Replace Windows with Condensation Between Panes

Do you have condensation trapped in your windows? It’s not just ruining the view, it’s ruining the windows. You will sometimes find condensation on the inside of your windows, which can be wiped away with a cloth or paper towel. It can come from cooking, showering, running a humidifier, or other activities involving water vapor. But condensation trapped between the panes of the glass signifies a failure of the window seal.

Most of today’s replacement windows come with a layer of argon in between the panes to act as extra insulation against cold air. This gas is sealed between the panes in the factory, and if the seal is in any way breeched, the argon will leak out and moisture can creep in to take its place.

Sealing Failure

Not all windows with failed seals will manifest condensation as a symptom — especially those located in shady spots. It can be close to impossible to tell if your layer of argon has leaked out. Sometimes the only way to know for sure is through the use of an infrared camera, which can reveal differences in temperature indicative of a lack of proper insulation.

Sealing failure can be the result of a window’s continual expansion and contraction. Some expansion and contraction are normal and expected with double-paned windows; however, over time, it can lead to problems. Windows on the sunny side of a home generally have a higher failure rate because they heat up more and experience wider temperature fluctuations on a daily basis.

Factory Error

Poorly made or defective windows are another common cause of sealing failure. Many windows come with a warranty that covers sealing failure, so if some of your windows came from a “bad batch,” or a faulty run, you may be able to get them repaired for free. If the problem is caught early enough, it is sometimes possible to reglaze the windows, thereby reestablishing the airtight seal. Beware of a so-called fix called defogging, in which a tiny hole is drilled into the glass at the bottom of the window to allow the moisture to escape. This method does, indeed, defog the window, but it does nothing to fix the problem of the broken seal or to reestablish the missing layer of insulation.

The best course of action when you have a failed window is to replace it. Peach Building Products stands behind all of the windows they install. If you discover any of your windows have developed condensation between the panes, or if you suspect your insulating layer may have leaked out, call Peach Building Products; they will diagnose the problem and repair the damage so you once again have properly functioning windows.

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