Depending on the time of year, outdoor temperature, humidity levels, and more, you might sometimes notice moisture on your windows. While this might seem like a harmless issue, it’s worth monitoring closely since excess moisture running down your windows can lead to larger issues over time. One of the issues could be mold growth, while others might be wood rot on window frames or walls. Here’s what you need to know about the differences between window condensation and window seal failure.
How Window Condensation Occurs
When the warm air inside your home hits the cold windows on a winter day, the air condenses and leaves moisture on the glass. Sometimes the moisture will be very light, but other times it could get to the point where you have water rolling down the glass, making it look like it’s raining. If you only have this problem during the fall and winter months, then the issue is likely a result of window condensation. Interior moisture levels can also cause window condensation to occur more frequently. Regardless of the cause of window condensation, the solution doesn’t always mean you need replacement windows. A quality contractor can evaluate your windows just in case, but many times simpler solutions exist.
Preventing Window Condensation
Don’t rush to seek window replacement and installation at the first sign of moisture on your windows. However, it is important to try to find a solution as soon as possible so the moisture doesn’t eventually cause larger problems. A common solution a quality contractor will tell you is to invest in a dehumidifier for your home to reduce moisture levels. There are plenty of options on the market that you can place in individual rooms, or you can have a quality contractor install a furnace dehumidifier to solve the problem in every area of your home.
Improper ventilation in the home is another common problem that causes window condensation. Cleaning your vents regularly and using exhaust fans in areas where moisture levels are highest can go a long way in preventing window condensation. When you try these tips, see if the problem is solved. If you are still experiencing excess moisture on the windows, then you might have other issues to look into.
What Causes Window Seal Failure?
Window seal failure is an issue that can occur if you have either double-pane or triple-pane windows. It occurs when these windows with multiple panes of glass havea layer of gas between the panes held in by an airtight seal. Window seal failure can often be caused by window condensation. Double-pane windows are very popular today because of their energy-efficient properties, but a malfunctioned window seal can cause some problems.
The main reasons why window seal failure occurs include:
- Manufacturer’s defect in the window
- Excessive window condensation that can damage the seals
At Beaulieu & Sons, we will provide you windows with quality manufacturers that have great warranties. So if you experience a window seal failure with your new windows, you will be covered. The window professional you work with can explain the specific warranty that comes with the windows being installed at your house.
A sign that you might be experiencing window seal failure is if your windows are foggy or there’s condensation in between the panes. This is different from window condensation, where you can feel the moisture on the outside of the glass. Using a dehumidifier likely won’t solve your problems, and replacement windows might be needed. Just ask a quality contractor like Beaulieu Home Improvement to evaluate your windows first so you aren’t spending more money than what is necessary to solve the problem. Sometimes all you need to do is replace the glass on the window only, depending on the style of the window and whether it’s possible to solely replace the glass.
How to Prevent Window Seal Failure
When a quality contractor confirms you’re dealing with window seal failure, they can steer you in the right direction with the issue you’re having, even if it means pursuing window replacement and installation. Some companies may suggest defogging the window by drilling a very small hole in the glass, removing all of the condensation, and then replacing the window seal. However, this method doesn’t always yield the best results in the short-term and long-term, and it can be just as costly as replacing the windows themselves. With that said, many times a local glass company can help you replace the glass on a vinyl window depending on the style and characteristics.
What To Do First
The first thing you should do when experiencing window seal failure is to check the manufacturer’s warranty to see whether you can get reimbursed for the problem. If your replacement windows were installed by a quality contractor recently, then you could get compensated with the replacement of the bad glass.
Frequently Asked Questions About Window Condensation vs Seal Failure
What is the difference between window condensation and window seal failure?
We often explain that window condensation happens when warm air inside your home meets cold glass and creates moisture on the surface. Seal failure, on the other hand, occurs when the airtight seal between double- or triple-pane windows breaks, allowing moisture to form between the panes instead of on the surface.
What causes condensation on my windows?
Condensation usually forms when warm indoor air comes into contact with cold window glass, especially during colder months. We also see it happen more often when there are high humidity levels inside the home or poor ventilation.
How can I prevent window condensation in my home?
We recommend reducing indoor moisture levels by improving ventilation and using exhaust fans in high-moisture areas. Installing a dehumidifier can also help manage humidity and prevent excess moisture from forming on your windows.
What are the signs of window seal failure?
One of the biggest signs we point out is foggy windows or condensation forming between the panes of glass. Unlike regular condensation, this moisture cannot be wiped away and usually indicates the seal has failed.
What should I do if I have window seal failure?
When we identify seal failure, we typically recommend having a professional evaluate the windows. In some cases, replacing just the glass may be possible, but other times full window replacement may be necessary depending on the extent of the damage and the window type.
Contact a Home Contractor for Help
Beaulieu & Sons has helped customers with their window needs for more than 50 years. Our experts can identify the most common issues that homeowners experience with their windows and suggest suitable solutions to eliminate the problem now and in the future. If you currently have single-pane windows, then it’s worth it to upgrade to double-pane replacement windows. And if you’re having problems with double-pane or triple-pane windows, we can help you evaluate the causes of the problems and find the best solution possible. We are ready to assist homeowners with all of their home improvement needs, so don’t hesitate to contact us to get a free quote on your project.
