Windows: Signs of Seal Failure

When one window starts showing signs of seal failure, there’s a strong chance the others aren’t far behind. Window seal failure is often the first sign that your windows are nearing the end of their lifetime. If your windows are experiencing seal failure, you’re likely noticing fogginess or condensation build up on your glass. The build up happens on the interior of the insulated glass unit (IGU) so until a fix or replacement is performed, you will continue to see this issue. Even worse, the window has now lost a significant portion of its efficiency value so you’ll notice your heating & air is running more often to offset that loss and keep your home comfortable. Inevitably you’ll pay more on your utility bills. 

 

Seal failure can occur for a number of reasons and the root cause is often difficult to pinpoint on older units. Whether you wish to prioritize repairs or invest in full replacement windows depends on the overall impact of the failure, how many windows are affected, and whether or not your comfort and energy efficiency has been compromised. 

 

Signs of seal failure:

• Condensation or fog on your windows
• Draftiness in your home
• Water infiltration
• Heating & Air is running longer than usual
• Higher utility bills
• Exterior trim & caulk are damaged around the windows

 

Noticing any of these is a likely indication you should consult a professional to help you identify the most appropriate and cost-effective option. If your windows are newer and experiencing seal failure, you’ll want to contact either the contractor or the manufacturer to understand your coverage through your warranty. In today’s advancements in manufacturing, most warranties will cover seal failure if it can be proven there were no other signs of damage or improper installation. If it was a result of poor installation, hopefully your contractor will take care of you.

 

Common reasons for seal failure:

• Age of the unit
• Quality of the manufacturing
• The IGU and Spacer used in the window
• Improper installation
• Painters using heat guns to strip paint around the window
• Pressure washing windows (don’t do that!)

 

The age of the unit is the most common reason behind seal failure. As with any manufactured product that sustains volatile environmental elements (heat, cold, humidity, rain, wind, etc) such as what we have here in Middle Tennessee, the reality is that parts will fail over time. If you purchased a quality window and had it installed by a professional, then hopefully the window offers you decades of use. Not all windows are made equally, however, and the glass package is often a key component of increased likelihood for seal failure in certain climates. You want to buy a window that has a solid insulated glass unit with an effective spacer system. Avoid aluminum spacers wherever possible and spend a few more dollars for either a stainless steel or warm edge foam spacer for increased thermal performance.

 

Options to resolve seal failure:

 

Option	Pros	Cons
Review your warranty and contact the manufacturer	If covered, this is the best and least expensive option	If not covered, you’re out of pocket the cost of a new sash/unit and service charge
Find a glass company that can patch up the seal	Estimated cost of $100 to $300 per window so certainly can save money	Hard to find service Often not intimately knowledgeable of all window brands Repairs are only aesthetic No notable energy efficiency benefits Argon gas fill is necessary for optimal energy efficiency
Call Wallaby Windows for a high quality and cost-effective full service replacement	Dedicated team to install a brand new unit that looks great and performs as expected Opportunity to change the style and design Regulated utility bills Increased comfort and optimized energy efficiency New warranty on product and labor	Most expensive option but not a sunk cost as this is an investment If you’re replacing only a handful of units, there is a chance the new windows will not be exactly matched

 

We are often called for repair work, and more times than not it is due to seal failure. However, Wallaby is not in the business to repair windows not purchased through nor installed by our team. Of course, if the windows are through Wallaby, we have service channels to resolve the defect and that would be through direct sash or unit replacement. We are a full service replacement company that would install a brand new window that looks great and performs as expected. There are two reasons for this. First, we believe that patch work is a temporary solution and that if you’re already spending money on a repair, why not spend a bit more for a window that actually works? Second, there is assumed liability when attempting to repair faulty windows that were not purchased nor installed by us as there is no guarantee it will perform as it once did and there is always a chance we identify more significant damage that renders an attempted repair ill-advised. Our recommendation will always be to replace the unit for maximum benefit and our trusted advisors can help guide you through your options to make it as cost-effective as possible.

 

At the very least, it’s important to know your options so we strongly encourage those of you with seal failure to give us a call so that one of our expert window consultants can help identify a root cause and make recommendations for your best options.

 

Wallaby Windows of Nashville is a full-service window, sliding patio door, and exterior entry door installation contractor helping our customers solve their problem as efficiently and as cost-effectively as possible. We offer a wide range of products from over 10 brands to fit nearly any budget or style installed with the highest quality and craftsmanship but without the high price tag. We’re a locally and family owned and operated business right here in Franklin, Tennessee and we can’t wait to serve you.