Clean Fogged Window Panes
Quick Column Summary:
- Double pane windows with fogging between
- How to remove and clean it
- Have new insulated glass installed
- Video link
Martin Gold, who's got a fogged window in Lakeport, NJ, has a great question:
"I have a bow window double panes one pane has developed a film in between panes.
Is there a way to remove one pane to clean it?"
Here's his window. Look at the edges of the center sash and you can see the outline of the fogging through the screen:
You can see the fogging if you look close. Photo credit: Martin Gold
The answer is pretty clear, unlike his glass:
Martin, if that window is constructed with insulated glass, the answer is no.
Based on your photo, it appears the windows are made from insulated glass as the sash and window look fairly modern.
Insulated glass is made in clean factories and each pane of glass on either side of the center gasket that creates the air space between the two pieces of glass is set into a sealant. It's intended that the glass be bonded permanently to the gasket so no contamination gets in between the panes.
At the factory, the space between the two panes of glass is filled with argon, a clear inert gas. But a leak can develop, the argon leaks out and regular air with moisture and humidity seeps in.
I once saw a demonstration of a system where you can drill into one of the pieces of glass and a tiny cleaning wand is inserted in between the two pieces of glass. I believe this concept never got off the ground.
Call a glass company and they should be able to install a new piece of insulated glass. Watch this video of how I replaced an insulated glass panel at my own home.
Martin, Hold the phone! Before you call the glass company it would be wise to determine if there is any warranty left on this window glass. You need to know the manufacturer of the window and date it was installed.
Some manufacturers stamp a date code on the metal strip that separates the glass panes. If it is no longer under warranty, it may be more cost effective to order a new sash from the window manufacturer. You will no doubt get a new warranty on that glass. Sash replacement is not difficult. The only thing that may need to be done is matching the interior finish to the rest of the window. Of course if outside of sash is wood that would have to be matched to the exterior paint. Best of luck. Hope this helps you better. If there is a lot of saving, be sure to put some of that in the collection plate on Sunday. Mr. C.R.R.R.
You might want to check with the manufacturer and see if the window is covered under warranty.