03 Jun One Leak, A Million Questions: When Your Window Seal Fails
While you want your home to “breathe” well in terms of proper ventilation, you certainly don’t want it to breathe as a result of air leaks.
Particularly when aging windows are subject to harsh weather conditions or a lack of routine maintenance, the likelihood of those windows leaking will only grow.
And one of the most common causes of window leaks? A failed seal.
Seal Failure 101
Should your window fall victim to sealant failure, the general integrity of the window frame isn’t all that will become increasingly vulnerable to damage; rather, your energy bills, indoor air quality, and even your walls will end up bearing the costly burden, as well.
Think of it this way: The sealant is what stops the movement of air in and/or out of your home around the window. A window leak occurs when that sealant fails, allowing the heat and cold to intrude on your home alongside moisture and other airborne particles that are small enough to slip through the cracks.
Thus, the surrounding walls — in addition to the furniture or other personal belongings that are near the window — are likely to become water-damaged havens for mold growth. Additionally, if you have a double-pane window, such a leak may cause negative pressure between the panes, thereby causing it to collapse.
And as your HVAC system has to work harder to compensate for the fluctuation of seasonal temperatures, you’ll find yourself grimacing over the increasing cost of your monthly energy bills.
What You Can’t See Can Still Hurt Your Home
Let’s say you’ve already noticed some of the aforementioned consequences of window leaks. So, you know the leak exists, and you know you’re actively living with the unfortunate effects that are a part of that damage, but how do you know for sure that it’s the seal you’re dealing with when you can’t see an air leak?
Simple: you inspect the window itself.
“If you can see daylight around a door or window frame, then the door or window leaks,” according to the U.S. Department of Energy. “You can usually seal these leaks by caulking or weatherstripping them.”
Otherwise, take notice of moisture and/or water stains that have built up along the window frame and joints. And, finally, should you see any cracks or warping in the existing caulk around the window, it’s time to work on repairing and strengthening your window’s sealant.
Saying “So Long” To Your Broken Seal
“Badly-worn weatherstripping, a warped frame, or inoperable hardware can increase air leakage,” as reported by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), and poorly applied caulk is no exception.
Thus, while attending to your sealant may appear to be an easy DIY project at first glance, you don’t want to risk exacerbating the problem and costing yourself more money down the road.
That’s why it’s important to call your locally trusted window professionals: Renewal by Andersen® of Florida!
Not only do we offer industry-leading window repair and replacement services to strengthen your home and enhance your comfort, but we also provide FREE consultations to help you understand the big picture!
Let us handle the leaks with superior products and services. All you have to do is contact our team today by calling (855) 830-2420!