Even when cleaned, a hazy window can seem impossible to wipe away. The moisture that creates hazy glass is trapped between two panes of glass, beyond the reach of even the cleaning rag. And in Tampa, you don’t have to replace the whole window to fix a foggy window.
Why Windows Fog Up in Tampa
The sealed space between the two panes of glass in your window expands from the heat during the Tampa days and contracts rapidly during Tampa area storms. In addition to these thermal changes, the salt air from the sea near Bayshore Blvd. can be hard on windows. Over time, the seal between the two panes of glass fails, allowing the humid air to enter and cool. As the air cools, it forms water on the glass surfaces. You may also notice white streaks or a rainbow-like film, or even drips running down the glass on hot days.
What Foggy Window Repair Involves
Most window problems are not just a “foggy” insulated glass panel (IGP). We look at the whole window: frame, sash, seal, and drainage. We take precise measurements of the glass to ensure an accurate replacement insulated glass unit (IGU) that fits within the customer’s existing window frame. Most stock replacement windows look the same from the exterior of a home and function correctly. Options include tinted glass, low-E coatings, tempered glass, and impact-resistant glass.
Foggy Glass in South Tampa Homes and Condos
You can see a pattern by neighborhood. Hyde Park and Palma Ceia homes were framed with windows installed around 2000. The weather-tight seals on those old frames are at the end of their useful life. Bayshore Beautiful homes take a beating from salt air and strong west sun. Channel District condos and Westshore/Beach Park office buildings have large fixed panels of glass on upper floors of buildings. If you are a condo owner, check with your association for rules regarding glass.
Repair the Glass or Replace the Window
To be honest, I would recommend glass replacement over full window replacement unless the frame is solid and the window is operating properly, i. it opens, locks, and drains. Glass replacement is generally less expensive and can be completed in less time. Drilling and drying of new glass is a temporary fix until the full window can be replaced. While the view may be cleared for a time, the broken seal will cause haze to return over time.
Who Does the Best Foggy Window Repair Near Me
Ask the following 3 questions before you book anyone for glass repair. 1) Does the company measure the glass in person? 2) Does the company tell you if the frame will stay? 3) Will the company provide you with a written price before work begins? Excellent Sliding Doors repairs windows, glass, screens, and sliding doors in the Tampa area every week. We are a local, insured company. Text a picture of the foggy glass and a picture of the entire window, and we can typically tell you what is wrong with it before we arrive.
Foggy Window Repair Questions
Can a foggy window be cleaned instead of repaired?
No, because the moisture is between the panes of glass. The only solution is to replace the insulated glass unit.
Does a foggy window raise my power bill?
It can. Once the seal fails, the insulating gas in the unit escapes. Your air conditioner now has to work harder to cool your Tampa home through the summer months.
How long does foggy window repair take?
This usually takes two visits. The first visit is to inspect and measure up. We then manufacture the glass and return for installation.
Do you serve high-rise condos in the Channel District?
Yes. The access rules and the types of glass that are approved will vary from building to building. We can advise after obtaining your address so please call us.
Get Your Clear View Back
For a free estimate on our Tampa foggy window repair service, please call Excellent Sliding Doors at (727) 831-7631 or submit a photo of your windows via our contact form at excellentslidingdoor.com.
Illustration created with AI