Window seals play a crucial role in preventing fog accumulation on the glass and maintaining optimal room temperature. However, issues arise when the window glass becomes foggy, moisture builds up, or external temperatures start impacting indoor conditions. So, the real question is How to remove moisture from between window panes in UK weather?

To address the fog and moisture, potential solutions include poking a hole in the window glass, repairing the broken window seal, or, as a last resort, replacing the windows altogether. These signs often indicate a broken window seal, which is particularly noticeable in multi-pane glass where fog cannot be wiped off as it becomes trapped between the glass layers. 

By following our comprehensive guide, you will learn how to repair a broken window seal and effectively clear moisture from between the window panes.

Importance of Window Seals and How Do They Break?

Window seals are a crucial component of double or triple-pane windows, something we also call glazing. In these windows, the gaps between the glass panes are filled with gases like argon or krypton. This gas filling acts as insulation, preventing external temperatures from impacting the indoor environment and effectively preventing the accumulation of fog or moisture.

As a result, the insulation provided by the gas-filled gaps in double or triple-glazed windows effectively blocks the transfer of hot or cold temperatures from the outside to the inside of the house. However, when you start noticing that the temperatures outside are affecting the temperatures inside the house or when moisture starts to build up within the panes, it’s an indicator that the window seal is cracked.

These seals keep the gases intact between the panes and prevent it from escaping. Window seals can break due to a number of factors, including;

  • Pressure washing.
  • Painting the windows.
  • Expanding window panes due to direct sunlight.
  • Regular wear and tear.
  • Using a heat gun on windows to strip paint or for varnishing.
  • High winds exert pressure on the windows.

Due to these, the window seals break, causing the gases inside to leak, which leads to several changes such as:

  • Increasing room temperatures
  • Moisture between windows.
  • Increase in energy bills as the HVAC system will have to pump more heat or cold air into the house.
  • Foggy windows.
  • The view from the windows might be skewed due to broken window seals.

How to remove moisture from between window panes?

The most effective solution to address the moisture issue and restore your windows to their optimal condition is to repair the broken window seals. By repairing the seals, you tackle the problem at its source. And the repairing must be done quickly before the glass starts to give into the pressure and becomes distorted, at which point, you might have to change the glass as well.

So, instead of spending money on getting new glass, it’s better to repair or replace the seal. There is a DIY solution to repairing the window seal and clearing the moisture, but it can be a cumbersome process. Before going into the process, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s warranty on the window seal.

Manufacturers provide a warranty on the Insulated Glass Unit (IGU), which means any defect in the double-glazed window or triple-glazed window unit can be replaced at no cost by the manufacturer.

If you prefer a do-it-yourself approach, the recommended option is to defog and reseal the Insulated Glass Unit (IGU). You have the choice to either hire professionals to carry out these services or undertake them yourself at home.

1. Drill Tiny Holes in the Window

The initial step involves carefully drilling small holes in the window. It is crucial to exercise caution during this step, as any mistakes can potentially worsen the situation. So, before you work on the window, try drilling holes in unwanted glass pieces.

After drilling a hole or holes in the glass, all the moisture trapped inside the two glass panes will expel. Well, clearing the moisture part is done, but follow the next steps to prevent moisture from coming back.

2. Use an Anti-Fog Solution

Apply an anti-fogging solution once the moisture inside the window is gone. You can make one at home or buy it from the local hardware store or even order it online. The anti-fog solution will prevent fog from building up within the IGU as you continue to repair the seal.

3. Apply Liquid Sealant to the Seal

This is the most difficult part, as you have to identify the leak in the window seal without actually opening up the window. The liquid sealant works perfectly well if the crack in the seal is at the bottom. If the crack is on the sides of windows, then, you can apply the liquid sealant, but there is no guarantee that it will have enough time to settle within the cracks.

While DIY methods may not effectively repair broken window seals, they can help remove moisture from between window panes. DIY kits are available for this purpose, but using them can be challenging, and success is not guaranteed.

So, to successfully repair broken seals in double or triple-pane windows, the best bet is to hire professionals.

Can Professionals Ensure Results Using the DIY Approach?

When professionals are hired to remove moisture and repair window seals, their first step is to assess the glass’s condition. If the glass has become distorted or bulged due to pressure, it cannot be fixed. In such cases, the only solution is to replace it with a new piece of glass. Therefore, professionals often opt to replace the IGU, restoring the window to a new condition and preventing further damage to the window frame.

To Sum it Up

Window seals play a crucial role in Insulated Glass Units (IGUs), double-glazed, or triple-glazed windows. These seals prevent the escape of gases that are trapped inside the glass, which is essential for maintaining the desired temperature inside the house by preventing the transfer of warm or cold air.

Opt for CUIN windows, as they are designed to enhance your home’s warmth, reduce energy expenses, and effectively block irritating external noises. These windows come equipped with robust window seals that can withstand any weather conditions, ensuring long-lasting performance and extending the lifespan of the windows.

Phil Hallworth
By: Phil Hallworth

Phill has over 15 years of expertise in all stages of the design and production process and is dedicated to providing exceptional service and adding value to clients’ businesses. As a technical sales director, Phill supports architects, main contractors and glazing subcontractors specialists to deliver high-performance insulated glass solutions from specification to completion in the UK.

Feb 21 2023
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