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3 Reasons Why Window Seal Failure Occurs

The seals around your windows play an integral role in keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient. Apart from minimizing drafts,…
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Jacob Wadding

The seals around your windows play an integral role in keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient. Apart from minimizing drafts, they also stop conditioned air from escaping outdoors which saves you money every month on your energy bill.

Despite the many benefits to window seals, they are not always perfect and can be susceptible to failure over time. If they fail, you are more likely to experience inconsistent indoor temperatures and deal with higher heating and cooling costs. Not to mention the annoying condensation and fogging of your once crystal clear windows.

Now before you start ordering new windows, let’s dive into what causes window seal failure and if there is anything you can do to prevent it in the future!

Window Seal Failure

Top 3 Causes of Window Seal Failure

Homeowners commonly ask us why window seals fail in the first place. That’s why we had our team of window installation experts break down some of the top reasons window seals fail.

1. Weather Damage

Window seals are designed to withstand the harsh weather of the local area. However, they can only endure so much damage. Wind-blown debris or hailstones can leave cracks, dents and other small gaps in the window frames.

The frame itself can also have issues due to extreme weather. Depending on the material, they may become warped or distorted due to long-term exposure to moisture. Seals that are no longer flush with the frame can allow the gas between the window pains to escape and let air and water to penetrate through the windows and into your home.

2. Temperature and Humidity

When the sun’s out and raging outside, the heat gets absorbed by the window frames, causing them to expand and push out air. Come nighttime, however, they contract as they cool down, drawing air and humidity in the process. This cycle is observed by every window installer or roofer alike and is deemed a cause for concern. Here, the seals are placed under stress and cause moisture to become trapped in your windows. They’ll degrade quickly once the panes become fogged with moisture.

3. Age

Perhaps the most common culprit behind window seal failure is aging. Windows that are nearing the end of their lifespan have seals that are already or are close to failing. If this is the case in your home, it’s best to have them replaced with new, energy-efficient replacement window units. This way, you can keep your home comfortable while saving on monthly utility bills (you might even qualify for some rebates by your city too).

window seal failure with condensation

How to Get the Most Life Out of Your Windows

One of the best things you can do to avoid seal failure is to invest in quality windows! If you suspect the seal is already damaged, there is a chance you can salvage the frame and just get a new window pane. However, this can still be pricey, and might not even be feasible if your window frame has been damaged by the water.

Odds are, your best choice will be to invest in a new set of windows for your home. The good news is, this will add value to your home, save you money on your energy bill, and you’ll be able to enjoy a crystal clear picture once again!

When it comes to windows, trust ARCH Exteriors LLC. We install ProVia® Endure™ vinyl windows, which provide unparalleled quality and energy efficiency. Count on us as your roofing contractor for your roof repair and replacement needs as well. Call (877) 214-2831 or fill out our contact form to get a free estimate.

About the Author
Your home is probably the most expensive thing you own. When you hire somebody to make improvements, you want high-quality work. In addition, you hope they’ll take the same care you would. You want someone with a good reputation, legitimate credentials, well established, using quality materials, and who charges a fair price. For over 11 years, I have worked hard to provide all of those benefits to my clients. One of the major reasons we have been able to do that is our ability to keep highly qualified personnel. Our workers are well trained, properly motivated, and managed professionally. I make certain that I convey measurable systems and procedures that our team understands and can readily follow.

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