Don't Buy Into These "Trends" Concerning Sealed Window Repair
Why It's Important to Repair a Broken Window Seal
The presence of condensation on windows that cannot be removed is a sign your window seal is broken. It also affects the insulation capability of your home. It could cause distortion of views through the glass panes.
Defogging can temporarily fix the problem however the most effective solution is to replace the IGUs (IGU). This should be handled by a professional window company to ensure that the replacement is done correctly.
Contraction and Expansion
Over time, seals in dual pane windows break down due to expansion and contraction of the spacer that separates the glass. This is due to the temperature cycles that occur throughout the day. As the sun heats up the glass, it expands, putting pressure on the window seal. At night, as the glass cools down and the window seal shrinks, it expands. These constant expansions and contractions may cause a crack in the seal of the window. This allows humidity to get in and create fog between glass panes. This break in the seal can allow inert gases like argon, which get trapped between window panes, to escape. This reduces the insulating properties of the window.
Other indications of a damaged window seal are visible mold or staining along the edge of a double-paned window. You might also notice a rise in your energy bill or feel drafts coming from the windows. In this time, your window frames could be pulled away from the walls or shift. This is a clear sign that the window seal has to be replaced.
Replacing the seals of a dual pane window is a fairly complex and labor-intensive task that typically involves removing the old seal as well as the new one, then cleaning both windows, and then replacing the IGU. While it is possible to perform the IGU replacement yourself but hiring a professional is highly recommended. This procedure is susceptible to errors that can result in water damage and pest infestation.
A professional can also assist you in finding the most effective repair solution to your situation and provide advice on a long term plan to ensure that your window is sealed properly. It could be a temporary fix, such as caulking between the window frame, and the wall, to stop the entry of water and bugs into the home. Or, it could mean replacing the entire IGU with a brand new one that is more resistant against weather conditions and seal damage. It could also involve installing a new window with an alternative IGU with a higher quality seal or is more appropriate 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 fail. Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause the glass inside the window to expand and contract. This puts pressure on the seal over time. This is especially true in homes located in areas that experience hot summers and cold winters.
Window seals are also susceptible to damage caused by extreme weather conditions, high humidity and other environmental factors. Wind particularly can be very hard on windows which can cause them to shift or loosen over time. When this happens, air can infiltrate between the glass panes of an insulating window, which can cause condensation or fogging. While fogging isn't an immediate danger, it can detract from the appearance of your windows and make them difficult to look through.
Additionally, water and humidity can influence window seals by encouraging mold growth or causing rot or corrosion on the frame. If you experience these problems it's likely that your window seals are in need of replacement.
Higher energy bills are another indicator that the window seals have started to fail. If your window seals have been damaged, your cooling and heating systems will need to work harder to keep you and your family at ease. This can result in higher energy costs.
It could also be getting more difficult to open or close your windows. This indicates that the window seal has become stiff, preventing it from opening and closing. This issue must be dealt with before it becomes a major issue and your windows will not be as energy efficient as they could be.
You can prolong the lifespan of your window seals by observing the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance. This includes cleaning them regularly with a mild detergent or other approved cleaning agent and ensuring that they are free of dirt and debris. It is also crucial to stay clear of using chemical strippers or heat guns on your windows as they can easily damage the sealant material.
Damage
hyperlink and double pane windows differ from the old single-paned windows. They feature glass panes separated by an air space and then sealed around the edges. This keeps humidity out. The spaces between the glass panes are filled with an inert gas, such as argon or krypton to further limit the transfer of heat or cold outside the window. These kinds of windows are also referred to as IGUs, or insulated glass units (IGUs).
If you spot condensation or other signs of broken window seals, it's recommended to consult a professional assess the situation and determine the right way to proceed. If you ignore this issue, it will make it worse and will result in higher energy bills and an impact on the comfort of your home.
The most cost-effective choice is to only replace the IGU and retain the existing frame. This is especially advantageous in the event that the frame is still in good shape and offers a higher R-rating than the windows you originally had which allows you to keep the majority of your insulation efficiency.
However, if the current frame is in poor condition or outdated and has other damages to its exterior, a full window replacement could be your best choice for optimal energy efficiency and security. This type repair can be accomplished quickly and easily by a professional, and can improve the appearance of your house while improving the insulation properties of your window.
If your window is still covered by warranty the manufacturer or installer may be willing to exchange or repair the damaged IGU at no cost. If you're not sure you are, make sure to check the documentation for your window or contact the installer to see whether it is possible.
Installation
Window seals play a crucial role in keeping drafts out and ensuring that your home is energy efficient. It's not only important to repair a damaged window seal immediately you notice it, but also perform preventative maintenance that helps avoid issues in the future.
Window maintenance is a continuous procedure that involves regularly checking for gaps and cracks, re-caulking as required, and cleaning. It's recommended that you re-caulk the area around your windows every year to limit the extent to which humidity and temperature affect the window seals. This is particularly important for older homes whose foundations have shifted since the original installation.
Regular window maintenance can aid in identifying any issues before they become an issue. This allows you to plan a repair with a professional your windows if needed. If you notice condensation between your window panes, this is an indication that the glass and frame aren't properly sealed and this can lead to poor indoor air quality. If you hear a tap sound when you push on your window it could be a sign you need to repair the window.
Physical damage to the window frame can also cause the window seal to crack. This could occur when your pets or children accidentally smash a window using the broom or cleaning products like paint strippers were used too close to windows. It could also happen when windows are fitted with aluminum frames that don't offer the same insulation as fiberglass or wood.
If your windows are newer and still under warranty repairs or replacement is often the most appropriate option for a damaged seal. This will not only guarantee your window is repaired or replaced quickly, but it may also give you the chance to upgrade to a more efficient frame material, like wood or fiberglass.
If you have an insulated glass unit (IGU) that has broken and requires professional help to replace it is generally the most cost-effective, long-term and economical solution. Modern windows often have removable IGUs that contain the gases that are insulating, which allow you to replace the glass unit in place of the entire window.