FAQ
Please see below for a list of the most common window questions and answers.
Seal Failed Glass
Foggy Windows
Seal failed glass is very common with double pane windows 15+ years old. Fogging, cloudiness, iridescent marks from the exterior that won't wipe off, and a hazy appearance as all common signs of a seal failed window.
The double pane glass is called an IGU or insulated glass unit. The two panes of glass are sealed together when made to keep humidity and condensation out while reducing the transfer of hot or cold air through the window.
When the seal between the panes fails, humidity and outside air gets between the panes of glass and creates the foggy appearance. This may be more evident or less evident depending on the weather and humidity levels.
To resolve this issue, the IGU within your window needs to be replaced. We provide and install replacement IGU's to match the original glass in your window.
Broken Glass
Cracked or Broken Glass
We receive a lot of questions about windows that crack or have broken for no apparent reason. Although it is not always clear why glass has cracked or broken even after taking a window apart and investigating, here are a few possible explanations to why your window may have broken.
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Rapid Temperature Change
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Pouring boiling water into your sink below a kitchen window, especially during winter months could definitely cause the glass to break.
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Stress Cracks
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Houses settling, shifting, etc. can put stress on the edges of the glass within the frame causing the glass to break.
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Window Films
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Using the wrong window film may cause a window to crack or even seal fail prematurely. Lower quality window films can hold in excess heat on the surface of the glass causing cracks. If you would like to have your windows tinted, we recommend having a local professional tint your windows to avoid using the wrong film. We also offer different glass options that are more reflective as well as gray, bronze, and other tinted glass.
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Impacts
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On rare occasions, birds flying into windows can break or crack a window. It is also common to have a rock hit your window from a lawn mower or weed eater without seeing the rock or a specific point of impact on the glass.
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Condensation
Water On Inside Of Glass
Every winter when the temperatures start to cool down, we get calls about windows that get condensation on the surface of the glass inside of a home or business. This is different from a seal failed window. There are a number of things that cause this, however it is almost never a problem with the window or the glass.
Condensation is caused when warm humid air comes into contact with the cool surface of the glass. Because of this, it makes sense that it is most commonly seen during the colder months of the year when the outside air is cool and dry and the inside air is warm and humid. Window condensation can become a problem as the condensation can drip down causing damage to drywall, wood, or other moisture sensitive finishes.
When a piece of glass is replaced, we always use double-strength glass which is often slightly thicker than the original glass. This makes it stronger as well as increases the U-Value of the glass. New glass is reglazed into the frame with new sealants that will provide a tighter seal than the old seal which may be weathered. All of these things will contribute to a more efficient window that will prevent the humidity from leaking out of your home.
Well sealed windows, new roofs, and siding all help to seal homes and buildings from air infiltration which also means the inside of your home retains more humidity than before. As the temperature outside goes down, the humidity level inside needs to drop as well to prevent the condensation from occurring.
Here are some ways you can lower your humidity inside your home to keep this from happening:
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Use a dehumidifier and leave the humidifier off.
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Crack open windows to let humidity out.
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Keep plants away from windows as they release moisture.
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Leave blinds and window coverings up to increase airflow.
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Run a fan to circulate air.
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Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans.
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Try a moisture eliminating product, such as Damp Rid.
For more information, check out the links below.
Andersen Windows - Condensation Brochure
Renewal By Andersen - Preventing Condensation
Marvin Windows - The Truth About Window Condensation
This Old House - Preventing Condensation On Windows
Glass-Rite - Condensation On New Windows
McCann Window - Got Wet Windows? Don't Sweat Condensation
Windows & More - Why Does My Double Glazing Get Condensation On The Inside?