Do you have a window that is too hazy to get a good view outside? This is called a ‘foggy’ window.
Over the years, well-insulated windows prevent fogging but their seal may fail. This allows outside air to get between the glass panes, with moisture building up slowly and becoming condensed. You will observe fog when the weather cools because of extreme heat from the inside combined with cold from the outside.
This foggy window can be repaired, and it is best done by a professional from Academy Glass. But, if you want to do it yourself, here are a few vital steps to follow for glass home window repair in Toronto.
Steps to Repair a Foggy Home Window in Your Toronto Home
Here are a few steps to follow to repair your foggy home window.
1. How to Defog a Window
It may happen that your glass window sealant is not wholly damaged and you wish to fix it quickly. Undoubtedly, defogging this window is an effective way to enhance its ability to help you see the outside view without a great deal of hassle. This method is cost-effective but does not replace the inert gas between glass panes or restore the thermal performance of the window. Here are a few steps to follow:
- Use safety goggles and gloves because the glass may break at any time. To fix a foggy window with double panes without removing it, drill two tiny holes in the outside pane. One hole will be at the top and the other at the bottom. This is done to expel moisture between the panes.
- Glue a one-inch plastic tube inside the lower hole using glue or caulk to keep it in the right place. Allow it to dry.
- When the tube becomes secure, spray cleaning and rinsing solutions through the upper hole and clean the inside of the panes. A plastic tube must drain the soiled solution from the hole below.
- Use a premium drying agent and ensure that the inside of the glass pane is properly cleaned.
- Inject an anti-fog coating through a hole.
- Once the cleaning is done, seal off the holes safely before more moist air enters. Then clean up the holes and cover them using a high-quality air sieve in order to remove dust, moisture, and insects.
Defog by Removing the Whole Glass Window
When the seal is damaged fully, the window will not be thermally efficient unless you reseal it. If you don’t repair this sealant, the window may become foggy again. For this emergency glass repair in your Toronto home, follow these steps:
- Remove the window’s rim and remove the panel using a suction cup. (This trim is a wood or composite piece that covers up the seam where the window meets the wall.)
- Dismantle this window panel by separating the glass from its sealant using a razor. Then, remove the frames, glass, and sealant. Be alert to remove this seal; don’t break the glass pane.
- Remove sealant residue on the window glass. Make sure to clean each pane individually to remove debris, streaks, or dirt.
- Then trim the sealant from the window frame, empty the silica beads, and then refill them using fresh silica. These small beads of silica gel soak moisture that may penetrate the window.
- Keep the two glass panes together with the window frames and then use silicone caulk across the sash edges. When it becomes dry, take out the excess. Then apply the window seal and ensure you have one thick layer on every corner. When it is dried, put the panel in the right place and secure it properly.
1. Defog by Replacing the IGU
Most modern windows have insulated window units called IGU (insulated glass units) which means two to three glass panes with argon or krypton gas between the panes. These are factory-sealed in order to have a single unit. Generally, these IGU units lose the inert gas in the gap between the panes and the sealant wears down and may ultimately break down. The best windows have a warranty against failure of the glass seal.
These are the vital steps you must follow to repair a foggy home window in your Toronto home. Although you can repair it yourself, hiring a pro ensures that the task is done safely and correctly. Contact our glass repair experts to handle this defogging procedure and fix it easily. Our expert team will arrange a visit at your convenience to enjoy our repair services.