BROKEN WINDOW SEALS By Ray Croskrey

Broken Window Seals

By Ray Croskrey

You finally decide that you are going to wash those dirty, streaky, hazy looking windows. 

After scrubbing and washing the inside you see that they are still looking quite bad so,

 you rush and do the outside. Still, they look they same as they did when you started.

As you take a closer look you notice that the haziness and streaks are actually inside the panes of glass. You might even see water droplets inside as well. How did this happen and what should be done?

What you see is caused from a failed or broken window seal. Double and triple paned windows and doors are constructed using two or three pieces of glass. In between these pieces of glass is an air space that is enclosed with a seal. This air space is usually filled with a gas such as Argon or krypton. This air space acts as an insulation that reduces the transfer of unwanted losses of warm or cool air inside the house. When the seal eventually cracks or breaks, moisture from the surrounding air is drawn in and will condense on the inside of the glass.

Usually the main reason for a failed window seal is age. Typically a window seal will last around 10 - 15 years. This all depends on the manufacturing quality, and how much stress or abuse the window is subjected to during its life.

Factors that aid in the deterioration of a window seal include:

- Pressure changes caused from hot and cold weather.
- Building settlement.
- Movement from opening and closing.
- Objects hitting the window (balls, birds, etc.).
- Pressure washing.
- Deteriorating frameworks.

Unfortunately, once you have a window with a broken seal there is nothing you can do except replace it. Besides the obvious visual impairment, a broken window seal will not significantly affect the insulating factors to any noticeable degree.

Here are some things you can do to help prolong the life of your windows.

Give your windows an inspection about once or twice every year. Look for any signs of aging or defects. If you have deteriorating outer perimeter seals, you can simply apply a bead of caulk around the edges to keep water from coming in contact with the sash. To keep a wooden window frame from becoming rotten, make sure it has a good coat of paint. If you have windows that get a lot of sun exposure, consider putting up window awnings or outdoor shades. Also make sure the windows get good air circulation indoors and out. This will help keep outer condensation levels to a minimum thus reducing the chances of mold development.

If you decide to replace a window or two, do a bit of research. Find a company that offers a good warranty plan. Most of the higher quality windows now days offer a 10-20 year and even life time warranty.