The Seasonal Seal Check: A 5-Minute DIY Window Inspection Guide

When homeowners think about home maintenance, they often focus on the roof or the furnace. However, your windows and doors are the sweater on your home. They’re responsible for keeping heat in, moisture out, and energy bills manageable.

Regularly checking your window seals isn't just about comfort – it’s about protection. Many homeowners don't realize that neglect can lead to long-term structural damage. The good news? You don't need a toolbox or a technician to perform a basic health check.

In this article, Centra Install Pros will walk you through a simple 5-minute DIY window inspection you can perform any time of year to ensure your home remains efficient and to tell if new windows are needed.

Why a Quick Inspection Matters

A window seal failure isn’t always as obvious as a shattered pane. It often starts as a micro-leak that slowly lets in moisture or drafts. By catching these issues early, you can:

• Prevent wood rot in your home’s framing.
• Avoid skyrocketing energy bills.
• Identify issues while they are still manageable.

The 5-Minute DIY Check-Up

You can perform this walk-through once a quarter. Here’s what to look for:

The Visual Glass Test (30 Seconds)

Look at the space between your panes of glass (the IGU or Integrated Glass Unit).

• What to look for: Do you see fogging, "rainbow" oil slicks, or moisture droplets inside the glass?
• The Verdict: If there is condensation between the panes that you can't wipe off, the seal has failed. This means the insulating argon gas has escaped, and the window is no longer energy efficient.

The Touch & Feel Draft Check (1 Minute)

On a windy day, run your hand along the edges where the window sash meets the frame.

• What to look for: Significant temperature changes or the feeling of moving air.
• The Verdict: A noticeable whistling or sharp draft usually indicates that the weatherstripping has flattened or shifted. Unlike seal failure in the IGU, this can be fixable.

Hardware & Operation (1 Minute)

Open and close every window and door in the house.

• What to look for: Are the locks engaging smoothly? Does the sash stay open on its own, or does it drift?
• The Verdict: Forcing a window to lock puts undue stress on the frame and can eventually warp the seals. If it's sticking, the window may have shifted. If the window is still covered by a warranty, make a call for service – your installers may be able to help.

Exterior Caulking & Perimeter (2 Minutes)

Step outside and look at the perimeter where the window frame meets your siding or brick.

• What to look for: Cracking, peeling, or gaps in the caulking. Look for daylight or signs of water staining on the trim.
• The Verdict: Exterior sealant is your first line of defense. If the caulking is failing, water can seep behind the frame, leading to mould and rot that won't be visible from the inside until it’s too late.

By performing this 5-minute check, you ensure that small, fixable issues don't turn into bigger problems down the road. It’s also important to find a great warranty when replacing your windows to ensure any bigger issues are covered. At Centra Install Pros, we make this easy by offering a 30-year warranty that covers not just the parts, but the labour to fix them.

Why Homeowners Choose Centra Install Pros

Homeowners across Western Canada trust Centra Install Pros because we provide more than just energy-efficient windows and doors – we provide a lifetime of performance.

Industry-Leading 30-Year Warranty (Including Labour!)

Most companies cover parts but charge you hundreds for the service call. At Centra, the product, the installation, and even the labour costs are covered for 30 years!

Employee Owned Excellence

Because our installers are also company owners, they have a personal stake in making sure your seals are perfect the first time. We don't use subcontractors.

Built for Our Climate

Our windows are engineered specifically to handle the local temperature swings, from coastal rain to interior heat and prairie winters.

End-to-End Accountability

We are the window manufacturer and the installer. If there’s ever an issue with a seal, you only have one phone call to make.

Window Inspection FAQ

Q: I see condensation on the outside of my windows in the morning. Is the seal broken?

A: Actually, no! Exterior condensation is usually a sign that your windows are working properly. It means the heat from your home isn't escaping through the glass to warm up the outside pane.

Q: How often should I check my window seals?

A: We recommend a quick check on window seals every time the seasons change. Checking at the start of the year is especially helpful as the cold air makes drafts much easier to detect.

Q: Can I fix a broken window seal myself with caulking?

A: If the seal inside the window’s glass unit has failed (causing fogging between panes), it cannot be fixed with caulking. Full replacement is needed to restore your home’s energy efficiency.

Q: Will cleaning my windows damage the seals?

A: Cleaning windows should not damage seals if you use the right products. Avoid high-pressure power washers or harsh abrasive chemicals, as these can degrade the weatherstripping and caulking over time.

Ensure Your Home Stays Protected

Don't wait for a high energy bill or a water stain to tell you your windows are failing. Take five minutes today to walk through your home and check your seals.

If you find fogging, drafts, or hardware issues and are looking to upgrade to new high-performance windows backed by one of the best warranties in Canada, Centra is here to help.

Time for new windows? Book your free quote with Centra Install Pros today!

Centra: Western Canada’s Top Choice for Windows & Doors

Have an upcoming window and door project? Reach out to the experts at Centra Windows & Install Pros for a free consultation! If you have any questions regarding this topic or anything else to do with windows, contact a local Centra Employee Owner at 1-888-534-3333 or drop us an email at info@centra.ca. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date, and test your window knowledge on LinkedIn.