How to repair foggy windows?

Jim Cowan
by Jim Cowan

I have a large picture window (approx 8' X 5' 8") that is foggy (inside glass surfaces). Window is fine otherwise (no cracks or damage of any kind visible). Having trouble finding a window shop that will even look at the problem. Is this a DIY fix or will I actually have to replace the window? Difficult to see fogging in the pictures, but the entire window looks "dirty" on the inside. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

  15 answers
  • If it's double-pane glass, the seal between the 2 panes may be broken. Here's a link that explains it and your options:

    https://www.thespruce.com/fogged-windows-repair-options-1822911

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Jan 19, 2022

    If this is double pane window,the seal has been breached and you'll have to replace it or repair it...or live with it. Here is a how to repair the window:


    https://newmiddleclassdad.com/double-pane-foggy-window-repair/

  • Janice Janice on Jan 19, 2022

    Jim, Apparently the seal has been compromised an is causing the foggy appearance. Probably the only real solution is to have a new window installed in the space.

  • William William on Jan 19, 2022

    Double pane glass the seal has failed and the inert gas (argon) has leaked out allowing air to displace it. The glass panel needs to be replaced. Ace Hardware sells double pane glass panels. They also have people that replace it. The whole window does not need to be replaced.

  • Dee Dee on Jan 19, 2022

    Up until recently, fogginess in insulated glass was something you either lived with or dealt with by full-scale replacement of the IGU. This can involve the replacement of the entire sash—the IGU plus the wooden or fiberglass frame around the glass—or removal and replacement of just the IGU panel inside the sash frame. There are entire businesses devoted to fabricating new IGU panels according to specifications and installing them in existing window frames. This is not an inexpensive process, though it is cheaper than having the entire window unit repaired. And new IGU panels come with a warranty against failure for some amount of time after installation.


    Replacement of the IGU or IGU-plus-sash is usually cheaper than total window replacement because less labor and fewer parts are required. However, it can be difficult to find a company that will replace your IGUs or sashes only. Window companies make their real money with whole-house or substantial partial-house window replacements, not by switching out the occasional sash. Per-window costs will be best if you have many window sashes to replace, since this is more attractive to contractors.

    There is, however, another technique that can be tried. Foggy windows can be repaired using a defogging procedure. Still a fledgling niche industry, window defogging is capable of producing cosmetic results that help improve visibility in your windows. On the downside, defogging does nothing to restore the window's insulating ability (R-value) to its original level. Defogging is a controversial practice, criticized by some experts but lauded by some homeowners who are happy with the cosmetic improvements.

    Professional defogging contractors follow a simple procedure:

    1. The technician drills tiny holes in the glass to expel the moisture from between the glass panes.
    2. An anti-fog solution is applied to the inside of the IGU.
    3. A liquid sealant is added to the bottom of the glass.
    4. A seal is installed in the drilled hole.

    Defogging costs about half of what it costs to replace an entire IGU. While it does get rid of the fog and make your window look better, it does not replace the inert gas between the glass panes, nor does in restore the thermal performance of the window.

  • Mogie Mogie on Jan 19, 2022

    Sounds like the seal is broken. You can buy a new window or try this fix:

    Double Pane Foggy Window Repair – DIY in 3 Easy Steps

    https://newmiddleclassdad.com/double-pane-foggy-window-repair/

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Jan 19, 2022

    Sadly, this means your seal is cracked or broken. you could contact a glass company for a repair or replacement. This isn't a DIY unless you want to replace the window yourself.


  • Sharon Sharon on Jan 19, 2022

    There are people who fix this and they do sell kits.,,, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du-Fu2V4oVo

    I had one of those huge arched windows that fogged.... and notice the fogging and condensation disappeared on hot sunny days, so the next time it cleared, I ran a hot dryer on it for awhile, then I went over the whole seal with clear silicon caulk, wiping any excess away. Took me 2 tries but it worked. It would have been over $1000 to replace.


  • Maura White Maura White on Jan 20, 2022

    You could try a product like this: https://amzn.to/3FLR3Cu

  • Annie Annie on Jan 21, 2022

    Unfortunately the seal is shot. Need new window

  • Homeroad Homeroad on Jan 23, 2022

    If the fog is in between the glass you are going to need to replace the window. I have the same issue with one of my windows.

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Jan 25, 2022

    You can’t that is a gas put in there by the manufacture.somehow the seal was broken and moisture got in the window.

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Jan 31, 2022

    that means there is a leak between. a layers .. I will contact place where you purchased them

  • It’s likely the seal that failed and generally speaking, it’s quite difficult and expensive to repair which is why you’re not getting a response from shops. Most often people replace the window.