In almost every home, you will find a sealant that lines each window. This sealant is put into place for several reasons but the main being to keep any airflow from exiting or entering your home. When you have your windows in Plymouth Michigan correctly sealed, this will keep your energy bill down because your thermostat is able to work at its best and most accurate ability. There are some exceptions, such as older homes, that do not contain window sealants. It is important to know which windows you have and the condition of your sealant.
Knowing Your Window Seal: Do You Need Replacement Windows in Plymouth Michigan
Keeping your home windows in good shape means you will need to take some steps to maintain them. This means making sure seals are in place and not cracked or peeling away. You’ll also want to inspect all the glass and make sure there are no cracks or other problems. Most modern replacement windows are virtually maintenance free but taking a few minutes every few months to look for signs of problems can help to prevent energy loss and other problems associated with a broken window seal.
How to Tell if Your Windows Are Sealed
If your windows contain more than one layer of glass, then it is highly likely that they are sealed. Most modern-day windows contain at least two to three layers. These layers work together to form an “IGU” or insulated glass unit. The sealant should be fairly easy to spot, as it will be located along the edge of the glass. It will usually be a white or clear color, blending in with your windowpane. Most homeowners don’t think twice about this sealant because there is seldom a need to repair it. However, paying close attention to it can prevent any big problems from occurring in the future.
Why Sealant Fails
Your window sealant can fail, even if your windows have been properly sealed and contain multiple layers of glass. Insulation is never perfect, and the climate that you live in has a lot to do with the integrity of the sealant. The sealant usually breaks down over time gradually, and you will likely notice a draft or cracking on the sealant. This is normal due to atmospheric pressure, but again, this all depends on the region in which you live.
What to Do
If you believe that your sealant has failed, there are a few things that you can do to ensure that your home is protected:
- Clean the Glass: Since you should be able to notice the failure visually, cleaning the glass of your windows will help to make this distinction easier for you. Clean both the inside and the outside of the glass to look for any discrepancies.
- Look for Distortion: Your window panes might start to bend or warp when the sealant has failed. If you randomly notice this occurring, this is a good indication that the sealant is not doing its job any longer.
- Look for Sporadic Condensation: When you notice random condensation on your windows, this means that air is either escapting or entering the window somehow, even when it is closed and locked.
- File a Claim: Most windows come with warranties that will cover such problems. Make sure that you contact the window manufacturer to see if your windows have this coverage in place.
- Replace the Entire Window: While it might be the last solution you are looking for, replacing your windows entirely will ensure that they are being properly sealed and installed. This is an option to consider if you notice that the problem has been going on for an extended time. Sometimes, the damage is going to be too hard to reverse, but don’t forget to check on your warranty!
There are many solutions that you can rely on when it comes to your window sealant, and now is a better time than ever to check on the integrity of your windows. Before the colder season starts, is a great time to double-check that everything is in working order. Be sure to call a reputable contractor such as Home Pros Plymouth if you think your windows may need to be repaired or replaced. They offer free quotes and can even inspect your home’s windows for problems. Call today at (734) 548-9911 for more details.