How to Prevent Window Frame Warping & Seal Failure in High Humidity Environments
Humid climates may be harsh to a home particularly in relation to windows. The fact that moisture in the air can influence comfort is not the only problem, but in the long term, it may also cause the warping of the window frames, seal failure, condensation, and low energy efficiency. To a homeowner along the coast, in a tropical climate or in a place that has a lot of rainfall, it is important to know how humidity affects the windows to ensure that your investment and comfort in the house is not compromised.
The good news? Humidity damage of windows can be prevented with the availability of the right materials, practices in installations, and maintenance habits.
Why High Humidity Is Hard on Windows
The moisture of air is known as humidity. In case of constant moisture content, the windows are prone to constant swelling and shrinking. This distress may undermine frames, dissolve seals and permit the entry of water.
Distorted frames can make windows difficult to close or have air leakages. Seal failure- this is normally observed by fogging occurring between the glass sheets and this lowers the effect of insulation performance and may at a later stage cause apparent water damage in the area surrounding the window opening.
These problems unchecked may raise the cost of energy, diminish the quality of indoor air and reduce the life of your windows.
Common Causes of Warping & Seal Failure
Knowing the underlying reasons is a way out of the problems in the future:
Moisture absorption: There are frame materials that absorb moisture. They become distorted and swell as time goes by when subjected to constant humidity.
Change in temperature: Weather temperature changes frequently with the humidity. Continuous heating and cooling strains window materials and seals even more.
Poor installation: Incorrect flashing, not sealed, or improperly sized frames may permit moisture to gain entry into the areas where it is not supposed to be.
Poor sealants: Seals put around windows that are not hum resistant may wear out faster causing gases to escape between the panes.
Poor ventilation: This will cause more damage because the amount of condensation on the windows is high due to inadequate ventilation.
Choosing the Right Window Materials
The best method of avoiding warping and seal failure is to make use of materials that are constructed in a manner that enables them to work in wet conditions.
Vinyl frames are very moisture resistant and they do not uptake water hence they are very popular in coastal and high humidity areas. The vinyl windows are designed to preserve their shape in difficult climatic conditions.
Fiberglass frames are highly stable and strong. They are stretching and shrinking like glass and this assists in seal protection in the long run.
Aluminum frames are strong but might demand thermal breaks and protective coating in damp places to avert corrosion and condensation related problems.
Wooden frames are beautiful but they need careful sealing and maintenance. Wood is prone to swelling and warping when it is not taken care of.
Importance of Proper Installation
Even an excellent window may stop functioning properly when it is not properly installed. The installation is also done by professionals so the moisture barriers, flashing and all the sealants are laid correctly to prevent water intrusion.
The major factors of installation are:
- Proper sizing of windows to avoid frame stress
- Good and moisture-proof sealants
- Flashing to keep water off the structure
- Close, tight, to prevent distortion of the frame
An installed window forms a powerful protection against the invasion of moisture at the initial stage.
Managing Indoor Humidity Levels
It is not just the windows that need to be taken care of to prevent damage; by that it means keeping the moisture at bay indoors.
Some of the basic measures that can be taken by homeowners are:
- Installation of exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms
- Turning on dehumidifiers in humid seasons
- Having adequate attic and crawl space ventilation
- Regulation of air in the house through maintenance of HVAC systems
Maintaining indoor humidity has the benefit of preventing condensation as well as seals around windows so that moisture does not have such a long time to be exposed.
Routine Maintenance Makes a Difference
Periodic checks can be used to identify minor problems before they become expensive to fix. Look for signs such as:
- Glass to glass condensation
- Framing material can be soft or discolored
- Difficulty opening and closing windows, drafts
- Fractured or missing sealant
To extend the life of windows in wet climates, cleaning window tracks, inspecting drainage paths, and resealing where necessary can all go some way towards greatly increasing the life of the windows.
Long-Term Protection Starts with Smart Choices
Being so humid does not necessarily mean that you have to have a problem with the windows all the time. The use of moisture-resistant materials, professional installation, the regulation of humidity in the house, and observing the condition of maintenance are all factors that contribute to avoiding the warping of frames, as well as the failure of seals.
Homeowners living in humid or coastal areas may find that an investment in the correct windows at the present can save them by saving them costly refurbishment and inconvenience in the future.
Ready to Protect Your Windows?
When you are worried about the effect of humidity on the existing windows and or even when you are going to upgrade your existing windows you can contact ClearMax® Windows and Doors. Our team deals with high-performance window solutions, which are recommended to be installed in difficult climates.
Contact ClearMax today to schedule a consultation and learn how the right windows can protect your home for years to come.
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