{"id":40,"date":"2026-09-21T19:26:32","date_gmt":"2026-09-21T19:26:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jowindows.com\/blog\/?p=40"},"modified":"2026-09-21T19:26:32","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T19:26:32","slug":"foggy-window-seal-failure-igu-replacement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jowindows.com\/blog\/foggy-window-seal-failure-igu-replacement\/","title":{"rendered":"Foggy Double-Pane Windows: Replace the IGU or Whole Window?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fog trapped between two panes does <strong>not<\/strong> automatically mean you need a whole new window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It usually means the sealed insulating glass unit \u2014 the IGU \u2014 has a problem. If the frame and sash are still sound, the failed glass unit may be the only component that needs replacement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But that is not always the right repair either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A fogged unit in a healthy five-year-old window is a different decision from a fogged unit sitting inside a warped sash, damaged frame, leaking opening and failing hardware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The useful question is not simply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cCan this glass be replaced?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cWhich part of the window has actually failed?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jowindows.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/foggy-window-seal-failure-igu-replacement-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Foggy Double-Pane Windows\" class=\"wp-image-41\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jowindows.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/foggy-window-seal-failure-igu-replacement-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.jowindows.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/foggy-window-seal-failure-igu-replacement-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.jowindows.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/foggy-window-seal-failure-igu-replacement-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.jowindows.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/foggy-window-seal-failure-igu-replacement.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First, make sure the fog is really between the panes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do this before requesting a glass quote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clean the room-side surface. Then clean the exterior surface if it is safely accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the haze disappears, you were looking at surface condensation or dirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the cloudy patch, droplets or mineral-looking haze remains inaccessible between the panes, the diagnosis changes. Cardinal Glass states that condensation visible in the sealed airspace usually results from insulating-glass seal failure, although a small glass crack can sometimes produce the same symptom. It recommends confirming that the accessible surfaces are clean first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">JoWindows already has a separate guide covering <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jowindows.com\/blog\/window-condensation-inside-outside-between-panes\/\">condensation inside, outside and between window panes<\/a>. If you have not confirmed where the moisture is forming, start there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article begins once the fog is genuinely inside the sealed unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What actually failed inside a double-pane window?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A double-pane window is more than two pieces of glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sealed glass assembly normally includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>two glass panes;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a spacer around the perimeter;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>primary and\/or secondary edge seals;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>desiccant within the edge system;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a sealed cavity;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>air or an insulating gas such as argon in many products;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Low-E coatings in many energy-efficient configurations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DOE explains that insulating glazing uses two or more panes spaced apart and hermetically sealed, while spacers and associated sealants help maintain the gap and limit moisture and gas leakage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">FGIA describes an IGU as a system in which glass, spacer, desiccants, sealants, gas fill and coatings have to work together. ASTM E2188, E2189 and E2190 are among the tests and specifications used to evaluate insulating-glass durability and resistance to fogging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once moisture becomes visible inside that sealed cavity, you are no longer dealing with ordinary room humidity on the surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u201cReplace the glass\u201d usually means replacing the IGU<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This terminology causes unnecessary confusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a failed modern double-pane unit, a proper glass-only replacement does not usually mean removing one pane and gluing another pane onto the old spacer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It means removing the failed <strong>sealed IGU assembly<\/strong> and installing a newly manufactured IGU into the existing sash or glazing pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The frame can stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sash may stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The failed sealed glass assembly is replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That distinction can turn an unnecessary full-window replacement into a much more targeted repair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When IGU-only replacement makes sense<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An IGU replacement deserves serious consideration when the problem is clearly limited to the sealed glass and:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the frame is straight and structurally sound;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the sash is not warped or damaged;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the window opens, closes and locks correctly;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the glazing pocket can accept a replacement unit;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>there is no significant decay or corrosion around the unit;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>rainwater is not entering around the frame or wall;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the existing window still suits the building;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a matching IGU can be fabricated.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cardinal&#8217;s technical guidance is direct: when condensation is evident in the sealed airspace, the glass unit should be replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is quite different from saying the entire window frame must automatically be removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When replacing the sash may make more sense<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some window designs make the sash a convenient replacement assembly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sash is the movable framed section that holds the IGU. Depending on the manufacturer and product, a replacement sash may be available as a complete factory assembly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This can be attractive when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the IGU has failed;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>sash seals or hardware are also worn;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the manufacturer still supplies the exact sash;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>removing and reglazing the existing sash would be unnecessarily complicated;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>warranty service is offered as a sash replacement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This Old House identifies replacement sash, replacement IGU and full-window replacement as separate repair routes for fogged units.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They should not be priced as though they were the same job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When the whole window is the better scope<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A new IGU cannot repair a bad frame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Full-window replacement becomes more reasonable when the fogged glass is only one item on a longer defect list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Look for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A distorted or damaged frame<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the frame is badly warped, rotting, corroded or no longer holding its geometry, putting new glass into it does not solve the real failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Water entering around the opening<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Water stains around the reveal or frame during rain are not the same thing as condensation inside an IGU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">JoWindows&#8217; condensation guide separates between-pane fog from water infiltration around the window because they require different investigations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Poor operation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A sash that drags, refuses to lock, has damaged hinges or rollers, or moves because the frame itself is distorted needs more than a clear piece of glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Repeated failures across an old window set<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One failed IGU can be a local repair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ten failed units in an old window system with tired seals, hardware and frames create a different economic decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You already want a meaningful performance upgrade<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the existing windows have poor frames, weak perimeter sealing, unsuitable opening types or outdated glazing, spending money repeatedly on isolated repairs may make less sense than upgrading the complete window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That decision should still be based on the actual defects, not on fog alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A simple decision table<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>What you find<\/th><th>Repair direction worth investigating<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Fog inside IGU, frame and sash healthy<\/td><td>Replace IGU<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fog inside IGU, sash also damaged<\/td><td>Replace IGU + repair sash, or replace sash assembly<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Failed IGU + severely deteriorated frame<\/td><td>Full window replacement<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rain leaking around frame\/wall<\/td><td>Investigate installation, flashing, drainage and perimeter sealing<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Interior surface condensation only<\/td><td>Manage humidity, surface temperature and ventilation first<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Several old windows with multiple defects<\/td><td>Compare grouped repair cost against complete replacement<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a diagnostic framework, not a substitute for inspecting the actual window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What about window defogging?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Defogging can make a failed unit look clearer without recreating the original IGU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The process typically involves drilling access holes, removing or drying moisture and treating the cavity. What it does <strong>not<\/strong> do is restore the factory edge seal, replace the original desiccant system or refill the unit to its original gas specification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This Old House describes defogging as a visibility-focused treatment rather than restoration of the original sealed-unit performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That does not make it useless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A homeowner may accept a cosmetic treatment on a low-priority window where appearance matters more than restoring original performance. But a defogged IGU should not be sold as though it were equivalent to a newly manufactured sealed unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask the contractor one precise question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cAre you replacing the sealed IGU, or only clearing the moisture from the existing failed unit?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The answer changes the job completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Before paying anything, check the warranty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A seal failure can occur long before the rest of the window reaches the end of its useful life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the window is relatively new, identify:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>manufacturer;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>product line;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>purchase or installation date;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>serial or order number;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>original invoice if available.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then read the actual written warranty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not assume that a phrase such as \u201clifetime warranty\u201d automatically includes glass seal failure, labour, removal, access, shipping or a subsequent owner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pella, for example, directs owners to its written warranty terms and asks for product identification or order information when dealing with warranty parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The same principle applies to any brand: check first, pay second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The replacement IGU must match more than width and height<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is where a cheap quotation can become an expensive visual mistake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two IGUs can fit the same sash and still be different products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before approving fabrication, confirm the following.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Overall IGU thickness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The complete sealed unit must suit the glazing pocket, beads, gaskets and setting system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A 24 mm unit is not interchangeable with another thickness simply because the visible glass dimensions match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Individual pane thicknesses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The existing build-up may not use equal panes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Glass thickness can affect weight, strength, acoustics and compatibility with the existing sash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Cavity width<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The space between panes is part of the thermal build-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It should not be guessed from the outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Low-E coating<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the original unit is Low-E, ask what coating the replacement uses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not accept \u201cLow-E glass\u201d as a complete specification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The JoWindows guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jowindows.com\/blog\/low-e-glass-guide\/\">Low-E glass, U-factor, SHGC and coating surfaces<\/a> explains why two units described as \u201cdouble-glazed Low-E\u201d can have different solar and thermal behaviour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Coating position<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a conventional double-glazed unit, Low-E is commonly located on one of the protected cavity surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Replacing one IGU in a fa\u00e7ade with a visibly different coating can result in differences in colour or reflection even when both units technically contain Low-E glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Tint and visible appearance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Compare the failed unit with neighbouring windows before ordering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clear, tinted, reflective and coated products can look noticeably different next to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Safety-glass requirement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the window is in a location where tempered or laminated safety glazing is required by the applicable code, the replacement must preserve that requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not copy the old glass blindly if the original installation itself was wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Gas fill<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where the original or specified unit uses argon or another gas fill, include that in the quotation instead of assuming all double glazing is the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DOE explains that argon and krypton are used in insulating glazing to reduce heat transfer through the cavity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Spacer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spacer design affects the edge of the IGU and forms part of the sealed assembly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If appearance matters, spacer colour can matter too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Internal grids or decorative elements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the old IGU contains muntins or internal grids, document the pattern, width, colour and alignment before disposal of the old glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Matching a decorative fa\u00e7ade after the failed unit is gone becomes much harder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do not confuse IGU seal failure with a leaking window<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This distinction can save you from replacing the wrong component.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If rain enters around the frame, sill or wall, the problem may involve:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>perimeter sealant;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>flashing;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>drainage paths;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>blocked weep holes;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>frame joints;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>wall interfaces;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>installation workmanship.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A new IGU will not fix a leak outside the IGU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Likewise, applying silicone around the exterior frame will not repair a failed hermetic glass seal inside the window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Different seal. Different repair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does seal failure mean all the argon has disappeared?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You cannot determine the remaining gas concentration by looking at the fog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A failed seal means the sealed system is no longer functioning exactly as designed and moisture or gas retention may be compromised. It does not let you visually calculate how much gas remains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">FGIA&#8217;s insulating-glass testing framework even includes a dedicated method for determining argon concentration, which shows why the answer is not something that can be estimated from appearance alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Avoid contractors who convert a visual symptom into precise performance numbers without testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should a foggy IGU be replaced immediately?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fog alone is usually a different priority from cracked safety glass, active rain leakage or a frame that is structurally failing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the unit is intact and the issue is limited to between-pane haze, you normally have time to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>confirm the diagnosis;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>check the warranty;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>identify the glass specification;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>compare IGU, sash and whole-window quotes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Move faster if you also find cracked glass, deteriorating timber, active water infiltration or unsafe operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The point is to choose the correct scope\u2014not to ignore a failed unit indefinitely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does foggy-window repair cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no useful global price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Glass type, IGU size, access, sash construction, Low-E coating, safety glass, grids, labour and location all change the figure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For <strong>U.S. context only<\/strong>, Modernize&#8217;s August 2026 guide places typical window-glass replacement around <strong>$200\u2013$600 per window<\/strong>, while Angi&#8217;s September 2026 national data reports an average of about <strong>$285<\/strong> for professional window-glass replacement, with substantial variation by glass and window type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those figures should not be used as a quotation for another country or even another U.S. city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A better comparison is to make each contractor price the <strong>same scope and specification<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What a proper IGU replacement quote should tell you<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not accept:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cDouble glass replacement \u2014 1 pc.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask for enough information that you can compare two quotations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A useful quote should state:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Item<\/th><th>What to confirm<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Unit dimensions<\/td><td>Fabrication width and height<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Overall thickness<\/td><td>Complete IGU thickness<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Glass build-up<\/td><td>Thickness\/type of both panes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cavity<\/td><td>Spacer gap<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Low-E<\/td><td>Product or performance specification<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Coating position<\/td><td>Where applicable<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Gas fill<\/td><td>Air, argon or specified alternative<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Safety glass<\/td><td>Tempered\/laminated where required<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tint\/appearance<\/td><td>Match requirement<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Spacer<\/td><td>Type\/colour where relevant<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Removal<\/td><td>Included or excluded<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Installation<\/td><td>Glazing materials and scope<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Disposal<\/td><td>Old unit removal<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Warranty<\/td><td>Glass seal, materials and labour terms<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the contractor cannot describe what is being manufactured, you are not yet comparing products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">IGU replacement or a whole new window?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use the condition of the <strong>whole opening<\/strong> to decide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A healthy frame with one failed sealed unit is a strong candidate for targeted glass replacement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A failed IGU inside a distorted, leaking, hard-to-operate old window is a different project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And a cosmetic defogging treatment is a third project again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not allow all three to be sold under the same phrase: \u201cwindow repair.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For readers comparing a broader upgrade rather than a single failed unit, the JoWindows guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jowindows.com\/blog\/double-pane-vs-triple-pane-windows-which-is-worth-it\/\">double-pane vs triple-pane windows<\/a> explains when adding another pane changes the specification and when it may simply add cost and weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Planning replacement windows in Jordan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For projects in Jordan where the existing window system is being replaced rather than only the failed IGU, compare the full specification: frame, glass, opening method, seals, drainage, hardware and installation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">JO Windows provides both <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jowindows.com\/aluminium-windows-doors\/\">aluminium windows and doors<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jowindows.com\/upvc-windows-doors\/\">uPVC window systems<\/a> for projects across Jordan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When requesting a quotation, send photos of the complete window, the city, approximate opening size and a close photo showing the fogged unit. If several windows are affected, photograph each elevation rather than sending one close-up of cloudy glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jowindows.com\/contact\/\">JO Windows project quotation form<\/a> to start with the actual project details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A useful first message is not:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cPrice for double glass?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Send this instead:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cI have condensation trapped between the panes in three existing windows. The frames still operate normally. I want to compare IGU-only replacement with full-window replacement if needed.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That tells the person pricing the work what decision you are actually trying to make.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fog trapped between two panes does not automatically mean you need a whole new window. It usually means the sealed insulating glass unit \u2014 the IGU \u2014 has a problem. If the frame and sash are still sound, the failed glass unit may be the only component that needs replacement. But that is not always [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":41,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jw_article_components_json":"[{\"id\":\"component_mubmvgnf_zg3is\",\"enabled\":true,\"type\":\"summary\",\"title\":\"Summary\",\"content\":\"Fog trapped between double-pane glass usually points to failure of the sealed insulated glass unit, or IGU.\\nA failed IGU does not automatically mean the entire window needs to be replaced.\\nIf the frame and sash are still sound, replacing only the sealed glass unit is often the more targeted repair.\\nFull-window replacement becomes more reasonable when the frame is warped, leaking, damaged, difficult to operate, or generally near the end of its service life.\\nDefogging may improve visibility, but it does not restore the original factory seal, gas fill, or full insulating performance of the IGU.\\nBefore approving a replacement, check the warranty and make sure the new IGU matches the original thickness, Low-E coating, tint, gas fill, spacer, and safety-glass requirements.\\nCondensation between panes should not be confused with rainwater leaking around the frame, because these are different failures requiring different repairs.\\nThe best repair decision comes from identifying exactly what failed: the IGU, the sash, the frame, or the surrounding installation.\",\"position\":\"before_first_h2\",\"icon\":\"pin\"}]","_jw_qa_enabled":"","_jw_qa_label":"","_jw_qa_text":"","_jw_qa_icon":"","_jw_qa_position":"","_jw_qa_order":"","_jw_toc_enabled":"","_jw_toc_order":"","footnotes":"","_sac_components_v2":{"schema_version":2,"source":"none","components":[]},"_sac_components_v1":"","_jorbest_article_components_json":"","_jorbest_quick_answer_enabled":false,"_jorbest_quick_answer_title":"","_jorbest_quick_answer_content":"","_jorbest_quick_answer_position":"","_jorbest_quick_answer_icon":false},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-40","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-installation-maintenance"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jowindows.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jowindows.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jowindows.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jowindows.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jowindows.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.jowindows.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42,"href":"https:\/\/www.jowindows.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40\/revisions\/42"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jowindows.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jowindows.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jowindows.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jowindows.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}