Why It's Important to Repair a Broken Window Seal
The presence of condensation on windows which can't be removed is a sign that the seal on your window is damaged. It also affects the insulating capacity of your home and can cause distorted views through the glass panes.
Defogging may temporarily solve the issue, but the best solution is to replace the insulated glass units (IGU). This should be handled by a professional window manufacturer to ensure the replacement is done correctly.
Contraction and expansion
Seals in dual-pane windows can become damaged as time passes because of the expansion and contraction of spacers that separate the glass. This is due to the cycles of temperature that occur throughout the day. As the sun heats the glass, it expands putting pressure on the window seal. As the glass cools down at night the seal on the window shrinks. These constant contractions and expansions can cause a break in the window seal, allowing humidity to enter the window, causing fog between the glass panes. This break in the seal permits inert gases like the argon gas, which is trapped between window panes to escape. upvc door seal replacement reduces the insulation value of the window.
Other indications of a damaged window seal include visible mold or staining along the edges of a double-pane window. You might also notice an increase in your energy bills or feel drafts in the vicinity of the windows. During this process the window frames could also shift or pull away from the wall. This is a clear indication that the window seal needs to be replaced.
It is a complex and labor-intensive job to replace the seals of a dual paned window. It usually involves removal of the old seal and cleaning the windows and then replacing the IGU. While it is possible to replace the IGU on your own, hiring a professional is highly advised. Making a mistake during this process could cause drafts, water damage, pest infestations and even more costly repairs later.
A professional will also assist you in determining the best repair solution to your situation and provide advice on a long-term plan to keep your window sealed correctly. This could include a short-term solution, like sealing the gap between the frame of the window and the wall to prevent water and bugs from entering your home, or it could be necessary to replace the entire window with a brand new IGU that is more resistant to weather conditions and seal damage. You could also install an entirely new window that has an alternative IGU with an improved seal or more suited to the climate of your home.
Weather Conditions
Window seals are made to withstand the harshest weather conditions. However, exposure to constant pressure can cause them to break. The most common culprits are extreme temperature changes that can cause the glass to expand and contract, placing pressure on the window seal over time. This is especially true in homes that are located in areas with hot summers and cold winters.
Storms, high humidity, and other environmental elements can also cause damage to window seals. Wind specifically, can be particularly tough on windows which can cause them to move or loosen over time. In this case, air can infiltrate between the glass panes in an insulating window, which can cause condensation or fogging. Fogging is not a safety issue, but it can make your windows look bad and make them hard to see through.
Water and humidity can also cause window seals to deteriorate through causing rot to the frame or growth of mold. If you're experiencing these issues, it's likely that the window seals need to be replaced.
The higher energy bills are a indicator that the window seals have begun to fail. Heat and cooling systems will need to perform more to keep your home warm when the seals on your windows have failed which can result in higher utility bills for you and your family.
You might also notice it getting more difficult to shut or open your windows. This is a sign that the seal on your window has become stiff, preventing it from opening and closing. It is essential to fix this issue before it becomes a major issue, or your windows won't be as energy efficient as they could be.
Follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer to extend the lifespan of the window seals. This includes cleaning them regularly with mild detergent or another approved cleaning agent and ensuring that they are free of dirt and other debris. It is also essential to avoid using heat guns or chemical strippers on your windows, as they can easily damage the sealant material.
Damage
Modern double- and triple pane windows are different from the older single-paned windows. They have glass panes that are separated by air spaces, and then completely sealed around the edges. This keeps moisture out. The spaces between the glass panels are often filled with inert gases such as Krypton and argon. This helps to reduce the transfer of heat and cold outside the window. These kinds of windows are also referred to as Insulated Glass Units (IGUs).
If you notice condensation or indications of damaged window seals, it's recommended to consult a professional evaluate the situation and decide the right method of action. If you ignore the issue, it will increase the severity of the issue and will result in higher energy bills and a more noticeable impact on your home's comfort.
The most economical option is to replace the IGU and keep the current window frame. This is especially beneficial when the frame you have is still in good shape and offers an R-value higher than the original windows, allowing you to retain the majority of your insulation efficiency.
If the frame is in poor condition or has a long-lasting issue and is causing damages to its exterior, a full window replacement might be the most effective option for optimal energy efficiency and security. This type repair can be completed quickly and easily by a professional, enhancing the appearance of your home while improving the insulation properties of your window.
If your window is still under warranty, a manufacturer or installer might be willing to repair or replace the damaged IGU for free. If you're unsure about this, look up the warranty for your window or call the installer to see whether it's possible.
Installation
Window seals are essential to keep drafts out and ensuring energy efficiency in your home. It's not only important to fix a damaged window seal when you notice it, but also to do preventative maintenance to help prevent issues in the future.
Window maintenance is a continuous process that includes regularly checking for gaps and cracks and re-caulking when required and cleaning. It is recommended to re-caulk the area around your windows each year in order to limit the extent to which temperature and moisture affect the seals on your windows. This is particularly critical for older homes that have sunk since the time of their initial installation.
Conducting regular maintenance on your windows helps you spot any issues before they develop into a broken seal, so you can make an appointment with an appointment with a specialist to make repairs when it is required. If you see condensation between the window panes, it's an indication that the frame and glass aren't sealed properly, which can lead to poor indoor air quality. If you hear a thumping sound when you press the window, it could be a sign that you need to repair the window.
Physical damage to the frame of a window could also cause the window seal to break. This could occur when your pets or children accidentally smash a window using a broom, or when harsh cleaning products such as paint strippers were sprayed too close to windows. This could occur if you have aluminum frames installed on your windows, which do not provide as much insulation as fiberglass or wood.
A damaged seal should be repaired or replaced if your windows are still under warranty. This will ensure that your window is swiftly repaired or replaced, and could also give you the chance to upgrade to a more energy efficient frame such as fiberglass or wood.
If you find an IGU (IGU) which is damaged hiring a professional to replace it is typically the most cost-effective, long-term and economical solution. Modern windows often have removable IGUs containing the gases that are insulating, which allow you to replace the glass unit in place of the entire window.