Most times I’ve seen folks try it, the moisture creeps back in eventually.
That’s been my experience too. I tried resealing a few years ago—followed all the steps, even watched a couple YouTube “experts.” Looked good for maybe a year, then the same old fog came creeping back. If your windows are really old or the seal’s totally shot, resealing just delays the inevitable. In hindsight, wish I’d just bit the bullet and replaced the IGU sooner... less hassle in the long run.
I totally get where you’re coming from. We moved in last fall and noticed a couple windows were foggy, tried the “reseal” route just because it seemed way cheaper. Honestly, it looked better for a few months but then—yep, the haze crept right back in. At this point I kinda wish I’d just saved up and replaced the glass from the start. The temporary fix just didn’t stick for us.
Yeah, that’s the thing about resealing—on paper it sounds like a smart, affordable fix, but in practice it’s hit or miss. The seal failure usually means moisture’s already inside the IGU (insulated glass unit), and unless you fully replace that, the fog just keeps coming back. I tried one of those DIY kits last winter and got maybe six months before the haze reappeared. Frustrating, but at least it bought me some time to budget for new panes. Sometimes the upfront investment just pays off in the long run...
Yeah, I hear you on the resealing. I looked into it when my 90s-era windows started fogging up, and honestly, the mixed results kind of put me off. It’s tempting because it’s cheaper, but if the moisture’s already in there, isn’t the insulation value basically shot? I kept wondering if I was just throwing money at a temporary fix.
I ended up replacing just the glass in a couple of units instead of the whole window frame—cost more upfront, but my heating bill dropped a bit after. Maybe that’s just coincidence, but it felt like the right move. Did you notice any difference in energy bills after your panes started fogging? I always wonder how much of a hit we’re taking on efficiency with failed seals.
I get that not everyone has the budget to do a full replacement right away, though. If it buys you a year or two, maybe that’s worth it for some folks. But yeah... long-term, I think you’re right—the investment pays off, especially if you plan to stay in the house.
You’re right, once the seal’s failed and moisture’s in, the insulation factor drops a lot. I’ve seen folks try those de-fogging services, but honestly, it rarely restores the R-value. Did you notice any drafts around the frames when you swapped just the glass? Sometimes older frames leak air even after new panes.
Did you notice any drafts around the frames when you swapped just the glass? Sometimes older frames leak air even after new panes.
That’s a good point—air infiltration around the frames is easy to overlook when you’re focused on the foggy glass itself. I swapped out a couple of IGUs (insulated glass units) in my 1980s ranch last winter, and while the condensation issue disappeared, I definitely started noticing a slight draft near one window. Turned out, the old aluminum frame had some worn-out weatherstripping that wasn’t sealing properly anymore. I guess it’s a reminder that even if you fix the visible problem, there can be hidden issues lurking in the frame or sash.
About those de-fogging services, I’ve always been a bit skeptical. From what I’ve seen, they might clear up the view for a while, but you’re right about the R-value not really coming back. Once that desiccant inside the IGU is saturated, it’s pretty much game over for insulation. Still, I know a neighbor who swears by one of those services—maybe it depends on climate or window orientation?
I’m curious if anyone’s had luck with resealing just the perimeter of an existing IGU, or is it really just delaying the inevitable? My understanding is that unless you’re replacing the entire unit or at least re-bedding it in fresh sealant, moisture will keep finding its way in. But maybe there are newer products out there I haven’t heard about.
Did you end up replacing just the glass, or did you go all-in and upgrade the frames too? I’ve been debating whether to bite the bullet and go for full-frame replacements in my living room, but it’s a big investment...
You’re spot on about the hidden issues—sometimes fixing one thing just uncovers something else, especially with older windows. I really get where you’re coming from on the full-frame replacement decision. It’s a big chunk of change, but honestly, when I finally upgraded my old wood frames, I noticed a huge difference in comfort and energy bills. That said, if your frames are still decent, just swapping the IGUs and redoing the weatherstripping can buy you more time without breaking the bank. I wouldn’t trust those de-fogging services long-term either... seems like a band-aid more than a fix.
You’re spot on about the hidden issues—sometimes fixing one thing just uncovers something else, especially with older windows. I really get where you’re coming from on the full-frame replacem...
- Totally agree on the “band-aid” feel of those de-fogging services. Never met anyone who’s had long-term success with them.
- Swapping out IGUs and updating weatherstripping made a noticeable difference for me—especially in winter. Less draft, lower bills.
- Full-frame replacements are pricey, but sometimes you just have to bite the bullet if the wood is rotting or warped.
- Curious—has anyone tried triple-pane for replacements? Wondering if the extra upfront cost really pays off in energy savings.