Condo Window Problems Burnaby Owners Face After 15 Years | Pacific Glass LTD

In Burnaby, many condo buildings constructed in the early 2000s are now crossing a critical threshold: 15 years of continuous exposure to coastal weather, humidity, and daily wear. At this stage, one building component begins to cause recurring issues for owners—windows.

At Pacific Glass Ltd, we frequently receive calls from Burnaby condo owners who are surprised to learn that their windows are no longer performing as they should. From foggy glass to drafts, leaks, and rising energy costs, window problems tend to surface gradually and then escalate quickly once seals begin to fail.

This article explains the most common condo window problems Burnaby owners face after 15 years, why they happen, how they affect comfort and costs, and what realistic solutions exist—especially when full window replacement isn’t practical or allowed.

Why Condo Windows Age Differently Than House Windows

Condo windows experience different stresses compared to single-family homes. They are often:

• Larger glass panels
  
• Installed higher above ground
  
• Exposed to stronger wind pressure
  
• Subject to shared building envelope conditions
  

In Burnaby’s climate—where rain, moisture, and temperature changes are constant—these factors accelerate window wear. After 15 years, many condo windows begin showing performance issues even if they still look acceptable from the inside.

1. Failed Seals and Foggy Glass 🪟

The most common issue Pacific Glass Ltd sees in Burnaby condos after 15 years is seal failure in double-pane or triple-pane windows.

What Happens:

• The insulating gas between panes escapes
  
• Moist air enters the sealed unit
  
• Condensation forms between the glass
  

Unlike surface condensation, this fog cannot be wiped away. It remains visible year-round and worsens over time.

Why It’s Common in Condos:

• Constant wind pressure at higher elevations
  
• Building movement over time
  
• Temperature fluctuations across exterior walls
  

Once seals fail, glass replacement is the only effective solution.

2. Drafts and Temperature Imbalance ❄️🔥

Many Burnaby condo owners report that their units feel:

• Cold near windows in winter
  
• Warm in summer despite air conditioning
  
• Unevenly heated throughout the space
  

This usually means the insulated glass unit is no longer blocking heat transfer.

At Pacific Glass Ltd, we often find that even a few failed glass units can disrupt the comfort of an entire condo, forcing HVAC systems to work harder and increasing monthly energy costs.

3. Rising Energy Bills Without Explanation 💸

One of the most frustrating problems condo owners face is higher heating or cooling costs without any lifestyle change.

After 15 years:

• Window insulation weakens
  
• Heat escapes more easily
  
• Condos lose thermal efficiency
  

Because condos typically have limited control over building-wide systems, inefficient windows become one of the few areas owners can address directly.

4. Condensation That Leads to Frame Damage 💧

When window seals fail, moisture doesn’t stay confined to the glass. Over time, it spreads to:

• Window frames
  
• Surrounding drywall
  
• Interior finishes
  

In Burnaby’s humid environment, this can lead to:

• Frame swelling
  
• Paint bubbling
  
• Discoloration around windows
  
• Early signs of mold
  

Pacific Glass Ltd often sees cases where early glass replacement could have prevented frame repairs, saving owners significant expense.

5. Noise Penetration Increases Over Time 🔊

Another subtle but important issue is reduced sound insulation.

As sealed glass units age:

• Air gaps form
  
• Sound insulation weakens
  
• Street noise becomes more noticeable
  

For condos near busy Burnaby areas like Metrotown, Brentwood, or major roads, older windows can dramatically affect daily comfort and sleep quality.

6. Limited Ventilation Makes Problems Worse 🌬️

Unlike houses, condos often have:

• Fixed or partially opening windows
  
• Limited cross-ventilation
  
• Dependence on mechanical airflow
  

When windows lose their insulating integrity, trapped moisture has nowhere to go. This accelerates fogging, condensation, and indoor air quality issues.

7. Strata Restrictions Complicate Window Solutions 📋

One of the biggest challenges condo owners face is strata regulation.

Most Burnaby strata councils:

• Do not allow full window replacement
  
• Require exterior uniformity
  
• Approve only like-for-like solutions
  

This is where professional glass replacement becomes essential. At Pacific Glass Ltd, we specialize in replacing only the sealed glass unit while keeping the original frame—meeting strata requirements without compromising performance.

8. Aging Glass Technology Falls Behind Modern Standards 🧪

Windows installed 15–20 years ago often lack:

• Low-E coatings
  
• Advanced insulating gases
  
• Improved seal materials
  

Even when they aren’t fully failed, older glass units are far less efficient than modern replacements.

When Pacific Glass Ltd replaces foggy or failed glass, many Burnaby condo owners choose to upgrade to newer glass technology—gaining better insulation without changing the building’s exterior.

9. Delayed Repairs Increase Long-Term Costs 📈

One of the biggest mistakes condo owners make is waiting too long.

Common consequences of delay:

• Expanded moisture damage
  
• Frame deterioration
  
• Mold remediation costs
  
• Higher utility bills over years
  

Replacing glass early is almost always less expensive than repairing secondary damage later.

10. Confusion Between Glass Replacement and Window Replacement 🔄

Many condo owners assume foggy or drafty windows mean entire window replacement, which is:

• More expensive
  
• Often prohibited by strata
  
• Highly disruptive
  

In reality, Pacific Glass Ltd finds that most Burnaby condo window issues can be resolved by replacing the sealed glass unit alone, preserving frames and meeting strata guidelines.

What a Professional Condo Glass Assessment Looks Like 

When Pacific Glass Ltd assesses condo window issues, we look at:

• Seal integrity
  
• Moisture intrusion
  
• Frame condition
  
• Glass thickness and performance
  
• Strata compliance requirements
  

This ensures owners receive a solution that is effective, compliant, and cost-conscious.

How Long Does Glass Replacement Take in Condos? 

Most condo glass replacements:

• Take 1–2 hours per window
  
• Require minimal interior disruption
  
• Do not alter exterior appearance
  

Pacific Glass Ltd coordinates carefully with strata rules and building access requirements to ensure smooth installation.

Preventing Future Window Problems After Replacement 

Once glass is replaced, condo owners can extend performance by:

• Managing indoor humidity
  
• Using ventilation systems properly
  
• Addressing condensation early
  
• Scheduling periodic inspections
  

These steps are especially important in Burnaby’s wet climate.

Why Burnaby Condo Owners Choose Pacific Glass Ltd 

Burnaby condo owners trust Pacific Glass Ltd because we:

• Understand strata regulations
  
• Specialize in sealed unit replacement
  
• Use climate-appropriate glass
  
• Minimize disruption
  
• Provide long-term solutions
  

We focus on fixing the problem—not selling unnecessary replacements.

Final Thoughts

After 15 years, condo window problems are not a sign of neglect—they are a normal result of time, weather, and building movement. What matters is how quickly and correctly they are addressed.

Foggy glass, drafts, condensation, and rising energy costs are signals that shouldn’t be ignored. With professional assessment and targeted glass replacement, Burnaby condo owners can restore comfort, clarity, and efficiency without major renovation.

At Pacific Glass Ltd, we help condo owners take control of window problems—practically, professionally, and in full compliance with strata requirements.

Clear windows mean better living. And in Burnaby, that makes all the difference.

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