Windows can be a source of energy loss in modern homes. The right windows can help improve the insulation of your home, reducing the potential for heat transfer.
Double hung windows, sometimes referred to as insulated windows, are becoming more popular. Although these windows cost more to install, they are equipped with a layer of insulating gas sandwiched between two panes of glass. This design helps reduce heat loss and keeps your home airtight.
Damage to the seal of insulated windows can negate any benefit these windows offer. Being able to identify the signs of seal failure will allow you to have your insulated windows repaired so they can continue adding to the energy efficiency of your home.
1. Condensation Between Glass Panes
It is not uncommon for a window to exhibit condensation on the interior or exterior surfaces of the glass. Condensation occurs as a result of the difference in air temperature inside your home versus outside your home. A problem exists when you spot condensation that you cannot wipe away from either the interior or exterior surface of your windows.
Condensation that appears inside the panes of glass in an insulated window can only form when a seal has been damaged. You will need to have the insulating gases replaced and the seal repaired to restore your windows to their original condition.
2. Mineral Deposits Between Glass Panes
You may not always see visible condensation when an insulating window's seal has been compromised. The condensation can disappear before you wake up or appear only late at night when outdoor temperatures drop.
What you will be able to see is any mineral residue left behind when the water droplets that have condensed between a window's glass panes evaporates. Mineral deposits that cannot be cleaned from the interior or exterior window surfaces are usually an indication that you need to have a window specialist repair the seal on your insulated window.
3. Draft Near the Window
When the seal of an insulating window is intact, it will completely prevent the transfer of air between your living space and the outdoor environment. A seal that sustains damage forms cracks where air can seep through. You will be able to feel a slight draft moving nearby if you stand next to a window with a damaged seal for a period of time.
Air transfer can alter indoor air temperatures, causing your HVAC system to work harder. Any evidence of a draft near your insulating windows should be addressed by an experienced professional who can restore the integrity of the seal.
Share24 July 2019
When was the last time you really looked at your home windows and thought about their condition? Although they can be easy to ignore, older windows or versions that have insulation troubles won't protect your home from steep temperature changes, pest infestations, or harsh UV sunlight. I decided to upgrade my own windows a few years ago, which is why I made this blog. Here, I have collected loads of information about window types, features, and styles, so that you don't have to guess when it comes to your brand new window installation. By using this information, your home can look better than ever.
