Vosthermos Logo
Home/Services/Defogging
Defogging

Sealed Glass Unit Defogging

An economical alternative to complete replacement of your foggy sealed glass units. Our defogging service cleans the inside of your sealed units, injects argon gas and reseals everything to restore clarity and efficiency to your windows without replacing them.

15+yrs exp.
10 yrswarranty
5★reviews

Understanding the three types of fog in a sealed unit

Not all fog is identical, and the type of fog determines whether defogging is the appropriate solution. Dry fog (or halo) appears as a permanent whitish haze between the panes, often more visible around the edges. It is caused by mineral deposits left by repeated evaporation of moisture that has infiltrated and dried out over time. This type of fog is the most common and generally responds well to defogging.

Wet fog appears as visible droplets or condensation between the two glass panels. It indicates active moisture infiltration through the broken sealant. If the wet fog is recent and the sealant is not too deteriorated, defogging can be effective. In cases where the infiltration is severe and long-standing, sealed unit replacement is often preferable.

Misty fog presents as a diffuse, uniform haze between the panes. It often results from a combination of mineral deposits and residual moisture. This type of fog can be more difficult to treat by defogging, and our technician will honestly assess the chances of success before proceeding.

Defogging or replacement: how to choose

Defogging is an attractive solution because it typically costs 40 to 60% less than complete sealed unit replacement. However, it is not suitable for all situations. For defogging to be a viable option, the sealed unit must have a still partially intact sealant, the panes must not be cracked or scratched inside, and the fog must not be caused by a structural defect in the frame.

We recommend defogging when the fog is of the dry (halo) or recent wet type, when the panes are otherwise in good condition, and when the sealed unit is less than 15 years old. For older, heavily damaged units or those with cracks, complete replacement is the best long-term option. Our technician will give you an honest and transparent opinion during the assessment.

Our expertise in defogging

Sealed units with dry fog (halo)
Sealed units with wet fog
Sealed units with misty fog
Foggy patio doors
Foggy casement windows
Foggy sliding windows

A simple and fast process

1

Fog type diagnosis

Our technician examines each foggy sealed unit to determine the type of fog (dry, wet or misty) and assess whether defogging is the appropriate solution. We give you an honest opinion before any work.

2

Drilling and interior cleaning

Two micro-perforations are made in the outer glass. A specialized solvent is injected to dissolve deposits, then the interior space is completely dried with controlled hot air.

3

Argon injection and sealing

Argon gas is injected to restore the insulating properties of the sealed unit. The openings are sealed with airtight plugs and UV sealant for lasting airtightness.

Defogging

Starting at $65/unit

Contact us for an accurate quote tailored to your needs. All our quotes are free and without obligation.

Everything about defogging

What is the difference between defogging and sealed glass replacement?

Defogging consists of cleaning the inside of your existing sealed unit and resealing it, while replacement involves removing the old unit and installing a new one. Defogging costs 40 to 60% less, but is not suitable for all situations (cracked panes, completely deteriorated sealant).

Is defogging guaranteed?

Yes, we offer a 5-year warranty on all our defogging work. If fog reappears during this period, we redo the work at no additional cost. This warranty covers resealing and glass clarity.

What types of fog can be treated by defogging?

Dry fog (whitish halo) is the easiest to treat and gives the best results. Recent wet fog (droplets) can also be treated if the sealant is not too deteriorated. Misty fog (haze) is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Our technician will give you an accurate diagnosis before intervening.

How long does a defogging last?

The intervention takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours per unit depending on the severity of the fog. The result is visible immediately after the intervention. The UV sealant reaches full adhesion in 24 hours. A well-done defogging can last 5 to 10 years before a new intervention is needed.

Need defogging service?

Free quote, fast and guaranteed service. Our team is ready to help.

Need parts? Buy online!

Over 740 replacement parts for doors, windows and screen doors available in our online store.

Browse the shop