Sealed windows offer homeowners tons of excellent benefits, from top-notch insulation to beautiful window clarity. However, despite their advantages, insulated glass units are susceptible to a frustrating problem—window seal failure.
You might not realize that some of the problems you are currently experiencing with your home, like draftiness or condensation, are happening because of broken window seals.
To help you evaluate the state of your windows, the pros at Kelly Window and Door have put together this list of common ways to identify window seal failure. But first, here’s a small explanation of what causes this frustrating issue to occur.
What Is Window Seal Failure?
Sealed windows are composed of two to three glass layers divided by a spacer material (either an air vacuum or inert gas) and are closed at the edges. The multiple window panes form an insulated glass unit.
A reliable, long-lasting unit:
- Slows energy transfer, keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
- Provides structural integrity for your window panes.
- Contains a durable seal.
Window seal failure ultimately occurs when inert gas leaks out from between the panes of glass at a slow pace, allowing moisture and outside air to seep into the system.
When your window seal breaks down, your insulated glass unit is immediately compromised. This can cause problems for your home, including draftiness, condensation, damaged window frames, or even broken glass.
The most common culprit of failing window seals are issues with manufacturing and installation. However, even if your sealed windows are correctly installed and offer excellent performance for decades, they will eventually begin to wear down.
4 Ways to Identify Window Seal Failure
Ready to check the integrity of your window seals? Before you get started, clean your windows to provide yourself with a blank canvas to inspect.
Examining for seal failure is a primarily visual process, so it’s critical to clear away any excess moisture, dust, or grime that might be mistaken for the following issues.
Then, check your windows for these common signs of seal damage.
1. Cold, Drafty Home
When you stand by your windows, do you notice that your home is particularly chilly? If so, a broken window seal may be causing air filtration issues in your home.
Draftiness occurs when cold air leaks around or through your window due to poor insulation and faulty window seals.
2. Excess Condensation
Do your windows have a milky white appearance? Or do you notice visible moisture between the panes of glass?
Fog, haze, or liquid between two glass layers are a sign that one of your seals has failed. Usually, fogginess is most notable when your house’s temperature is drastically different from the climate outside.
It’s important to note that a small amount of condensation on the surface of your windows is normal—it’s the moisture between panes that should be a cause of concern.
3. Glass Distortion
When gas begins to leak from your insulated glass unit, you’ll notice that your windowpanes will start to bend slightly—and sometimes even break.
Take a step back and compare the window in question to your other windows. If there is any glass distortion, you should be able to notice it quickly.
4. Insects
Excess moisture can bring unwanted pests into your home. If you notice small insects between two panes of glass, you can be confident that your window seal is broken.
How to Manage Window Seal Failure
After your inspection, you might have noticed that one or more of your windows are experiencing damaged seals. If so, you are likely worried about your windows and are concerned about handling the issue correctly.
Even though defogging and insulated glass unit replacement are options for managing window seal failure, the results and costs of these services vary.
That’s why the most cost-effective, reliable option to fix window seal failure is to invest in brand-new replacement windows.
Window replacement provides multiple benefits that other solutions simply can’t offer. It’s an especially advantageous option if:
- You notice two or more windows with broken seals.
- Your manufacturer’s warranty will cover the cost of the replacement.
- Your window frames are already old and worn out.
- You want to take advantage of new technology and energy-saving solutions.
- You’re looking to upgrade the look of your home with beautiful new windows.
- You want to add curb appeal and value to your home.
Dependable Window Replacement with Kelly Window & Door
If you’re ready to trade in your foggy, drafty windows for beautiful, energy-efficient replacement windows, we can help!
For over 27 Years, we have provided satisfied homeowners with reliable window installation by using quality products we believe in.
Learn more about our replacement window services to discover how we can eliminate your window seal failure with long-lasting replacement windows.