Why Are Your Vinyl Windows Foggy?
The Seattle Metro area experienced an explosive housing boom during the last 25 years, accompanied by an equally rocketing rise in home prices. That rising cost created a demand for cheaper windows—which usually average 5-10% of the cost of a new home. Window Manufacturers responded by offering cheap, “builder grade” vinyl windows utilizing a new “Intercept” spacer. Every mass-built development in the Seattle area built since 1998 has these vinyl windows. Visit any big box Home Improvement store and you can see them on the shelves.
Foggy windows are a huge drag, and not a pleasant sight to see at all. We see it all the time, and it’s one of those frustrating things that keep nagging at you to handle.
A QUICK HISTORY
The Seattle Metro area experienced an explosive housing boom during the last 25 years, accompanied by an equally rocketing rise in home prices. That rising cost created a demand for cheaper windows—which usually average 5-10% of the cost of a new home. Window Manufacturers responded by offering cheap, “builder grade” vinyl windows utilizing a new “Intercept” spacer. Every mass-built development in the Seattle area built since 1998 has these vinyl windows. Visit any big box Home Improvement store and you can see them on the shelves.
“BUILDER GRADE” AND WHY THAT’S BAD
While vinyl isn't the best window frame material from the get-go because it expands and contracts five times more than other material, the main reason for these vinyl window failures is really just cheap quality - in short, they’re "builder grade" which means they save the builder money. Foggy vinyl window failures can be avoided by buying higher quality vinyl windows, or replacing the failed unit with high quality double pane glass units.
THE SUN’S ROLE
Ultimately, direct exposure is the biggest cause of any window failure, and it's especially hard on vinyl windows. The first windows to fail will be the one's that get the most sun. Constant daily thermal expansion and contraction puts enormous stress on window glass and eventually leads to seal failure of the double paned unit. Whenever possible, choose a high quality sun-blocking Low-e like Cardinal 366 and upgrade to a higher quality unit to increase the lifespan of your windows. Standard or SuperSpacer spacers are far superior to Intercept spacers.
THE RED FLAGS
There are some immediate red flags to look for in your windows.
Thin glass: 3/32 instead of the standard 1/8th
U-shaped channel of low-grade steel that rusts when the inner window seal fails (Intercept Spacer)
“Desiccant” caulk lining that melts or cracks in summer heat
Average lifespan of 5-10 years
If you have Intercept spacers, your window glass will begin failing (fogging) in five to eight years. If you are the original homeowner your warranty may still be in effect. If not, we can at least replace the glass units in your “builder grade” windows with high quality units that will last for many years. Ask us for a free quote!
A Better Option
Replacing just the foggy window glass in vinyl framed windows is quick, easy and cheaper than full window replacement, with no construction noise, debris or mess.
WE GET IT
No one gets excited about their windows failing after warranty, that said, we’re here to help make the transition seamless and to solve this problem for you.
BENEFITS
Efficiency - less heat and glare in the summer, and lower heating costs in winter
Lower Noise - reduced noise from thicker glass
Superior UV Protection
Aesthetic Update
Warranty
Your Home Value Goes Up!
Let’s Fix Your Vinyl Windows!
You’ll get a free, no obligation window repair quote, and we won’t ever sell you anything you don’t benefit from - it’s how we like to serve our customers!
We will assess your windows, explain what the issues and options are, and then we'll help you find the solution that works best for you!
What would a home with no windows look like?
Windows are one of the most primary architectural design components to our homes, yet we often take them for granted! When it comes times to buy, however, there are three main things every homeowner wants out of their home's residential windows: comfort, energy efficiency and functionality. Windows have to do a lot of things for us, but unfortunately they don't last forever - time and weather eventually take their toll.
Windows are one of the most primary architectural design components to our homes, yet we often take them for granted! When it comes times to buy, however, there are three main things every homeowner wants out of their home's residential windows: comfort, energy efficiency and functionality. Windows have to do a lot of things for us, but unfortunately they don't last forever - time and weather eventually take their toll.
THE CHOICE IS YOURS
Whether it's the timeless elegance of wood windows, the practical efficiency of vinyl windows or the combination of both, we can help you find just the right window for your home and budget. We help homeowners determine the best windows for their needs by designing window packages with the goal to solve common homeowner issues.
WHAT WE DO
Whether you have a modest bungalow or a world class mansion, we can help you solve these common residential home window issues by customizing every component that goes into the windows we sell and install!
Reduce heat gain from the afternoon sun
Reduce heat loss (maximum energy efficiency)
Reduce UV fading of furniture/fabrics/flooring
Best Choice For Seattle’s Climate
There are three window types that are best suited to the weather and climate of the Pacific Northwest. These are Vinyl Windows, Wood Windows, and Wood/Clad Windows Depending on your home aesthetics, your preferences, your budget and a several other factors, any of these types may work very well for your application. However, we like vinyl windows the best, because they are the best bang for the buck when it comes to Seattle area homes, and offer the highest value for dollar generally.
Let’s talk about your new windows
You’ll get a free, no obligation window repair quote, and we won’t ever sell you anything you don’t benefit from - it’s how we like to serve our customers!
We will assess your windows, explain what the issues and options are, and then we'll help you find the solution that works best for you!
How to fix foggy windows for your Seattle area home
Fixing your foggy window is easier than it might seem, and allot cheaper too! In this article, we discuss how you can save big, and get those foggy windows replaced with less hassle and cost than you might have expected.
Your home windows have fogged up
We understand the problem well, and it’s frustrating, we get it! Foggy windows can make your home look older and more aged than it needs to, they can lower the brightness of your home, and we understand that it bothers you!
YOU'RE IN LUCK!
Not only can we fix this for you, restoring the look of your home, and increasing the brightness, but glass replacement of the double pane window glass is often much cheaper, faster and less disruptive! We can fix your foggy double pane windows for less than the cost of window replacement.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
We remove cloudy, hazy and old double pane glass units quickly and easily without needing to tear out or replace the entire window frames. And if there is rot or damage to your wood framed windows, we can repair them for less than the cost of replacement as well!
DID YOU KNOW?
Most homeowners are unaware that there is a difference
between glass replacement and window replacement.
WE’RE CERTIFIED
As a certified window replacement contractor with years of experience, Seattle Home Windows offers window glass replacement to restore the clarity and beauty to your windows. Your original window frames remain intact, while the old foggy glass units are removed. This is typically far less expensive than full window replacement. We can repair and replace the old failed double pane glass IGU's in wood windows, vinyl windows and aluminum framed windows. We can even replace hazy glass in wood doors!
WE DO THIS ALL THE TIME
Foggy glass replacement is one of our specialties, and we’ve performed this work for hundreds of home owners. The results are always a beautiful sight, and the fact that we save the homeowner money is a huge bonus!
Benefits of Glass Replacement
Window glass replacement can be performed on any kind of window or door. Vinyl windows, aluminum windows, wood windows, Weathervane or Pozzi windows, patio doors, even French Doors. Before buying all new replacement windows from a window company that only sells new windows, give us a call for a free estimate and window assessment.
Typically less expensive than full window replacement
Instant results - faster and quicker
No damage to trim, no need to replace or repaint interior molding
Easy, cheaper way to upgrade inefficient old windows with energy efficient Low-E glass
Can be done to any window or door
GLASS REPLACEMENT FOR ALL WINDOW TYPES
Window glass replacement is usually quicker, easier and less expensive than full window replacement (on those occasions when it's not, we'll recommend full window replacement and tell you why). With glass replacement your windows are repaired with the window frames in place by replacing just the window glass.
Glass replacement of the old double pane glass IGU's (Integrated Glass Units) is possible in all window types, whether aluminum framed windows, vinyl windows, wood windows, fiberglass windows or even doors. We regularly replace and repair foggy double pane window glass in window manufacturers like Marvin Windows, Weathervane Vinyl Windows, Weathervane Wood Windows, Jeldwin Windows, Cascade Windows, Milgard Windows, Alpine Windows, Atrium Windows, Champion Windows and more.
Many homeowners are unaware that they don't have to replace an entire window when the inner glass unit has failed or the glass has been cracked or broken. We can remove the fog, moisture or haze in your window by simply removing and replacing the double pane glass unit rather than the whole window. Glass repair is far easier than complete window replacement and usually costs far less. By replacing the window glass the window is fully repaired and renewed, removing the fog, haze or moisture and extending the window's life for many more years.
Let’s fix your foggy windows!
You’ll get a free, no obligation window repair quote, and we won’t ever sell you anything you don’t benefit from - it’s how we like to serve our customers!
We will assess your windows, explain what the issues and options are, and then we'll help you find the solution that works best for you!
The most common frequently asked questions for Wethervane wood windows
Many homes that have wood windows, specifically the Wethervane windows are getting older, and need to be serviced.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wethervane Wood Windows
Can you match my existing Weathervane grids?
Absolutely, grid patterns and grid style (most companies can't!). However, we recommend a slight modification to the grid style. Original Weathervane grids are the same thickness as the inner air space between the double panes - which greatly reduces the windows insulating ability. The grids we recommend have the same square width (what you see looking at the window face on) but are thinner in thickness...allowing airspace between glass and metal grids.
Won't replacement wood windows just have the same rot issues as my Weathervane Windows?
Short answer: Nope. Both Weathervane &Pozzi window manufacturers cut costs by using pine, which is a cheap, soft grain wood. Douglas Fir is the wood used exclusively in Lindal Wood Windows and is much denser and naturally rot resistant.
What kind of warranty will I get with your new windows?
That depends on the option you choose. Full window and sash replacements come with Lifetime Manufacturer product warranties from the prospective manufacturer. Our Glass Replacement service comes with a Ten year warranty on the installed glass IGU from the manufacturer.
Why have my double pane Weathervane windows failed?
In truth, there is no such thing as a "lifetime window." There are, however, significant differences in window quality, construction, materials and installation. A modern quality wood framed window that is well maintained (caulked and painted regularly) should last from 20-30 years. Older aluminum framed windows routinely lasted 17 – 20 years, while vinyl framed windows may last 15 if they have quality spacers. The secret to window longevity is reducing the windows exposure to water and heat. The degree of exposure to sun and rain a window gets will determine its lifetime. Windows facing south or west will not last as long a windows facing north that do not get direct sunshine. Protect windows with shade trees or outside window shades. And get windows with a strong, quality Low-e like Cardinal 366 that blocks up to 60% of solar heat.
Another reason for early wood window failures that we see every day: homeowner negligence. Wood windows require regular caulking and repainting about every two to three years. Not sure how or where? Just ask us!
And the last common reason we see for early Weathervane window failures: Improper installation. A common installation mistake by builders was placing window frames directly upon a brick foundation without proper flashing
Walking 1000 steps in the customer's shoes
We believe in quality service, commitment to help and running a business of integrity.
Why call us for your window & door replacement sales and installation?
We are North Seattle's premier window, glass and door replacement contractor and home window replacement experts. We offer quality, timely and expert replacement and installation of home windows and exterior and interior doors. We specialize in upgrading and replacing old residential house windows and doors to new energy efficient windows, entry doors and patio sliding doors. So why call us for a free Mill Creek window replacement quote?
We are Owner operated
We are locally owned in North Seattle
We never engage in sleazy sales tactics - just free window & door replacement quotes
Your Full Service Local Window & Door Replacement Specialist
Seattle Home Windows is a full service window and door contractor you can trust to replace your tired, drafty old aluminum windows with warmer, energy efficient vinyl, aluminum-clad or wood windows along with new exterior and interior doors. We install all kinds of windows, including wood, vinyl and wood clad windows. One of our specialties is vinyl window replacement of old aluminum single pane or double pane windows. We also specialize specifically in the repair and installation of wood Weathervane and Pozzi windows.
We are a local Seattle area residential home improvement contractor specializing in the following:
residential door replacement, including front entry, exterior, interior, sliding, French and patio doors
Window & Door Replacement, Done Right The First Time
We’re here to help make your Mill Creek, Bothell and North Seattle area home warmer, safer and improve quality of life for you and your family. Whether you are replacing all the old foggy aluminum windows in your house, upgrading interior doors, or just changing out the entry door to something warmer and modern, you can expect our team of skilled in house professionals to install your beautiful new Lynnwood, Shoreline and Edmonds home windows and doors with care and attention to detail.
Contact Seattle Home Windows of Mill Creek today for a free, no hard-sales quote and learn more about our energy efficient residential and multi-family window and door replacement service.
How heat efficient windows can radically reduce your monthly energy bills
The powerful efficiency of modern technology allows your home to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter by increasing the thermal efficiency of your home.
Reducing monthly energy bills
When you want to reduce your home's monthly energy bill, regain the use of that sun-blasted room, or protect your expensive furniture from fading, it's not enough to simply have double pane windows. A sports car and an RV will both get you from point A to point B, but the sports car is clearly the more high performance vehicle. The same applies to windows - not all double pane windows are equal. There can be a an enormous performance difference between a basic double pane window and a window customized with the latest advances in energy efficiency.
It’s not intimidating
For most homeowners, however, the array of acronyms and window jargon like "Low-e," "Argon" and others can be bewildering. Naturally, you wonder if they really work. Are they worth the extra expense? Do they actually make a difference? Well, we're here to break it all down for you.
What is Low-E?
Low-emittance (low-E) coatings are microscopic, virtually transparent, metallic oxide layers deposited on an inner window pane surface in order to reduce the U-factor by suppressing radiative heat flow. This metallic coating reduces radiant heat transfer, impeding the total heat flow through a window (both in and out). In layman terms, Low-e coatings work by reflecting heat back to its source. So during the winter, Low-e works to reflect heat back into the home, while in summer it works to reflect the heat back towards the sun. Not all Low-e coatings are the same however - some are "tuned" to be more directional, some have three layer coatings rather than two (making them stronger), etc.
Argon or Krypton Gas
Double-paned windows insulate better than a single pane of glass because they trap a dry air between two panes of glass, thus reducing heat transfer. The average, normal double pane window just has plain (but very dry) air between the two sealed panes of glass. Argon and Krypton are colorless, odorless, nontoxic and nonreactive gases that are used to make double paned windows even more energy efficient. Argon and Krypon gases work because they are less conductive than plain air and thus improve the insulating ability of a double paned window
Triple Pane Windows
Triple pane windows are just like double paned windows, but with an extra pocket of dry air (or Argon) created by a third pane of glass. They are certainly better insulating than double-paned units, but they are also heavier, more expensive and require thicker frames due to the extra width of the third pane of glass. Triple Pane windows are typically only used in very cold winter locations. The good news: It's possible to get Triple Pane performance in a double pane window unit by utilizing Dual Low-e Technology! See the chart below.
UV Protection for Fading Furniture
UV Fading can only be reduced, never eliminated entirely, so beware claims of total fade protection. Here's why: Only 50% of fading is caused by UV light. Visible light your eyes can see is responsible for approximately 20%, while simple heat itself accounts for another 20 percent. This is why museums protect their most vulnerable artifacts in dark, climate controlled environments and do not allow flash photography. You cannot stop fading, you can only slow it by reducing the three factors that cause it. A high quality Low-e in your windows is your best defense! Ask us how.
Here's a breakdown of window performance from the regular, plain jane windows to the super powered high performers.
* The ISO calculation measures fading perception from solar radiation across the entire solar light spectrum, from ultraviolet (UV) through Infrared (heat) to visible light.
** Best value for the money: best energy performance to cost ratio. Available in new windows as well as glass replacement in existing window frames. Dual Low-e Technology!
We can help!
We can handle this for you, and deliver quality of service that is inline with our values! Let us know you’re interested, and get a free quote!