A foggy dual-pane window has a failed seal, and the usual fix is to replace the sealed glass unit, not the whole window. If the frame is sound, that costs much less. Here is how to tell what your window needs.
Why is my window foggy between the panes?
Fog between the panes means the seal around the edge of the glass unit has failed and moist air got in. Fresno's daily heat makes the glass expand and shrink, and over years that wears out the seal. Winter tule fog and cool nights then show it as haze or drops inside. The fog will not clean off, because it is inside.
Can you replace just the glass?
Often, yes. The sealed glass unit, called an insulated glass unit or IGU, can be taken out of a sound frame and replaced with a new one of the right size and thickness. The frame, trim and stucco stay as they are. The new unit should have low-E glass, and in some spots the code calls for tempered glass.
Should I repair or replace the whole window?
Repair if the frame is sound and only the glass has failed. Replace if the frame is bent, rotted or leaking, if parts are no longer made, if it is single-pane aluminum you want gone anyway, or if most windows in the house are failing at once. Several foggy units in a home of the same age often point to replacing more.
What if my glass is broken or cracked?
A broken or cracked pane can usually be replaced in the existing frame. Until then, tape the crack and keep people away from sharp edges. Glass in doors, by doors, near floors and at tubs must be tempered. Heat can also crack glass when part of a pane is shaded and part is in the sun.
Why is my sliding window or door hard to open?
A sliding window or door that is hard to open usually has dirt in the track or worn rollers. In the valley, dust builds up fast. Vacuum and wipe the track first. If it still drags, the rollers may be flat or broken and can often be replaced. A bent frame or a door that has dropped needs more work.
How do I fix worn weatherstripping and drafts?
Drafts around a window that closes often come from worn or missing weatherstripping. It dries and cracks in the heat. Many windows take replacement weatherstripping or pile seals. If air comes in around the outside of the frame, the sealant to the wall may have failed and needs new caulk.
Can you replace window screens?
Yes, screens can be rescreened or replaced. Sun breaks down screen mesh over time, and dust and wind tear it. New screens are made to the size of the window. Solar screens, a darker mesh that blocks some sun, are an option on west-facing windows.
Want a price for your own windows? We measure every opening, show you the frame and glass options side by side and give you a written quote per window. Call or text (559) 354-1055.