Most people don’t spend a great deal of time thinking about their home’s windows – at least until they stop working properly. When a window fails, it can lead to all sorts of problems. If you’ve noticed that your energy bills have been higher for the past month or two, you’ve begun feeling a draft by a particular window, or you see extra space you’ve never noticed before around a specific window frame, the odds are good that your window seal has failed.
As you continue reading, you’ll find out more about window seals and how to tell for sure if yours has failed. Although it may seem obvious, many homeowners don’t realize for quite some time that they are dealing with a broken window seal. The tips here will help you recognize the problem sooner and have it repaired in a timely fashion.
What is a window seal?
Before you can determine if a window seal has failed, it is imperative for you to understand what this seal actually is. In older, single-pane windows, it was rarely obvious when a seal failed, if the window even had one in the first place. Today, however, almost all windows feature double-pane or triple-pane glass. One of a window seal’s primary purposes is to keep the inert gas – typically argon – that is pumped in between the panes intact.
What can happen when a window seal breaks?
There are a number of problems that can occur if a window seal breaks. These include:
- The argon gas between the window panes can leak out, leaving the window much less energy efficient than it previously was.
- Moisture from rain and condensation – particularly in bathrooms – can collect. This can lead to wood rot if you have wooden window frames, mold growth, and other types of water damage.
- You might notice a sharp increase in your utility bills, which can be difficult from a budgeting standpoint.
- Bugs and small vermin can more easily enter your home, which is especially problematic in rural regions of the Carolinas, where pests can be rampant.
What causes window seals to break?
There are a variety of things that can cause a window seal to break. Time is the primary culprit, with the seals on aging windows simply disintegrating naturally as the years go by. There are, however, other potential problems, including design defects, and extreme weather.
In the case of a design flaw, your replacement windows may be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. You will need to contact your window brand’s customer service department to learn more about what is covered and what isn’t under their specific warranty terms.
If you notice that a window – or multiple windows – in your house seem different, it is a good idea to call a qualified installer like the team at Hatch Homes. Our crew can help you understand the benefits of window repair vs. window replacement, and determine which is the best choice for you. We’re here to help you every step of the way!