Do Windows with Broken Seals Need to Be Replaced? Plus Other Questions

Feel a draft? Notice some condensation on your window that just won’t go away? Or is your utility bill a little higher than normal? All of these things could be due to one root cause: a broken window seal.

Finding a broken seal on a window is just the start, of course. Once you find it, should you repair it, or do windows with broken seals need to be replaced instead? Let’s dive into the answers to these questions and a few more.

What are window seals?

Window seals are the thin, flexible barriers installed along the edges of double-pane or triple-pane windows. As you might guess, their primary role is to seal in the inert gas – like argon or krypton – trapped between the panes. This gas layer acts as insulation, improving energy efficiency and preventing temperature fluctuations in your home.

A functioning window seal also prevents moisture, dirt, and air from sneaking into the space between the panes. The key word is functioning; over time, wear and tear or exposure to the elements can cause window seals to break or fail, reducing their effectiveness and leading to noticeable problems.

How to tell if a window seal is broken

Seal failure can happen at any point in a window’s lifespan. It’s not always easy to detect a broken window seal at first glance, but there are several telltale signs to watch for. Here are five common indicators your window’s seal is broken:

• Condensation between the window panes: Moisture trapped between the glass often appears as fog or droplets, especially during temperature changes. If you try to wipe condensation away on the inside and outside without success, bad news – it’s probably a busted seal.
• A cloudy or streaky appearance even after cleaning: When dirt or moisture collects inside the glass, no amount of cleaning the exterior will restore its clarity. The only way to fix a window with a broken seal is by replacing the window or opening it up for a seal repair job.
• Distortion in the center of the window panes: A broken seal can create pressure imbalances, causing the glass to warp or bow slightly. This might be hard to detect if you're not an expert, but a window contractor can let you know if it's the case.
• A noticeable draft: If you feel cold air near the window, it may indicate that the seal has failed and no longer provides proper insulation.
• Visible gaps or cracks: Over time, physical damage to the seal itself or the window frame may become evident, allowing air and moisture to seep through. If you see any major damage on your window, a replacement is likely in order.

Can windows be resealed?

In some cases, it’s possible to fix windows with broken seals. Professionals might be able to remove the damaged seal and install a new one, restoring the airtight barrier between the panes. This process, known as resealing, can address minor seal failures and extend the life of your window.

However, resealing is not always the most practical or cost-effective solution. Repairing a window seal can be time consuming and may not fully restore the window’s energy efficiency, particularly if the window is older or already inefficient by modern standards.

When to replace windows with broken seals

Sometimes, replacing a window with a broken seal is the best course of action. For one, a new window is guaranteed to have working seals if it’s installed by trusted professionals. For another, a new window might be more energy efficient than your old one by featuring glazed glass or other technological enhancements.

Generally, it’s best to replace a window with a broken seal instead of repairing it in the following cases.

The window is very damaged or worn-looking

If the seal failure has caused significant warping, fogging, or structural issues, replacing the window is a more effective solution. The worse your window is for wear, the more likely it is repairing the seal won’t be enough to stop drafts or restore the appearance of your Port City home.

The draft is very severe

When an old window’s seal failure leads to considerable heat loss or discomfort, a replacement window can restore insulation and energy efficiency. That’s no small matter, especially in the winter or summer months, when all your windows need to be airtight to prevent massive energy loss and higher utility bills.

Your window is not energy efficient

If your current windows are outdated and lack modern energy-saving features, replacing them can provide long-term benefits. Plus, a new window may look better from the street, boosting your home’s curb appeal.

Find exceptional energy-efficient windows today

If one or more of your home's windows have broken seals, finding replacements – and the expertise to handle installation – is easier than you think. Window World of the Port City has a wide variety of high-quality energy-efficient windows to choose from, along with the specialists to install them promptly.

With our help, your windows will once again look phenomenal from indoors and outside. And with modern energy-efficient designs, they'll save you money with each month’s utility bill. Request a quote today or contact us to schedule an inspection of your home’s windows!