Window seals are crucial to making sure that your windows are helping insulate your home as they should. However, they can fail for several reasons, resulting in air leaks and poor window performance.
Common Reasons Why Window Seals Fail
Window Age
Over time, window seals can fail from wear and tear, no thanks to constant exposure to the elements. The older a window, the more severe the damage it has incurred, which is why seals in older windows tend to fail.
Temperature Changes
As exterior components of your home, windows are subjected to temperature changes. This can cause window seals to shrink and expand continuously, eventually leading to failure that makes exterior doors and windows ineffective at weather protection.
Lack of Maintenance
While windows are built to last, it’s not unusual for them to require routine maintenance to stay functional throughout their service life. This means inspecting and caring for every window component, including the weatherstripping. Without proper maintenance, weatherstripping will deteriorate, leading to eventual seal failure.
Bad Habits That Cause Seals to Fail
Failure to Lock the Windows
Locked windows help keep the home’s energy efficiency in check. With this, they help keep heat out during the summer and keep it in during winter. The tight seal prevents drafts and acts as a buffer against outside noise. When left closed but not locked, moisture could find its way indoors, forming condensation on the glass. Mold and rot may appear soon after.
Carelessness in Cleaning Your Home’s Exterior
Window installers recommend protecting your windows whenever the home’s exterior siding is being washed. The pressure of the high-pressure hose and the formula found in many cleaning solutions can affect the window seal and cause its deterioration. Apart from energy loss and condensation, the window’s warranty may be voided.
Leaving the Window Treatments Down
Leaving window drapes or curtains down during the winter will not cause condensation. However, leaving them so for a long time will trap moisture near the windows, restricting airflow. Mold will soon appear on the window frames, which, if left ignored, could result in rot. The only remedy for this problem is to replace the affected window with a new one.
Warning Signs of Window Seal Failure
- Condensation on the inside of your windows
- Windows that are difficult to open or close
- Drafts coming in through the windows
- Water leaking in around the windows
- High energy bills caused by air leakage
- Ice buildup on the window frames in cold weather
- Peeling or bubbling paint on window frames
If you find that it takes a while for your heating and cooling system to reach and maintain your desired indoor temperature or have inexplicably high energy bills, you could be looking at window seal failure. Schedule a window inspection with a professional exterior contractor to find out for sure and address the problem immediately.
