Why Are Your Vinyl Windows Foggy?

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

1. Efficiency - less heat and glare in the summer, and lower heating costs in winter

2. Lower Noise - reduced noise from thicker glass

3. Superior UV Protection

4. Aesthetic Update

5. Warranty

6. 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. 

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 road noise

• 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!



The most common frequently asked questions for Wethervane wood windows

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