The cause is a failure in the edge seal that secures the individual panes of glass.
If you notice a window seal failure, you have a few options.
What Is an Insulated Window?
penkanya / Getty Images
An insulated window features two or three panes of glass with open space between the panes.
This window assembly is an IGUan acronym for insulated glazing or insulated glass units.
Insulated windows are sometimes called thermopanes or thermal windows.
Inert gases are less heat-conductive than air or a vacuum space.
When a seal that protects the window edges breaks, the inert gases can escape.
It appears to have one seal but has two seals working together.
Improper installation can also cause a seal to fail.
However, all seals will expire eventually.
Windows are not removed and replaced; all materials stay in place.
Glass replacement companies make replacement IGUs that can be installed in existing window frames.
In a mild to moderate climate, you may never reap the full benefits of thermal windows.
They have the experience and tools to get the job done right and quickly.
However, a determined DIYer can get the job done and save the labor costs.
Before you consider defogging, know that the reviews of defogging are mixed.
The better option is to hire a window specialty company.
Professionals are also best poised to replace the IGU within a frame.
This is a complicated DIY project, but it can be considerably cheaper than replacing an entire window.
Fixing the seal is more complicated than just adding a window’s rubber seal replacement.
A window specialist may charge between $70 and $245 or more to fix a window seal.
Window Gas Fills: What Inspectors and Consumers Should Know.The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.
