Window Fog: What Is It and How to Get Rid of It

Window fog is a common problem for many households. Whether you experience fog on the outside of a window or in between window panes, there are several things you can do to eliminate this issue. For all the money homeowners spend on windows, they should be able to enjoy full visibility. Refer to the following guide to combatting and eliminating window fog in your home.

Types of Window Fog

It’s important to understand that there two main types of condensation: fog that develops on the exterior of single-pane windows and fog that develops in between double-pane windows. Identifying what type of condensation your windows are experiencing will allow you to combat the issue effectively.

Window Fog on Single-Pane Windows

When fog develops on regular window panes, it’s generally the result of high humidity levels inside a home. A little bit of fog on the windows after cooking or taking a shower is generally not an issue. To reduce this type of condensation, you need to either decrease the humidity in the room or raise the temperature of the window surface. While a few different factors can impact a room’s humidity, such as the number of windows, type of windows, and heating systems, the best means of determining where the excess humidity is coming from is to pay close attention to everything in your home that has the potential to impact air temperature and moisture. This includes cooking and appliance use, humidifiers, boiling water, taking showers, and more.

In addition to reducing humidity levels inside your home, you can decrease the development of window fog by improving ventilation. Here are some ways you can improve ventilation while decreasing moisture:

• Cover pans and pots when cooking.
• Ensure that your windows and doors seal properly.
• Invest in a storm door.
• Always use your bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans.
• Keep firewood outside.
• Use your ceiling fans.
• Apply weather stripping and caulk to your windows.

Window Fog in Between Double-Paned Windows

When fog develops on the inside of double-paned windows, it is typically the result of impaired window seals around the window panes. This is because double-paned windows, especially vinyl ones, tend to expand and change shape when the temperatures change, which can strain the seal surrounding the panes. There are a few different methods to resolve this type of window fog. Some of the most common are having the glazing or sashes replaced or drilling a hole in the window and defogging it through cleaning and vacuuming. In other circumstances, you may need to replace windows to resolve excessive condensation.