If you're a homeowner, there's a very good chance that you'll need to repair broken thermal seals on your windows at some point. Fortunately, this is a relatively simple and inexpensive repair, but it's still something you'll need to be aware of. By knowing how to identify a broken thermal seal and what your repair options are, you can continue to get the most out of your residential windows.

How to Identify a Broken Thermal Seal

The purpose of a window thermal seal is to essentially create a vacuum of air in between two panes of glass on thermal pane windows. This provides added energy efficiency to the windows themselves. When a thermal seal breaks, air and condensation can become trapped in between the two panes. Broken thermal seals are usually pretty obvious when they occur; the affected window may appear foggy, and you may even notice some condensation building up inside the panes.

They Could Affect Your Energy Efficiency

Broken window seals aren't just a cosmetic issue, however. They can also affect the insulating qualities of your windows, causing a reduction in energy efficiency in the home. If you have multiple bad thermal seals, you may even begin to see an increase in your energy bills. For this reason, it's always recommended that you have broken thermal seals repaired as soon as possible.

Understanding Your Repair Options

There are generally two options available when it comes to repairing bad thermal seals. The ideal solution doesn't require replacement of any of the window glass itself. This also tends to be the most affordable repair. Unfortunately, it may not be possible to repair a bad window seal this way all the time. In these instances, it will be necessary to replace one or both panes of glass on the affected window. The cost of the repair can vary depending on the size of the glass, any special grid patterns, and whether or not the glass has low-E or other insulating qualities.

A qualified and experienced window professional will be able to tell you which type of repair is best suited for your window.

Broken window thermal seals not only look bad in your home, but can directly affect your home's energy efficiency as well. If you've noticed foggy windows in your home, now is a good time to call a residential window service to take a look and give you a quote for repair. Contact a company like Valley Glass Utility for more information and assistance.