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Why It's Important to Repair a Broken Window Seal The presence of condensation on windows which can't be removed is a sign the window seal is damaged. This can cause distortions in the view through the glass and affect the insulation of your home. While defogging your windows can temporarily solve the issue The best solution is replacing the insulated glass unit (IGU). This is best handled by a professional window manufacturer to ensure the replacement is carried out correctly. Contraction and Expansion Seals in dual-pane windows may break down as time passes because of the expansion and contraction of the spacers that separate the glass. This is due to the temperature cycles that occur throughout the day. As the glass expands as the sun heats it the seal is placed under pressure. At night, as the glass cools down it shrinks the window seal. These constant expansions and contractions may cause a crack in the seal of the window. This allows humidity to get in, creating fog between glass panes. This crack in the seal can allow inert gases like argon, which are trapped between the window panes to escape. This decreases the insulation properties of the window. Other indicators of a broken window seal could be visible mold or staining along the edges of a double-pane window. You may also notice an increase in your energy bills or feel drafts around the windows. In this process, your window frames may be able to move or pull away from the wall. This is a clear sign that the window seal has to be replaced. It's a complicated and labor-intensive task to replace the seals on a dual paned window. This typically involves taking off the old seal and cleaning the windows and then replacing the IGU. Although it is possible to replace the IGU by yourself however, hiring a professional is highly advised. Incorrect decisions during this process could result in water damage, drafts, pest infestations and even more costly repairs later on. A professional can also assist you in finding the best repair solution for your specific situation, and offer suggestions on a long-term strategy to keep your window sealed properly. It could be a temporary fix such as caulking the window frame and the wall, to stop insects and water from getting into the home. It could also mean replacing the entire IGU with a new one that is more resistant against weather conditions and seal damage. You can 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 fail. The most common culprits are extreme temperature variations, which can cause the glass to expand and contract, putting pressure on the window seal over time. This is particularly true for homes in areas which experience hot summers as well as cold winters. Window seals are also susceptible to damage caused by extreme weather conditions, high humidity and other environmental factors. Wind particularly can be extremely hard on windows and cause them to move or become loose over time. In this case air can enter the glass panes in an insulating window, leading to condensation or fogging. While fogging is not a danger to your safety, it can detract from the appearance of your windows and make them difficult to look through. Additionally, water and humidity can also affect window seals by promoting mold growth or causing corrosion or rot on the frame. If you experience these problems you're likely to find that your window seals are in need of replacement. A rise in energy costs is another sign that the window seals have started to fail. Heating and cooling systems will have to be more efficient to keep your home comfortable when the window seals are broken and will result in higher utility costs for you and your family. You may be noticing that it's becoming more difficult to open or close your windows. This is a sign that the seals on your windows have become stiff and hindering them from closing or opening correctly. It is essential to address this issue before it gets out of hand and your windows will not be as efficient in energy as they should be. You can prolong the lifespan of your window seals by observing the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance. It is essential to clean them regularly with mild detergents or other approved cleaning agents and to keep them free of debris and dirt. It is also crucial to avoid using chemical strippers or heat guns on your windows as these can easily break the sealant material. Damage Modern triple and double pane windows differ from the older single-paned windows. They feature glass panes separated by air spaces and then sealed around the edges. This keeps humidity out. The spaces between the glass panels are usually filled with inert gases such as Krypton and argon, which helps to reduce the transfer of cold and heat outside the window. These kinds of windows are also known as Insulated Glass Units (IGUs). Contact a professional if detect any indications of damaged seals or condensation. They can assess the situation to determine the best course of action. In the absence of this, it can make it worse which will result in a higher energy bill and an impact on the comfort of your home. Generally speaking, windows seal replacement is to replace the IGU, while preserving the existing window frame. This is especially beneficial in the event that the frame is in good condition and has a higher R-rating than the original windows and allows you to preserve a large amount of insulating efficiency. If the frame is damaged or outdated or has any other exterior damage that is in poor condition, you may think about a complete window replacement for maximum energy efficiency and protection. This type repair can be completed quickly and easily by a professional, enhancing the appearance of your home while restoring the window's insulation properties. If your window is under warranty, a manufacturer or installer may be willing to repair or replace the damaged IGU for no cost. If you are unsure about this, look up the warranty for your window, or contact the installer to see if it is possible. Installation Window seals are crucial for keeping drafts at bay and ensuring energy efficiency in your home. Not only is it crucial to repair a damaged seal as soon as you notice it but also to perform preventative maintenance to avoid future issues. Window maintenance is a continuous process that involves checking for gaps, cracks, and re-caulking if necessary and cleaning. It's recommended that you re-caulk the window area once per year to limit the amount of humidity and temperature affect the window seals. This is especially important for older homes that have sunk since the time of their initial installation. Regular maintenance of your windows will assist in identifying any problems before they become an issue. This lets you plan a repair with a professional your windows as required. If you notice condensation on the window panes, it could be an indication that your glass and frame isn't sealed properly. This could lead to poor air quality indoors. If you also hear a sound of tapping when you press your window, it's a sign that the window is loose and requires repair. The window seal could break if the frame of the window is damaged. This can happen if your pets or kids accidentally strike the window with a broom, or if harsh cleaning products such as paint strippers are placed too close to the windows. It can also happen if you have aluminum frames that are installed on your windows, which do not provide the same insulation as fiberglass or wood. A damaged seal should be repaired or replaced if the windows are still covered under warranty. This will not only guarantee your window is repaired or replaced quickly but could provide you with the chance to upgrade to a more efficient frame material, such as wood or fiberglass. If you have a broken glass insulated unit is usually recommended to seek out an expert to replace it. This is the most cost-effective way to go. Many modern windows have removable IGUs with gases that are insulating, which allow you to replace the glass unit instead of the entire window.