How Can I Tell If My Window Seal Has Failed?

Unless your home still has single-pane windows, your windows have seals and those seals have the potential to fail. Modern windows feature some form of sealed glazing; these are known as Insulated Glass Units (IGU’s). Overtime, the seals on these insulated windows may fail, which compromises the insulating ability, reduces the clarity of the window, and allows more sound to pass into the house. 

Some believe that you can simply touch a window and feel for temperature differences in order to detect a failed seal, but it’s not always that easy. Here are two main ways to tell if your window seal has failed:

1. Window Appears Dirty: Even though you have freshly cleaned your windows, they still appear dirty. A broken seal is no longer able to keep out dust and dirt, and on windy days particles get blown in and stuck between the panes.
2. Condensation Occurs Between the Panes of Glass: A window seal’s main purpose is to create a thermal barrier between the inside and outside of the window so you don’t deal with temperature and humidity fluctuations. When your seals are failing, moisture becomes trapped between the window panes and is visible in the form of condensation. This is the time of year that failed seals will stick out like a sore thumb

Our team of glass specialists can inspect your windows and give you a quote for replacing your existing windows, if the seals are failed. Contact us today and we will be happy to help you get your home’s windows back to looking and functioning their best!