Foggy windows....should I worry?

jazzyja

Hi everyone, had an offer accepted on a property that I have viewed a few times and was happy with it, couldn't see any signs of damp etc. Today I've driven past the house (it's an end terrace) and all the side windows appear to have fog on them. The windows were open slightly so not sure if I'm just being paranoid and they're perhaps just making food or something and it's causing it to steam but the upstairs was the same?! I don't mind if the windows are just old and need replacing, as I was planning to do this anyway to the colour I want, but I don't really fancy having to deal with damp issues. My partner is a plasterer so work can be done, such as pointing etc, if needed. But my main question is if the survey detects damp what actually happens? I'm a FTB so it's all new to me! Thankyou 

AdrianC

One or two sealed units blown, perhaps? No need to replace the entire windows, just the panes.

But ALL of them? How long since you last viewed...? Most likely explanation is probably simply reflections...

What happens if a survey detects damp?
Well, the usual next step would be to get a damp expert to do a proper targetted inspection. But they're mostly salesmen.
"Rising damp" doesn't just happen. Damp comes from places. It comes from damaged gutters or roofs or windows, or from earth piled up against the bottom of the walls, crossing the damp proof course. Or from idiots who never open windows.

Irishpearce26

Sounds like either blown seals which usually happen from the outside water getting in between the double glazing or perhaps its condensation from cooking or drying clothes. Its a good sign that windows are open as its shows the seller is ventilating the house. 

gazebo

Just another thought - you say the windows are foggy, but is the condensation on the outside of the windows , inside or between the panes?
Our windows have condensation on the outside when the inside of the house is cooler than the external air (relatively new build house).  First couple of times it happened I was confused as to how we had condensation as we were airing the place out,before discovering it was outside. Tends to happen more on our sun facing windows