subject: The Why And How Of Moisture Sealing Windows [print this page] Moisture is a home's worst enemyMoisture is a home's worst enemy. Because it allows the growth of mold and mildew, moisture can seriously damage carpets and dry wall. Over time, moisture can even weaken your home's overall structure. Prevention is the best approach to protecting your home from moisture. Sealing windows appropriately is an easy and economic way to ensure that outside moisture stays out.
If you see condensation between the window's panes or around its frame, you have a leaky window. Additionally, you will often find a drip-area on the outside of the building under a leaky window. If you are still not sure, try waving a lit stick of incense around the seal; a leaky window will let in a draft, which will push away the incense smoke.
The first effect of improperly sealed windows is that they act as holes in your home's insulation, which increases your home energy costs. (When cold or hot air is leaking in, you have to pay for more fuel to keep your house at a comfortable temperature.) Moreover, mold and mildew may grow around a leaky window. It is unhealthy to breathe in mold and mildew spores, especially since many people are allergic to them. In other words, leaky windows can lower the air quality in your home. Finally, given enough time, the building materials around a leaky window will begin to rot, causing structural damage.
FAULTY WINDOW SEAL OPTIONS
The first option to fix a moisture problem is to install a new window. New, double-hung windows usually include built-in moisture seals.
If you're looking for a short-term solution, consider purchasing and installing a plastic window sealing kit. Even if you only use them for one winter, these kits are inexpensive enough (usually under $10) to save you money on your heating bill.
Replacing the window seal is another good option, depending on your carpentry skills and on the condition of the window and the building. Replacing the seal usually requires installing a new valve, making sure there is no more moisture between the panes of glass, and making a new seal.
FIXING OR INSTALLING A NEW MOISTURE SEAL
If you are comfortable with carpentry, you will find installing a moisture seal to be just another weekend project. Moisture seals are made of many different types of materials. For wooden windows, bronze nail-on strips are the best. Other seals use rubber self-adhesives, which are good choices for windows made of metal or vinyl. EPDM is the best self-sticking seal; it is flexible and provides good insulation for many years. Self-adhesives may also be made of closed-cell foam and high-density foam. Vinyl tubular gaskets are used when large gaps are present, but this type of seal is not self-adhesive. Consult a home-improvement manual for more details on how to fix the windows in your home, or call a trusted handyperson to handle large repair jobs.
Leaky windows drain your wallet, both through your heating bill and through higher long-term repair costs. Remember: it is cheaper and easier to check window seals now, rather than to have to replace dry wall or carpet down the road. Protect your home by sealing your windows.
