How to Combat Moisture Buildup Between Double Glazed Windows

Double glazing is an excellent way to enhance the insulation and energy efficiency of your home doors and windows. However, when the seals fail, it can create a significant problem: moisture buildup between the panes of glass. This condition can lead to condensation, reducing the window's effectiveness and even causing damage. Here’s what you need to know about this issue and how to address it.

The Cause and Consequences

The seals around double glazed windows play a crucial role in maintaining the vacuum between the panes. If these seals fail, ambient air can seep into the gap, bringing moisture with it. This moisture can then turn into condensation, especially in colder weather. Sometimes, the seals may have failed due to external factors—such as BB gun pellets, gunshot from a neighbor, or even squirrels trying to get inside a home. In other cases, the seals may simply age and deteriorate over time.

The main consequence of this is a significant loss of insulation. If the seals are failing, the vacuum between the panes is compromised, and if not addressed, the energy efficiency of the windows can drop substantially. Additionally, the buildup of moisture can also cause aesthetic and structural issues, such as mold growth and peeling paint.

Resolving the Issue

Unfortunately, there is no real "cure" for this problem; the seals have typically failed, which means the integrity of the window has been compromised. If the seals are failing in one place, they are likely to fail in other areas as well. Complete replacement of the affected windows is often the best solution to regain the insulative qualities and restore the performance of your windows.

There are some companies that offer to repair the seals and re-gas the space, but the reviews for these services are generally not positive. These repairs are also incredibly difficult to do properly, and the cost may outweigh the benefits. Attempting to re-gas the space with an inert gas like argon requires a level of expertise and care to ensure the space remains sealed and the gas is evenly distributed.

Preventive Measures and Alternatives

While complete replacement might be the only effective solution, there are steps you can take to prevent moisture buildup in the interim:

Regular Inspection: Check the seals periodically for any signs of damage. Early detection can help you address the issue before it worsens. Dehumidification: Use a dehumidifier in your home to reduce the overall moisture content in the air, which can prevent condensation from forming. Avoid Tight Closing: Ensure that the windows are not closing too tightly, as this can create pressure differences that might cause the seals to fail. Pouring New: As a last resort, if the issue is minor, you might consider hiring a professional to try re-gassing and sealing the space, but expect it to be costly and not a long-term fix.

If condensation persists, especially during spring and summer when moisture levels in the air are highest, professional intervention may be warranted. Working with a reputable window contractor may offer a solution, but such solutions are rare and usually only stop the condensation temporarily.

Conclusion

While moisture buildup between double glazed windows is a serious issue that affects energy efficiency and potentially causes damage, there is a way to mitigate the problem. The best step is often to replace the affected windows to restore the seal and ensure the vacuum between the panes remains intact. However, regular inspection and preventive measures can delay the need for replacement and reduce the risk of related issues.