As Autumn inches closer, there’s no better time to ensure your windows are in peak condition. The last thing you want as the weather cools down is to realise your windows need resealing. Worn-out window seals are common – and can mean your double glazing isn’t working. Leaving the problem to fix later can lead to further damage, to both your windows and the surrounding areas. If you have windows that need resealing, it’s worth tackling the issue now, before issues build up.
How Do I Check if My Windows Need Resealing?
Not resealing your double glazing once it’s failed is essentially a downgrade, as the double glazing fails. When this seal ‘fails’ – cracks, loosens, or becomes damaged; this allows air from outside to enter the home as it can penetrate the gap between your double-glazed windows. Avoiding this can be as simple as just giving your windows the occasional once over to look for any visual signs of wear and tear that could indicate your windows need resealing.
Things to look out for include visible signs of wear and tear, moisture intrusion causing mould, or in the worst-case scenario, rot around your window frame. Other earlier indicators may also be signs of condensation, indicating a possible failure of the seal; or as mentioned earlier, a draught creeping in. Not only can windows that need resealing make your home less comfortable as draughts creep in, but with energy prices continuing to rise it could cost you more in the long run through heating bills and damp and mold repairs. Our guide to figuring out if your windows need resealing should help you.
Why Do Window Seals Fail?
Window seals have an expected lifespan of 10 – 20 years, so they do last quite a while. Once a window seal is broken however, double glazing can become completely ineffective.
There are several reasons window seals can fail, including:
- Shrinkage from cold weather – ’solar pumping’.
A key reason window seals wear down over time is through a process called ‘solar pumping’. This is where the sun shining on your windows causes the glass to expand, putting pressure on the seals. As this happens repeatedly over the years, and the glass cools down and shrinks again each night, wear occurs from the repeated pressure and can eventually cause the seal to fail. The effects of solar pumping are more prevalent in south and west facing windows, as they receive more sunlight and are therefore more likely to expand.
- Wear and tear from time and moisture.
Naturally things do wear down over time through use, and your window seals are exposed to some harsh external conditions. The seals must cope through varying weather conditions, high winds, rain, heat, and cold over the years. Considering this, it’s natural this will eventually wear them down. Furthermore, if a small amount of damage does come to them and moisture somehow finds its way into your home, the mold and damp could increase this degradation.
- Poorly fitted windowpanes.
Whether it’s been caused by unprofessionally done handiwork, or your windows dropping over time; a poorly fitted windowpane isn’t going to sit right and can cause added unnecessary pressure to your sealing.
- Accidents and unexpected damage.
Accidents can happen, and they can happen to your windows. These accidents and unexpected damages can happen for a range of reasons – from the harsh chemicals used in painting or redecorating wearing your seals down over time, to burglaries and break-ins, or even things hitting your windows. The unexpected can happen, and that’s where we’re here to help. Read on to find out how you can have your window seals repaired or replaced.
If you’d like to find out more about how double glazing can fail, take a look at our article on the most common faults with double glazing.
What If My Windows Need Replacing?
If it’s just the window seal that has failed, it’s unlikely you will need to have the entire window replaced. If you have noticed any of the tell-tale signs your windows need resealing, it’s time to get things fixed. Failed double glazing can end up costing you more in the long run, as it’s no longer effective if your window seal has failed.
You’ll lose money on energy bills. 20% of heat in the home is lost through windows and doors. Once your window seal has failed, cold air from outside is free to enter the home. This increases the amount you’ll be spending on energy bills – even unknowingly.
Your home will become less environmentally friendly. Many opt for double glazed windows not only for their heat retention qualities, but because they want to do their bit in optimising their homes to be more eco-friendly. With broken seals – as we mentioned above – you’re more likely to overspend on energy bills, using more fuel than you would otherwise.
Condensation clouds up your windows. Windows are there so you can enjoy the views around your home. Once window seals fail, condensation is likely to cloud up your windows. This obscures your view and can have a negative impact on the appearance of your house.
Broken seals allow noise in from outside. Just like how air can enter the home through broken window seals, any noises from outside can enter too. Whether you’re located near a busy road, a school, or even just noisy neighbours, double glazing is effective in reducing noise pollution. Once these external sounds can enter the home, this can have a negative impact on any work you might do from home, and how well you can unwind and relax.
Moisture can enter the home, causing damp and mold. Damp and mold don’t only cause damage to your home such as rotting walls, floors, or ceilings, leading to a whole host of problems themselves; but can also affect your health. Molds can produce allergens, irritants and even toxic substances that can affect your respiratory health, especially for those suffering with asthma, as well as cause allergic reactions.
Tip: We recommend checking your window seals regularly to avoid suffering the effects of failed double glazing and seals. Check you’re not wasting money on heating your home – and that your home isn’t susceptible to damage caused by damp.
Get Your Windows Resealed with Cloudy2Clear
If you do need your windows resealing, we can help. At Cloudy2Clear, we offer a simple, quick repair service for windowpanes and seals, taking just 20 minutes to carry out a survey of the damage. We price every element of your repair or replacement individually, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Many window specialists will replace entire windows if the seal has failed. We do things a bit differently. We’re committed to reducing costs by replacing only the defective parts of the windowpane – not the entire frame. This means window repairs are much more affordable, and materials aren’t being wasted by replacing things unnecessarily.
For more information about how Cloudy2Clear can repair your window seals, get in touch with our specialists in replacing steamed up double glazing. Call our team now on 0800 61 21 119. You can also ask any questions you may have on our online contact form, and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
