what casuses windows to get moisture between the panes of glass?

Question

They call it a seal failure, but how does it happen?

Answer 1

as most have told you its a seal failure depending on who's window it is and how old it is you may check with the local building supply it may be under warranty if it is an older window you will notice a silver bar between the pc.s of glass this has changed about 5-6 years ago we now use warm edge technology it allows for movement in the glass settling in a house it cuts down on things like seal failure. you should consider replacing the sash. it is compromised at this point and is not energy efficient. a number of things can cause it (1) age of the window most comapanys have and unwritten warranty of 20 years. basicaly the asplaht seal dries out hardens and allows air and mositure between the panes of gas not to mention that if you had agron gas in the unit its no gone its nothing that will hurt you it is heavier then air and when they seal the unit they fill the air aspace with it, forces the air out and gives u a higher u value. if its a newer unit you have just done an addition toyour home chances are its settling a litte this is common. again the pressure of the settling has caused presure on the glass in the unit and you may notice a small crack in one of the corners this is a strees crack.

Answer 2

The seal failure probably was a problem in manufacturing such as the bead of sealent was not consistant thickness which with some time and the heat and cold caused the problem spot to open up. If the windows are pretty old I know some of the sealents were not properly designed to handle much UV light and were prone to cracking. There is not much you can do to prevent a seal failure exept to try to get a window from a really good company.
If the window is fairly new try to see if its still under waranty and if so the manufacturer should pay for replacement.

Answer 3

How old are your windows, and what brand are they? Nearly every window manufacturer offers a twenty year warranty on their glass. Seal failure, which allows moist air to get between the pieces of glass and condense, is covered under this warranty. You will need to contact the manufacturer.

Answer 4

Expansion and contraction. Possibly a defect in manufacture? A number of reasons that are possible but the bottom line is that you need to replace the window. You have also lost the insulation of the gases inside the pane too. Do you have warranty on the windows??

Answer 5

There are multiple reasons for seal failure, manufacturing defects, improper installation, excessive settling of your house, ect. As said most have a warranty, contact the manufacturer an see if the will replace them.

Answer 6

dirt and water get into the space where the glass unit is and when that expands and contracts it shifts the glass and breaks the seal. check your warranty for the windows, most good window companies warrant their windows for 15 -20 years. good luck, hope this helps.

Answer 7

Depending on the age of the windows, the material that makes the seal will dry and harden due to heat and light. They are expected to last at least 15 years.

Answer 8

Fred, the seal failed the moment it was manufactured, it wasn't noticed though until you bought it and the cold weather came.
your ans is, simply failure at the factory during installation

Answer 9

its basic condesation, when its too cold then hot it causes liquid