Although it is normal to spot foggy windows on buildings, especially in summer, there is nothing good about them. Fog that is stubborn and does not come off even after repeated washing routines is a serious issue that you should worry about. Windows that are constantly covered in fog look untidy and hard to see through. Besides, foggy windows could also translate into mold and moisture problems.
Based on the risks of foggy windows stated above, there is no doubt it is an issue that should be fixed as soon as possible. To effectively eliminate the problem, you should first understand the causes. Foggy windows result from condensation inside the glass or between the panels. Condensation occurs when the cool surfaces of the glass come into contact with hot moisture from the air. The surfaces of the glass cool off the moisture, which is deposited on the windows as fog.
Common Causes of Foggy Windows
There are various elements that can impact condensation on your windows including natural and temporary. Knowing why condensation occurs on your windows is an integral part of dealing with the problem of foggy windows. Nevertheless, the following are some of the common causes of condensation on windows.
Sudden changes in temperature
In most occasions, foggy windows are seen early in the morning. At night, the temperatures are usually low, hereby cooling the window glass. As the day progresses, the temperatures outside the home rise, hence, clearing the fog from the windows. On the other hand, warm temperatures inside the home can also impact condensation on the glass. But, this is an issue that you may only experience for a short period of time.
Indoor humidity
Humidity refers to the water vapor in the air both inside and outside of the building. The humidity in the indoor environment can be a result of plants, heating systems and humidifiers. Whenever you do laundry, take a bath, cook, wash the dishes or mop the floors, more moisture is generated in the home. As a result, the humidity levels will rise thereby making the windows to appear foggy.
Climatic changes
Condensation is usually at its peak when the temperatures take a quick dip. That is why there is a higher likelihood of foggy windows in fall than summer. The temperatures on your glass windows decrease as the weather cools down. This creates an ideal environment for condensation to occur. After a few weeks when the climate has changed, the fog will clear out.
New or remodeled buildings
Buildings that are newly constructed usually have moisture trapped in the walls and other materials. Besides, they also hardly allow the exchange of air. Sometimes, certain features for keeping the cold air out on new and remodeled buildings fail to work properly, resulting into high humidity levels indoors. For homes that are newly constructed or just remodeled, you can experience foggy windows for several months.
Window drapes and shades
While the shades and drapes on your windows may not directly cause condensation, they can facilitate the process. They can prevent the flow of warm air indoors over the surfaces of the glass windows. That is why there is usually a higher chance of condensation when the window drapes are closed and drapes closed. There are also some types of windows that could impact frequent condensation.
Faulty window sealant
Fog can sometimes occur between the panes in cases of double or triple glazed glass. This often results from leaks in the sealant that holds together the window glass and frame. A faulty sealant creates a gap between the two, allowing moisture to enter into the space and cause condensation.
How to Address the Problem of Foggy Windows
Foggy windows could also be a sign of underlying problems in the building. Foggy windows mean high humidity levels in the home, which can cause mold and mildew, rotting of wooden items, deterioration of insulation systems among others. In case the fog on your windows appears more often and lasts longer, you should take immediate action to preserve the integrity of the windows.
Keeping the humidity levels indoors low through increased ventilation and other measures can help fix the issue of foggy windows. However, the best way to eradicate the problem of foggy windows is having them looked at by a glass professional. Contact Glass Repair Singapore for professional windows repair and advice on how to effectively solve foggy windows.