Fix foggy windows, failed seals, and broken double-pane glass. We repair and replace insulated glass units (IGUs) across the DMV, saving you up to 60% versus full window replacement.
Double-pane windows use two sheets of glass separated by an insulating gas fill. Understanding the anatomy helps you understand why seals fail and what repair options are available.
Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) with argon gas fill, Low-E coating, and dual perimeter seals.
Low-E coating reflects infrared heat while allowing visible light through, keeping your home comfortable year-round.
Understanding how insulated glass units work helps you understand why they fail and what repair options are available.
Two sheets of glass are separated by a spacer bar, creating an insulating air space. The glass can be standard, tempered,
An aluminum or warm-edge spacer bar maintains the gap between panes. Inside the spacer, desiccant crystals absorb any residual moisture to keep the space dry.
A dual-stage seal around the entire perimeter (primary butyl seal and secondary silicone or polysulfide seal) keeps moisture out and insulating gas in.
The sealed space is filled with argon or krypton gas, which is denser than air and significantly reduces heat transfer through the window.
Foggy, cloudy, or condensation-filled windows indicate seal failure. Here are the most common causes in the DMV region.
The DMV climate subjects windows to extreme temperature swings — from below freezing in winter to 95+ degrees in summer.
South- and west-facing windows receive intense UV exposure that degrades the seal compounds over years.
Even the best IGU seals have a finite lifespan. Most quality seals last 15 to 25 years. As seals age, they become brittle and less flexible,
Strong winds create pressure differentials that stress IGU seals, especially on upper floors of buildings.
Poor installation practices — incorrect glazing, missing setting blocks, improper drainage — can cause premature seal failure,
High-pressure washing near window seals can force water past the outer seal layer.
We always recommend the most cost-effective solution for your situation. Here are the three approaches we offer.
Frame and sash are structurally sound. Seal has failed but frame is not warped, rotting, or damaged. This is the most cost-effective solution for 70% of foggy window situations.
Frame is sound but the sash (the movable part holding the glass) is damaged, warped, or has failed hardware. We replace the sash with a new unit containing a fresh IGU.
Frame is rotting, warped, or structurally compromised. Or when you want to upgrade the entire window system for maximum energy efficiency and noise reduction.
Double-pane windows reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 30% compared to single-pane glass.
A double-pane IGU with argon gas provides an R-value of 3 to 4, compared to R-1 for single-pane glass.
Low-E coatings on double-pane glass block up to 70% of infrared heat transfer while allowing visible light through.
Double-pane windows reduce exterior noise penetration by approximately 50% compared to single-pane glass.
Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings are microscopically thin metallic layers applied to the glass surface that reflect infrared heat radiation. In summer, Low-E reflects solar heat away from your home. In winter, it reflects interior heat back inside. The result is lower heating and cooling bills year-round without affecting the clarity of your windows.
Argon gas is denser than air, which means it slows convective heat transfer between the two panes of glass. This improves the insulation value of the IGU by approximately 30 to 40 percent compared to air-filled units. Argon is inert, non-toxic, and odorless. It does not degrade over time — the only way to lose argon is through seal failure.
When replacing a failed IGU, choosing the right glass configuration maximizes your energy savings and comfort.
The most popular upgrade for double-pane windows. Low-E coatings reflect infrared heat while allowing visible light through.
Tempered glass is required by code in many locations including near doors, in bathrooms, and low to the ground.
Laminated glass holds together when broken, providing superior security and sound reduction.
Use our free Window Style Finder tool to identify your window type and get personalized repair recommendations for your home.
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