Broken Seals: When Window Cleaning Isn’t Enough
How Do I Identify a Broken Seal?
Sometimes window cleaning isn’t enough to make your glass spotless. Do some of your windows fog or condensate? Perhaps they aren’t hazy all the time but seem to consistently fog at certain times of the day. If your windows are double glazed and displaying moisture and fog, you are most likely looking at a broken seal, not a dirty window. The windows in this picture below are clean but the broken seals leave a good portion of the panes looking white and hazy.
What Causes a Seal to Fail?
Double and triple-glazed windows usually contain argon gas between the window panes. Together, these insulate the house. Most modern window seals have a life span of approximately thirty years. However, applying too much heat or pressure around the window frame (as when using a heat gun) may break a seal. Seals also break from neglect as dirt and debris build up over time. The insulating gas escapes and air and moisture take its place making the window look “foggy”.
What Can I Do About It?
95% of the time, your local glass company will recommend replacing the window completely instead of trying to repair the seal. With a complete window replacement, they can guarantee that the seal won’t break and you can qualify for a warranty. Bethany Associates recommends South Jersey Door & Glass for your window replacement and repair needs.
By keeping the dust and debris off your windows, at either your home or business, you can help prevent your seals from breaking prematurely. Give Bethany Associates a call at (888) 601-4257 ext. 1 to receive your free window cleaning and power washing estimates.
