The answer varies, depending upon whether the condensation is on the Exterior Pane, the Interior Pane or Between the Panes.

EXTERIOR PANE

Condensation on the outside of your windows or patio doors may occur during spring and in the fall, usually when cool nights follow a warm day. It is a result of moisture in the air exceeding certain limits and the temperature of the glass falling below the dew point in the air. Condensation on the exterior glass panes is a natural phenomenon, especially for energy-efficient High Performance insulating glass which restricts the airflow between the panes of glass. This condensation will evaporate once the day warms.

INTERIOR PANE

On the edges or entire pane.

Condensation on the inside of your windows is a result of too much moisture in the air of your home. This condition is common in new homes, where it may take months for the moisture from paint and fresh building materials to dissipate.

This condition is also common in winter. Humidity levels in winter months should not exceed 30-35%. To maintain these levels in  your home, you may want to:

•    check your venting,
•    use a dehumidifier to remove moisture,
•    turn your humidifier on and your furnace down or off,
•    turn on exhaust fans during showers, and
•    allow ceiling fans to run and circulate the air.

 

OVAL IN CENTER

An oval condensation ring or oily looking spot on the interior glass surface is an indicator that interior and exterior panes of glass have collapsed toward each other. You need to replace the window sash or door panel.

 

BETWEEN THE PANES

When the seals along the outer perimeter of glass fail and allow moisture to penetrate the space between panes of insulated glass, your window or door will appear cloudy or fogged. Please check and make sure the glass does not have chemicals or pollutants on the outside surface. Once you confirm that the condensation is between the panes, you will need to replace the window sash or door panel.

 

Typically, scratches in glass are the result of debris during construction or dirt on the glass. If care is not taken to lightly flush and remove the debris it could etch the glass surface resulting in a scratch. Our manufactures do not provide a product to remove glass scratches but there are companies that manufacture polishing compounds that remove scuffs, light scratches and deposits on glass that can't be cleaned with regular washing. As a guideline, if the scratch is deep enough to catch the edge of a fingernail, it's too deep to remove. Manufactures are not responsible for damage caused by misuse of cerium oxide or other damage that could happen in trying to remove scratches.

 

Most older sliding glass door tracks are made out of aluminum a very soft metal. As the track wears it becomes lumpy and scarred so the door may not slide properly, also the wheels may be worn out and or the bearings shot. An easy solution is to replace the wheels with new metal wheels and cap the track with a stainless steel cap. This is something you the homeowner may be able to do with minimal effort. You may want to think about a new door because at this point, even with making a nice repair, most other parts of the door are probably at the same level of wear and tear. It may be time to look into a new vinyl high efficient sliding glass door. Call for a quote.

 

Although the first inclination may be that your windows are leaking air through them (and they might be) It is very common to feel a cool air passing by your old single glaze glass or the area that the old window is located in. With the cold outside air against the exterior glass and warm air on the interior side of the glass an action of mild turbulence may occur making it feel as though air is filtering in to your home. You are definitely in need of new vinyl thermal pane or (dual glazed) windows.