If you've noticed that the glass in one of your windows looks clouded, then you need to know where the problem lies. You can't fix the glass until you know this information.

Read on to find out why your glass might look cloudy.

Seal Problems

If your problem window is double-glazed, then it might look cloudy because it has a problem with its seals. These windows have two panes of glass, one on the interior of the window and one on the exterior. Their seals create a vacuum-like effect on the gap between them.

If your seals are working OK, then air can't get between the two panes of glass. However, if a seal fails, then air gets in the space. This can create a clouding effect.

Typically, air in double-glazed panes looks foggy. The window might be clear at some times and clouded at others.

If your clouding is down to seal failure, then you might be able to solve the problem by having your glass panes removed and replaced. An experienced contractor can replace your glass to fix the problem without having to replace the whole window.

Water Problems

Sometimes, window glass turns cloudy because of regular or excessive exposure to hard or contaminated water. This water leaves deposits on the glass which can calcify. Once deposits turn hard, they can be difficult to remove. You can't simply wipe or clean them off.

Water problems have various sources. For example, if you run a sprinkler in your garden, and its water hits this pane of glass, then the glass will eventually start to look cloudy.

You'll see similar effects if substances run down your window glass when it rains. Sometimes, iron can run down glass from an old rusty gutter or from a metal fly screen. Aluminium window frames can pass oxidisation down onto the glass.

Once hard or contaminated water starts to cloud your windows, then you have a time-limited chance to clean them. Sometimes, specialist cleaners will do the job; however, they might leave some scratch marks behind, so the glass might never be really clear.

Over time, these water deposits can etch into the glass. Once this happens, the glass is irretrievably damaged. Its surface is breached.

At this stage, your best option is to replace the pane. Your contractor can also help you work out the source of the water problem so that you can prevent the same thing from happening again.

To find out more, contact glass replacement contractors.