Double-pane windows have seals to keep the insulating air — which is usually argon or krypton — between the panes. This layer repels outside air and helps stabilize indoor temperatures. Over time, the window seals might fail, affecting your indoor temperatures.
How do you know if your window seals have failed? Renewal by Andersen® of Sacramento lists three signs that you can observe.
1. Condensation
Condensation on the glass could mean you have a broken window seal. You can clean your window completely to remove smudges on the glass. Then, look for any foggy patches. If the fog doesn’t go away after wiping, it means the condensation is inside the glass pane and the seal is damaged.
2. Ice Test
Sometimes, you can have a broken seal with no visible window condensation. To test, clean your entire window to remove smudges and condensation. Then, rub ice on a small area of the glass for a few seconds. Remove the ice, wipe the window, then observe for any presence of moisture. If you find any, you have a broken window seal.
3. Distorted Glass
Window glass can bow and become distorted once argon or krypton leak out of the window panes. You can check for glass distortion by standing outside, away from the window. Compare your reflection between the window in question and another window that has no problems. If your reflection looks strange on the suspected window, then you might have a broken seal.
Professionals at Renewal by Andersen of Sacramento can diagnose the condition of your existing windows with a precise understanding of their mechanisms, operability and features. Our team can also replace your old or damaged windows with durable, energy-efficient units. We offer only the best products with outstanding warranties. Call us at (916) 779-5800 or fill out this contact form for a free consultation.