Every have a pesky window that just doesn’t seem to come clean? Chances are it’s actually a broken seal. Newer dual pane windows are filled with inert gas, then sealed to hold the gas in. The gas works as an excellent insulator while letting the light through. Eventually the seal breaks down and the gas escapes. This moisture creeps in. You end up thinking your window is dirty when in fact you are seeing moisture and or contaminates between the panes of glass.

A second issue I frequently see with dual pane windows is bubbling filter coat. These windows have a filter on them, much like sunglasses. They block harmful UV rays from entering your home. This protects your furnishings and flooring. That coating is hardly ever completely compromised. However, it does bubble up from time to time. Unfortunately, this coating is typically inside the window between the two panes.

Maintaining your windows

Cleaning windows

You can do the ice test as in video above. Most window technicians won’t do this. They’ll come out and try to sell new windows. Clean windows should eliminate confusion with technicians.

I clean my windows with a personally use a steam cleaner. It works well and uses good old fashioned water. Steam the window, then wipe it dry with a rubber squeegee and microfiber cloth.

Cleaning up hard water deposits on glass:

Some windows near sprinklers may have hard water deposits on them. This requires a bit more drastic action and more frequent cleaning.

1. Spray window in vinegar and or Calcium Lime Rust Remover, aka CLR. You can purchase this at your local hardware store.
2. Let the window soak and wipe clean.

Look through the window. Does it still appear hazy? Sometimes you’ll need to resort to more drastic measures.

1. Scale not coming off?
2. Mix dish soap and Comet or other abrasive cleaner into water.
3. Get scour pad.
4. Soak pad in water and buff window with it.
5. Don’t push hard, let hand glide across window.
6. The pad should start to glide more and more freely.

Rinse window with water, dry, and look periodically to see if lime scale has been removed.

Apply a window wax

I love Rain-X. You may have to go to the auto parts store to get it. It’s branded as a windshield wax that helps keep water from beading on your car’s windshield.

When water beads it attracts dust and dirt. Then the water dries and creates a hard residue on your windows.

Rain-X is AWESOME for keeping your windows clean. Apply it to the exterior side of your windows and they should stay cleaner longer.

Window Maintenance

Frame: periodically vacuum frame and wipe clean with damp cloth.

Vinyl Windows: Apply plastic conditioner to vinyl windows. I avoid Amoral, instead use a plastic safe silicone. 3M Silicone paste or 303 Aerospace Vinyl conditioner is about the best you can get.

Counter Balance: this holds window open on hung windows. It should securely hold window open, if not remove counterbalance, adjust or replace.

Slides: lubricate. You can use silicone grease or my favorite bar soap on sliding windows and patio doors.

Cranks: lubricate window opening crank with silicone grease.

Protecting your windows

Seals tend to break in the windows that face the harshest weather. Here in Arizona that’s the sunny side of the house. Another thing I see is night shift workers closing off windows with Aluminium foil. They do this to blockout the light when they sleep during the day. This literally bakes the window. I recommend placing sheets white foam cut to window’s size (used to build stucco homes) in the window. If this does not block the light then line the inside of the foam with foil. Have the white side face the window.

Solar shades, awnings, shade trees, anything to cast a shadow on the windows and or block the weather will keep windows like new.

Repairing windows

This can be costly. Many window technicians will want to sell you an entire new frame with inserts. This involves taking house down to studs / wall frame to remove the old window. You should only do this as a LAST DITCH RESORT.

Placing a warranty claim

I always recommend trying to place a warranty request. Most window manufacturers have fantastic warranties. You only have to know who made the windows. Here’s a few things you can research to help you out:

1. Who made windows: look closely at windows for anything printed on them. Many times they stamp the window lock with their logo.
2. Manufacturing Date / Serial Number: look even closer for this information. Sometimes it’s even printed on window frame between the panes. Open window look at track. Look at top and bottom of vents (movable window).
3. Install date: do you have a date when they were installed? Were they original from the builder? If so use date home was originally built.

Contact the company that built the house. Especially if you had the house built for you. Many times their warranty department will coordinate a claim with the manufacturer. Otherwise lookup the window manufacturer and contact their customer support.

No warranty?

Buy a new insert

These windows are made of a frame, and inserts. Inserts are the panes of glass packaged and sealed in a smaller frame. Inserts are very inexpensive for common sizes. However, you have to find a window distributor. Big box stores like home depot don’t sell inserts. You can also contact a window contractor and they may be able to get the inserts. Measure the windows. I also recommend taking a picture of the overall window. Go shopping for an insert to fit your window.

Each window is a little different. However, on the exterior there will be a piece of trim. Pop that trim off. Behind it are screws holding the insert in. Remove the screws. You may need an assistant for the next part. There will be a bead of silicone caulk / glue holding the insert to the frame. You need to break that with a knife. The window will fall out. Clean up the frame, apply your window seal / glue, replace the insert, screw it back in, put the trim up, and you’re done!

Rebuild the current insert

Sometimes you cannot find an insert for your size window. This be the case have a technician clean the panes and install a new seal.

Replace the entire window

Only as a last ditch resort. This is extremely expensive and requires pulling taking the house to the studs / frame.