What Causes Window Seals to Fail?
4 minute read
If one or more of your windows show fog or condensation between the panes, you have a failing window seal that needs window seal repair or replacement. Failing window seals can increase your energy costs. They can also cause health problems.
The Critical Role of Your Window Seals
Window seals help maintain a home’s energy efficiency. They also provide protection from outside weather conditions while adding comfort for your family inside.
Deconstructing the Insulated Glass Unit (IGU): What Exactly Fails?
An insulated glass unit (IGU), also known as double-pane glass, is composed of two panes of glass separated by a spacer and filled with either air or an inert gas such as argon and sealed with a synthetic polymer. This creates a thermal barrier, keeping harsh elements out and comfortable temperatures inside the home.
The Primary Culprits: Detailed Causes of Window Seal Failure
There are a variety of factors that can cause window seal failure, by themselves or in combination with others. These factors include improper installation, age, and more.
Temperature Extremes & Thermal Stress: The Cycle of Expansion and Contraction
One of the main reasons for installing IGUs is to help prevent the outside climate from influencing your inside temperatures. In Salt Lake City and neighboring areas, IGUs are essential for keeping frosty winter weather out. Extreme weather fluctuations cause the window’s framing to expand and contract, which puts stress on the seal, potentially causing it to fail.
Environmental Exposure: The Damaging Duo of UV and Weather
Keeping the cold of winter and summer heat out of the house can be hard on IGU seals. Additionally, UV rays emitted from the sun can cause synthetic polymers to break down, causing brittleness and a loss of adhesion.
Material Degradation and Natural Window Age
Age itself, and other factors including sunlight, moisture, extreme temperatures, and weather conditions such as hail, will eventually compromise IGU windows.
Installation Errors and Manufacturing Defects
Not every window installer has the experience and the expertise to get it right. If an IGU wasn’t installed properly or the seal wasn’t correct when manufactured, the seal may fail prematurely, and, in some cases, early in its intended lifespan.
Physical Impact and Pressure Differentials
While a falling limb may hit a window without breaking the glass, there is a chance the seal may be broken by the impact. Additionally, high outside winds can cause enough pressure differential from the calm inside air to break the seal on IGU windows.
Recognizing the Red Flags: Signs of a Failed Window Seal
Condensation in the space of windowpanes and fog are the most common and easiest identifiable signs of a failed window seal, but there are others. Those red flags include:
Fogging and Condensation Between Panes
Whether your window becomes completely fogged or you only see a few moisture droplets, either is a sign of a failed window seal.
Distorted Views and Internal Dirt
In some cases, the insulation between the panes will leak out, causing a pressure change between the panes. The result is a wavy or distorted view through the window.
Visible Damage to the Sealant
With age or damage to the frame, you may see visible cracks or peeling, indicating deterioration of the window, necessitating window seal repair or replacement.
Decreased Energy Efficiency and Noticeable Drafts
If you feel a draft near an IGU window, it is likely due to a failure in the seal. Additionally, your HVAC unit may need to work harder, increasing electricity consumption and cost.
The Impact of Failed Seals: Why It Matters
Higher energy bills aren’t the only issue with failed seals. Those broken window seals may start growing mold and mildew due to trapped moisture, which will not only damage the window but can also be a health risk to your family.
Prevention and Mitigation: Extending the Life of Your Window Seals with Advanced Windows
Routine cleaning and inspection of your IGU windows will help keep them in order. Calling Advanced Windows for a complete inspection will help prevent unexpected issues from happening and extend the life of your windows.
Protecting Your Investment in Home Comfort and Efficiency
As Utah’s top window installation and repair company, Advanced Windows can help reduce the number of necessary window replacements through inspection and window seal repair services. Call us today.
Image credit: // Shutterstock // Paul Maguire
