Still, I wish these seals lasted longer.
That’s my main gripe too. I was under the impression that double-pane seals would last at least 15 years, but ours started fogging after about 8. Maybe it’s the temperature swings here (we get brutal winters and hot summers), or maybe just bad luck. The warranty process went smoother than I expected, but I keep wondering if there’s a way to prolong the seal life—like, does regular exterior cleaning help at all, or is it just down to manufacturing? Either way, even with the hassle, I have to admit the energy savings are real.
In my experience, cleaning the outside doesn’t really do much for the seals—most failures I see come down to how well the window was made and installed. Had a job last winter where three-year-old panes were already fogging, but another house down the street with the same brand is still clear after a decade. Makes me wonder if some of it’s just luck or maybe installer technique. Have you noticed if certain rooms or sides of the house go first? Sometimes sun exposure seems to speed things up.
Makes me wonder if some of it’s just luck or maybe installer technique.
You’re not alone there—seems like half the battle is what happens behind the scenes during install. I’ve swapped out a few units myself and noticed when the sealant gets rushed or if there’s even a tiny nick in the spacer, it’s just a matter of time before you get that dreaded fog. I do think sun exposure plays a role too, especially on south-facing sides. In my place, the kitchen windows facing the backyard started showing haze first, and they get hammered by afternoon sun.
One thing I’ll say is, sometimes it feels like you can do everything right and still get a dud. But yeah, installer technique is huge. I’ve seen some “professional” jobs where they didn’t even bother to level the sill properly—no wonder things failed early.
Hang in there. It’s frustrating, but you’re definitely not imagining things. Sometimes it really does come down to who was holding the caulking gun that day...
Sometimes it really does come down to who was holding the caulking gun that day...
That’s the truth—sometimes you can spot a rushed job just by looking at the bead lines or how the corners are finished. I had a window put in a few years back, north side of the house, and even though it doesn’t get much sun, I started seeing moisture between the panes after only two winters. When I pulled the trim to check, turns out whoever installed it didn’t bother sealing along the bottom edge. It looked fine from the inside but water was creeping in behind the siding.
I’m with you on sun exposure making things worse, but honestly, poor prep work is usually the culprit in my experience. Even a high-end window won’t last if someone skips steps or uses cheap caulk. At this point, I’d rather take an average window with a careful install over a fancy one slapped in quick.
Funny thing is, my neighbor did all his own replacements and those are holding up better than some of the “pro” jobs around here. Sometimes DIY pays off if you’re willing to sweat the details.