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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 that the seal on your window is damaged. It also affects the insulating capacity of your home and could cause distortion of views through the glass panes. Defogging may temporarily solve the problem however, the best option is to replace the insulated glass units (IGU). This is best handled by a professional window manufacturer to ensure that the replacement is carried out correctly. Expansion and Contraction Seals in dual-pane windows can break down 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 up the glass, it expands putting pressure on the window seal. As the glass cools at night and the seal around the window contracts. These constant contractions and expansions can cause a break in the window seal, permitting humidity to enter the window, causing fog between the glass panes. This crack in the seal allows inert gases, such as the argon gas, which is trapped between the window panes to escape. This affects the insulation of the window. Stains or mold along the edges of double-pane windows are other signs of a broken seal. You might also notice an increase in your energy bill or feel drafts coming from the windows. In this time, your window frames could also pull away from walls or shift. This is a sign you must replace the window seal. It's a complicated and labor-intensive project to replace the seals on a double paned window. This typically involves removing the old seal, cleaning the windows, and replacing the IGU. Although it is possible to replace the IGU by yourself however, hiring a professional is highly recommended. Mistakes during this process can cause drafts, water damage, pest infestations, and more expensive repairs later on. A professional will also assist you in determining the most effective repair solution for your specific situation and can provide guidance on a long-term plan for keeping your window sealed properly. This could involve a short-term solution, such as caulking the gap between the window frame and the wall to prevent water and bugs from entering your home, or it may involve replacing the entire window with an IGU that is more resistant to weather conditions and damage to the seal. It could also involve installing the window using a different IGU that has a higher quality seal or is more appropriate to the climate of your home. Weather Conditions While window seals are designed to withstand the harshest conditions in the weather, continuous exposure to the elements can eventually cause them to fail. Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause the glass within the window to expand and contract. This causes pressure on the seal over time. This is especially true for homes in areas that have hot summers and cold winters. Storms, high humidity, and other environmental factors can also damage window seals. Wind can be particularly rough on windows, causing them to shift with time. In this case air can get infiltrated between the glass panes of an insulating window, which can cause condensation or fogging. While fogging is not a safety hazard however it can affect the appearance of your windows and make them difficult to view through. Additionally, humidity and water can also influence window seals by encouraging mold growth or causing rot or corrosion on the frame. If you are experiencing these issues, it's likely that the window seals will need to be replaced. Higher energy bills are another indication that the window seals have started to fail. The cooling and heating systems will be forced to perform more to keep your home cool in the event that the seals on your windows have failed, which will result in higher utility costs for you and your family. It could also be getting more difficult to close or open your windows. This is an indication that the seals in your windows have become stiff and hindering them from closing or opening properly. Repair My Windows And Doors is important to fix this issue before it becomes a major issue and your windows won't be as efficient in energy as they should be. You can prolong the lifespan of your window seals by observing the maintenance instructions of the manufacturer. It is important to clean them regularly with mild detergents or other approved cleaning agents and to keep them free of dirt and debris. Avoid using heat guns and chemical strippers to clean your windows. They are able to degrade the sealant. Damage Modern triple and double pane windows are different from the older single-paned windows. They feature glass panes separated by an air space, and then completely sealed around the edges. This keeps moisture out. The spaces between the glass panels are usually filled with inert gases such as Krypton and argon. This helps to reduce the transfer of cold and heat outside the window. These windows are also known as insulated glass units (IGUs). Call a professional if you detect any indications of damaged seals or condensation. They can assess the situation and determine the best option for you. Ignoring the issue will only increase the severity of the issue and will result in increased energy costs and more noticeable impact on your home's comfort. Generally speaking, the cheapest alternative is to replace the IGU and keep the current window frame. This is particularly beneficial when your frame is in good shape and has an increased R rating than the original windows. You can retain an impressive amount of insulation efficiency. However, if the current frame is in a poor state or has a long-lasting issue and is causing exterior damage, full window replacement may be your best choice for optimal energy efficiency and security. This kind repair can be accomplished quickly and easily by a professional, improving the appearance of your home and 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. Review the window's warranty or contact the original installer to find out whether this is a possibility in your situation. Installation Window seals are vital to stop drafts from entering and ensuring efficiency of energy in your home. It is not only vital to repair a damaged seal as soon as you spot it, but also to conduct preventative maintenance to avoid any future problems. Window maintenance is a continual process that involves checking for gaps, cracks and re-caulking when needed and cleaning. It's recommended that you re-caulk the window area once per year to limit how much humidity and temperature affect the seals on your windows. This is especially crucial for older homes whose foundations have shifted since their initial installation. Regular maintenance of your windows will help you identify any problems before they become an issue. This will allow you to arrange for a professional to fix your windows as required. If you notice condensation between your window panes, this is an indication that the frame and glass aren't properly sealed and this can lead to poor indoor air quality. If you hear a tap sound when you press the window, it could be a sign that you should repair the window. Physical damage to the window frame can also cause the window seal to crack. This could happen if your pets or kids accidentally hit the window with a broom or if harsh cleaning substances like paint strippers are applied too close to windows. This could also happen if you have aluminum frames on your windows, which do not provide the same insulation as wood or fiberglass. If your windows are older and still under warranty Repair or replacement is often the best option for a broken seal. This will ensure that your window is swiftly repaired or replaced. It could also provide you with the opportunity to upgrade to a more energy-efficient frame such as fiberglass or wood. If you've got a damaged insulated glass unit, it's usually best to seek out an expert who can replace it. This is the most cost-effective solution. It's worth noting, though that a lot of modern windows feature removable IGUs which contain insulating gas which allows you to replace only the glass unit, not the entire window and frame.