Window Seal Failure: What You Need to Know
Your windows are a lot more than just a nice view of the outdoors. They greatly contribute to your home’s energy efficiency, that is, if they’re performing the way they should be. Window seal failure is a common problem that homeowners face.
There’s a lot to know about window seal failure. We’ll go over everything you need to know so you can catch it in the early stages and prevent it from happening in the future.
Why Do You Have Window Seals in the First Place?
Window technology has come a long way in recent years. People are always looking for the best way to improve their home’s energy efficiency.
Windows nowadays are often double or triple pane containimg a seal around the perimeter to ensure an air-tight fit. In between the panes of glass is often a gas-fill for insulation such as argon gas.
The window seals lock the gas in to help create a barrier that blocks outside temperatures from entering your home. You’ll stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Reasons Why Window Seal Failure Occurs
Window seal failure can occur for a number of different reasons. Knowing how it can happen will help you better understand how to prevent window seal failure in the future.
If your window seals fail within the first couple years of having new windows, then there might’ve been mistakes made during installation or manufacturing. The material to make the sealant may have been tainted in some way or there might’ve been insufficient time to let the sealant cure.
Also, the installer or shipper may have punctured the seal at any point along the way. If the installers weren’t as experienced as they should be or just made an honest mistake, your window seals may have paid the price.
The elements could cause window seal failure as well. If you have windows that aren’t suited for the climate you live in, they could fail pretty easily. For example, having wood or aluminum windows in the Midwest is not a smart decision.
Wood can easily rot, warp and expand due to moisture and aluminum does not perform well in extreme weather conditions. The Midwest sees a lot of moisture and weather extremes in summer and winter.
Failing to pay attention to window condensation can also contribute to window seal failure. If you don’t wipe away condensation as it appears and let it build up over time, mold can form and damage the seals.
How to Spot Window Seal Failure
There are a few things that can happen when your window seals fail – nothing, condensation or dirt/grime build-up.
When a window seal first fails, there’s not really much that happens. If the seal failure isn’t major, then your window will be able to prevent moisture build-up between the panes for a little while.
However, as the weather fluctuates and becomes more harsh during summer and winter, those seal failures will only become worse and you’ll start to see the evidence.
Moisture will build up between the panes of glass and you won’t be able to get rid of it. It’ll come and go with the weather until finally enough builds up to where it’s always noticeable.
As more fog builds up, mineral deposits, dirt and grime will soon cover your windows. This is a clear sign of window seal failure and you should replace your windows.
What to Do When Your Window Seals Fail
Once you’ve noticed the signs of window seal failure, your options are limited. Failing windows detract from your home’s energy efficiency.
Once your window seals fail, the outside elements have an easy route into your home. You’ll find yourself using the air conditioner more in the summer and your furnace more in the winter to keep your home comfortable.
If only a window or two has seal failure, then you could have the fog cleared out by a service that provides defogging for windows. However, doing this will really only improve the appearance and not actually fix the seal.
In order to keep your home energy efficient and looking great, your only option is window replacement. When you choose Feldco, you know that you’re getting the absolute best products and service.
We’ve served over 400,000 homeowners in the Midwest so it’s no wonder why we’re America’s #1 window and door company. Get a free quote online or call us at 866-4FELDCO to solve your window seal failure problems once and for all.
