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Foggy glass · failed window sealsFoggy Window Repair
Cloudy glass or moisture trapped between the panes means the seal on your double-pane unit has failed. We replace the sealed glass unit in your existing frame, so the view is clear again and the window insulates the way it should.
Why double-pane windows fog up
A double-pane window is two sheets of glass sealed around the edges, with dry air or argon gas in between. Over time, sun, temperature swings and Chicago winters wear out that seal. Moist air gets in, and you see fog, streaks or droplets between the panes that you cannot wipe off from either side.
Signs your seal has failed
- Fog or haze between the panes that comes and goes
- Water droplets or white mineral streaks inside the glass
- A window that looks permanently dirty after cleaning
- Glass that feels colder than the windows around it
The fix: a new sealed glass unit
You do not need a new window. We measure the glass, order a new insulated glass unit (IGU) made to fit and install it in your existing sash or frame. New units can include Low-E coatings and argon gas for better efficiency. Most replacements are installed one to two weeks after measuring.
What about defogging services?
Some companies drill the glass and dry it out. That can clear the view for a while, but it does not restore the seal or the insulating gas. Replacing the unit is the lasting fix, and it is the one we recommend.
Read more in our guide to foggy double-pane windows.
Foggy window questions
Can foggy windows be fixed without replacing the window?
Yes. We replace only the sealed glass unit and keep your existing frame and sash. That costs far less than a new window.
Is a foggy window a problem or just cosmetic?
Both. The fog blocks the view, and a failed seal means the window has lost much of its insulating value, so the room is colder in winter and warmer in summer.
How long does it take?
We measure first. The new sealed unit is usually ready in one to two weeks, and installation takes about an hour per window.
Do you replace foggy glass in sliding doors?
Yes. We replace sealed glass units in sliding patio doors and French doors too.
Is the window warranty still valid?
Some manufacturers cover failed seals for years. Check your paperwork. If yours is not covered, we can replace the unit directly.
Foggy Window Repair near you
We serve homes and businesses in Chicago, Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Niles, Morton Grove, Skokie, Evanston, Glenview, Northbrook, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village and Schaumburg, plus the rest of Chicagoland.
Window Glass Replacement
New glass or sealed units cut to fit your existing frames.
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Window Repair
Sticking, drafty or broken windows fixed, not replaced.
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Sliding and Patio Door Repair
Rollers, tracks, handles and glass for doors that won’t glide.
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Window Replacement
New windows installed when repair no longer makes sense.
Learn more →Recent repairs
Real before-and-after photos from our jobs across Chicagoland.
Get a free foggy window estimate
Tell us what is going on and add a photo if you can. We will get back to you to talk it through and set up your free estimate.
Text us instead(847) 274-0368 · photos welcome