Drafts sneaking through closed windows or fog trapped between panes are easy to miss, but they often mean your windows need to be sealed. What appears to be a small issue in one area can point to hidden problems in other parts of your home. In this guide, we’ll show you how to spot the early warning signs, what to expect during a full inspection, and how sealing your windows can help protect your home and avoid unexpected repair costs.
The Age and Condition of Your Windows Matters
Most homes are built with all the windows installed on the same day. So even if only one or two are visibly damaged, chances are the others aren’t far behind. While it’s true that some windows wear faster than others depending on their exposure to the elements, if one window is failing, it’s a good idea to check the rest.
We’ve been in homes where the living room windows were obviously in bad shape, but when we looked in bedrooms or basements—especially those with curtains, furniture, or limited use—there were the same problems, just hidden.
Sunlight and the Elements Cause Real Damage
The sun is the number one enemy of your windows. It causes the material—whether wood, vinyl, or metal—to expand when it’s hot and contract when it cools. This repeated movement over time leads to:
- Broken seals
- Cracked or warped frames
- Glass package failure
- Poor operation and loose fitting
So if your windows face the sun regularly, they’re probably experiencing more wear. That’s why some windows start failing sooner than others, even though they were all installed at the same time.
What We Discover During Home Visits
Sometimes we’re called out to look at a couple of windows—usually the ones that are visibly rotting or letting in a draft. But once we start walking through the home, we often find more problems in places the homeowner never thought to check.
Common examples include:
- Living room windows that are clearly rotting and falling apart
- Bedroom windows hidden behind curtains or headboards
- Basement windows in rooms nobody uses, like a kid’s bedroom or guest space
- Windows that haven’t been opened in years—we find damage when we lift the blinds or open the frame
We always tell homeowners, “If these two windows are bad, the ones next to them probably are too.” You just haven’t seen it yet because they’re out of sight.
We Inspect and Measure Every Window
When our team comes to your home, we don’t just look at the ones you tell us about. We measure and inspect every window. This gives us two major advantages:
- We can give you a precise quote based on your full home
- We can identify problems you may not have noticed
We check for wood rot, moisture damage, foggy panes, and seal issues. We open blinds, move furniture, and take the time to look inside the framing. You’d be surprised how many homeowners say, “I didn’t even know that was happening.”
Helping You Prioritize Based on Budget
We understand that replacing window in the house might not be in your budget. That’s why we’re honest about what’s urgent and what can wait.
We’ll walk you through:
- Which windows are critical and need immediate attention
- Which ones can last a little longer
- How to plan your project in phases, if necessary
Our job isn’t just to sell windows—it’s to help you make a smart investment. Whether it’s doing a full home replacement or tackling one side of the house at a time, we’ll work within your budget and give you honest feedback along the way.
How to Spot If Your Windows Need to Be Sealed
Many signs are easy to miss unless you know what to look for. Here are a few warning signs your windows need to be sealed:
- Fog between the glass panes
- Drafts or temperature shifts near the window
- Cracked, warped, or loose frames
- Moisture or soft spots in wood framing
- Difficulty opening or closing the window
If any of these sound familiar, you might have window seal issues—even if it doesn’t look serious at first.
In Summary
If you’re noticing drafts, foggy glass, or hard-to-open windows, it’s time to take a closer look. When one window shows signs of failure, it’s often a clue that others may have the same issues—especially if they were all installed at the same time. Sun exposure and weather can wear down seals and frames, even in places you don’t check every day.
At Thermal King, we inspect and measure every window in your home, so you get a clear understanding of what needs immediate attention and what can wait. Whether you’re replacing one window or planning in phases, we give honest advice to help you make the best decision for your home and budget.
If you think your windows need to be sealed, contact us today to schedule a full inspection and get started.
