Can You Fix a Broken Window Seal?

If your window seal is broken, you may be wondering if it can be fixed. The short answer is, yes, you can. However, fixing a broken window seal is not a do-it-yourself project. You will need to have the right tools and materials, as well as an understanding of how to properly use them. If you’re not comfortable with this, it’s best to hire a professional.

How To Tell If Your Window Seal Is Broken?

There are many ways to detect if you have a broken window seal, which is why it is important to check your windows regularly for signs of window seal failure. When you are preforming your check ins the best way to determine whether or not your window seal is broken is to perform a full visual inspection. If you notice any of the following, there’s a good chance that the seal has failed.

Your Window Panes are Fogged Up or Cloudy

Foggy windows are the most common sign of failed window seals, but the good news is this issue can be fixed. If you have a double-paned window, the seal between the two glass panes may be broken, allowing moisture to get in. This can cause condensation to build up inside the window panes and make them appear foggy.

You See Lights Coming in Through the Edges of the Window Frame

It is important to not just check the physical window but to also check the edges around your entire window and window frame to make sure you do not see any light coming through. If you do see light, this is an indication that the window seal has failed.

You Feel Drafts of Air Coming from Your Window

If you notice drafts of fresh air coming into your home from your windows, this is a sign that the window seals have failed and need to be looked at by a window expert.

Why Do Window Seals Break?

Temperature Changes

Temperatures can cause the seal to break over time. When there is warm weather, the seal will expand, and in colder weather, it will contract. These changes can cause the seal to weaken and break over time.

Accidental Damage

Something hitting or damaging the window could break the seal. It does not take much force to break the seal on a window, so if you have pets or children you may want to check your window regularly.

Improper Installation

If the window wasn’t installed correctly, the seal may not have been properly sealed in the first place. Make sure to check with a professional if you are unsure about the installation of your window.

Age

Over time, the rubber used to keep moisture out of double-paned windows can degrade, causing the window seal to fail and let in moisture.

There can be other reasons for window seal failure but these are the most common.

What Happens When You Have a Broken Seal on Your Window for Too Long?

If your window seals remain broken for a prolonged period of time you may notice an increase in your energy bill as your window is not acting as an insulator from the outside temperature anymore. In extreme cases, water damage can occur to the surrounding area if moisture is allowed to seep in and cause mold or mildew to grow. The longer you wait to fix broken seals, the more problems may arise and the likelihood you can repair them decreases.

Can a Window With a Broken Seal Be Repaired?

The good news is that in most cases, broken window seals can be repaired. The trick is finding trained professionals who can check the frame of your window to make sure it’s still in good condition. The professionals will help you determine when a window needs to be replaced or repaired. This is a very important decision and should not be made on your own. Making the wrong decision could lead to water damage and poor energy efficiency.

Why Should You Repair a Broken Window Seal Quickly?

A broken window seal can open up the door to many more problems than a foggy window. If you allow a broken window seal to go unrepaired, you are opening yourself up to a number of problems.

The first problem is that your window will no longer provide proper insulation for your home. Which is specifically bad in the winter, when you may find yourself turning up the heat more often as heat escapes through the broken seals. Then in the summer, your air conditioner will have to work harder to keep your home cool as the heat comes in through the window. This will lead to higher energy bills as your HVAC system works harder to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home.

Another problem that can occur is water damage. If moisture is allowed to enter your home through window seals, it can lead to mold and mildew growth. This can cause serious health problems for you and your family, as well as damage to your home.

In order to avoid these problems, you should get a professional window company to repair your broken window as soon as possible. If you let these problems exist for too long, you may have to replace the entire window.

When Should You Replace Your Window?

There are certain cases where you may want to replace your window rather than attempt window seal repair.

If the Frame is Damaged

If the frame of the window is damaged, it will need to be replaced. This can happen if there has been water damage around the window due to moisture building up over time. If the frame of the window is damaged, it may not be able to support a new seal and you will have to replace the entire window.

If the Glass is Damaged

Another reason you may want to go all the way and replace your window is if there is significant damage to the glass. If a large crack or hole exists in the glass, it may be difficult to repair without replacing the entire window pane.

If the Window is Old

You may also want to consider replacing your window if it is more than 15-20 years old. Even without damage, older windows may not be as energy efficient as newer models for your home.

If You have Single Pane Windows

If you have single pane windows, replacing them with double pane windows may be your best option. The insulation benefits alone will increase your home’s energy efficiency.

When Should You Hire a Professional to Fix Your Broken Window Seal?

If you are unsure whether you need to replace your window or just repair the seal, you should consult with a professional window company like Glass Solutions. They will be able to assess the damage and give you an accurate estimate of what needs to be done. Window replacement experts have the easiest access to all the different styles of frames, glass, and window sealants.

Glass Solutions has an experienced team of glass experts ready to help you fix your window seals. We serve Raleigh, Cary, Garner, Durham, Wake Forest, and surrounding areas. To get a free estimate or to schedule service, reach out to us today at  919-772-1007 or fill out our contact form below!