Double glazing windows is a great way of improving the energy efficiency of your home, reducing your energy bills and keeping your home warm during the colder months. However, one common issue with double glazing is fogging, which can impede your view. Below is information about the causes of window fogging and how you can beat it.

The causes of fogging

Fogging occurs when moisture enters the air seal between the two panes of glass and condenses. The condensation is what causes the fogging. The two panes of glass are normally protected by silica balls that help to absorb any moisture. However, over time, the silica balls can lose their efficiency, absorbing less and less moisture, which leads to fogging.

Steps to help tackle fogging

If fogging occurs you have a number of options in order to address the problem:

• Replacement If your double glazed windows are still under warranty, you should have the right to ask the supplier to replace the units at no cost. However, if the fogging occurs once the warranty period has expired, you will have to meet the cost of replacing the windows yourself. While this can be expensive, if the window frames are in a reasonable condition, you should be able to have the glass replaced without having to remove the entire window unit.

• Repair Another option is to have the windows repaired. A qualified window technician will drill a small hole in the external pane of glass and then install a vent. This vent will allow moisture to escape and prevent fogging. Because this is such an intricate job, you should not attempt it yourself as a DIY project.

• Prevention If you do not want to opt for either replacement or repair, you could employ preventive measures to reduce the amount of moisture in the atmosphere of your home. You can do this by placing a tray of silica balls on the window sill of the fogged up window. This will help to absorb excess moisture from the air of the room. You could also use a plug-in dehumidifier to extract further moisture. Finally, you should ensure the room is well ventilated. If you do not already have one, you should consider installing an extractor fan to keep the air circulating.

If you are experiencing problems with fogged up double glazed windows, you should first check your warranty before contacting a professional window fitting company to discuss your options for replacement or repair.