Foggy impact windows are one of the most misdiagnosed issues I encounter. The window looks permanently clouded from inside — and every replacement company tells you the window 'failed' and needs to be replaced. But in 95% of cases, only the insulated glass unit has failed, not the window. We replace the glass, not the frame.
Why Do Impact Windows Get Foggy?
Impact windows use insulated glass units (IGUs) — two or three panes of laminated glass bonded to a perimeter spacer with sealed air or argon gas between them. Over time, the perimeter seal that maintains this airtight cavity deteriorates. When the seal fails, humid Florida air enters the cavity, depositing moisture on the interior glass surfaces in a pattern that can't be wiped away from outside.
Seal Failure vs. Surface Condensation: Key Differences
What you're seeing isn't dirt or surface condensation — it's condensation inside the sealed cavity. The only fix is to replace the IGU (the entire glass assembly) while keeping the intact frame. This restores visual clarity and, in gas-filled units, restores the insulating efficiency.
Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) Replacement: How It Works
Florida's climate accelerates IGU seal failure in specific ways. High summer temperatures cause the sealed air cavity to expand and contract daily, stressing the perimeter seal over thousands of cycles. UV exposure degrades the sealant compounds. Salt air attacks the spacer material. IGU seals in South Florida or coastal Panhandle locations often fail in 10–15 years rather than the 20+ years common in northern climates.
How Much Does Foggy Window Repair Cost?
IGU replacement costs $200–$600 per pane depending on size and glass type. Compare that to $800–$2,500 for full window replacement. We measure existing units, source factory-matched replacements — including any Low-E coating or tint matching your current windows — and install them with new silicone glazing compound in a single visit once glass arrives.
Can Florida Humidity Cause Foggy Windows?
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