Foggy or cloudy double-pane glass
Moisture trapped between the panes means the seal around the insulated unit has failed. Cleaning can't reach it; replacing the sealed unit fixes it.
Glass Repair
Foggy & Broken Window Glass Repair in Hoover, AL
Insulated glass unit replacement for foggy double-pane windows, plus cracked and broken glass, often without replacing the whole window.
Glass Repair
Clear glass again, without replacing the whole window
A cloudy double-pane window or a cracked pane doesn't always mean you need a brand-new window. If the frame and sash are still solid, replacing just the glass can restore a clear view and the window's insulating value for less cost and less disruption.
Hankins Glass replaces foggy and broken insulated glass units (IGUs), cracked single panes and damaged door glass for homeowners in Hoover, Birmingham and surrounding communities. We measure the glass, order a new unit made to size, and install it in your existing frame.
When glass-only repair isn't the right call, for example if the sash is rotted or the glass is built into a sealed vinyl sash that can't be reglazed, we will tell you, and we can quote a full window replacement instead.
Why double-pane windows fog up
An insulated glass unit is two (sometimes three) panes of glass separated by a spacer and sealed around the edges. The space between the panes is filled with dry air or an insulating gas, and the spacer contains a desiccant that absorbs small amounts of moisture.
Over years of heating and cooling, especially on windows that take direct afternoon sun, the edge seal can break down. Humid air gets in, the desiccant becomes saturated, and you start to see fog, droplets or a milky film between the panes that comes and goes with the temperature. Once that happens, the unit has lost much of its insulating value, and the haze typically gets worse over time.
Glass-only repair vs. full window replacement
Glass-only (IGU) replacement makes sense when the frame and sash are in good condition, the window operates well, and you are mainly dealing with a few foggy or broken panes. It keeps your existing window and trim.
Full window replacement is usually the better investment when multiple windows are fogging, frames are rotted or warped, windows are hard to operate, or the windows are old single-pane units. We will give you an honest comparison during your estimate.
Safety first with broken glass
If glass is cracked or broken, keep people and pets away from it, and don't try to pull loose pieces out of the frame by hand. Covering the opening with plywood or heavy plastic and tape will keep weather out until the replacement glass is installed. Call us at (205) 639-9893 and we will get it measured.
Is It Time?
Signs your glass needs attention
If any of these sound familiar, a free in-home estimate will tell you what your options are.
Schedule a free estimate- Fog, haze or water droplets between the panes
- A white or rainbow-colored film inside the glass that won't clean off
- Cracks spreading from the edge or corner of a pane
- Chips or breaks from impact or storm debris
- Drafts or rattling glass in an otherwise sound window
- Glass in an exterior door that is broken or cloudy
How It Works
How glass repair works
- 01
Inspection
We look at the glass, frame and sash, confirm glass-only repair is a good fit, and give you a quote.
- 02
Measuring
We measure the glass unit precisely, including its thickness, so the replacement fits your existing frame.
- 03
Ordering the unit
A new sealed insulated unit (or single pane) is made to size, using tempered glass where safety code requires it.
- 04
Installation
We remove the old glass, set the new unit, reseal it, and clean up all glass debris.
Recent Work
Recent projects from our crew
Real installations by Hankins Glass. See more in our project gallery.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Have a question that isn’t answered here? Call (205) 639-9893 or send us a message.
Can foggy windows be fixed by cleaning or defogging?
Not permanently. The moisture is inside the sealed unit, so it can't be wiped away from either side. Replacing the insulated glass unit restores a clear view and the window's insulating performance.
Is it cheaper to replace the glass or the whole window?
Replacing just the glass is usually less expensive for a window that is otherwise in good shape. If several windows are failing or the frames are worn out, a full replacement can be the better value. We will compare both options for you.
Can you match my existing glass?
We measure the existing unit's size and thickness and order a replacement to match. If your current glass has special features such as tint, grids between the panes or obscure glass, let us know so we can review options during the estimate.
Do you replace glass in patio and exterior doors?
We replace glass in exterior doors and sidelights, using tempered safety glass. For full-view and other glass doors, we can also discuss replacing the door glass panel as a whole, like the project shown in our gallery.
What areas do you serve for glass repair?
Hoover and communities within about 75 miles, including Homewood, Pelham and Alabaster and Trussville. See all service areas.
Get a free glass repair estimate
Tell us about your project and we’ll schedule a free in-home visit. Serving Hoover, Birmingham and communities within about 75 miles.