from sticking to your windows.
Inspect your windows every couple of months: Examine your windows, sash and seals, proactively looking for early warning signs of decline.
Get rid of moisture: A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air that could get between your windowpanes.

Add protection to your windows: You can apply window films to regulate temperatures and prevent moisture from entering between your windowpanes.

Keeping moisture out of your home will prolong your windows’ life span. While you can’t control the outside temperature, here are some ways to limit the amount of moisture in your home as well as condensation buildup on your windows:

Use a fan while running your washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher.

Open the windows, especially in the rooms you use often.
Check your home’s insulation, including in the attic and closet spaces.
Leave room doors open.
Use your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans.
Ventilate your washer and dryer.
Inspect your outdoor gutters.
Allow proper ventilation for fireplaces.

If your windows are fogging up, here at Revitalize Windows & Doors we can replace only the glass saving you time and money from replacing the entire window. Our window repair specialist can replace the failed thermal unit in your window having it look like new again. We service the greater Toronto area and surrounding regions. Reach out to us here at revitalizewindowsanddoors.com to get a free quote on all your window repair request.