404

Charlotte’s climate is particularly tough on 404 2 seals because of our wild temperature swings and humidity levels that stay high from May through September. I’ve pulled apart hundreds of these units over the years, and what I see most often is seal degradation that happens faster here than in drier climates. That rubber compound just wasn’t designed for our 70-90% humidity combined with those scorching summer days where your equipment sits in direct sun. “The seals looked fine from the outside, but when we opened it up, they were brittle as old rubber bands. That’s what happens when Charlotte’s heat and moisture get trapped inside.” – Actual repair from Plaza Midwood last summer Temperature cycling damage: When your 404 2 system goes from our chilly 30-degree winter mornings to 75-degree afternoons, those seals expand and contract repeatedly. After a few seasons of this, the material loses its flexibility and starts developing micro-cracks that let moisture seep in. Humidity penetration: Our sticky Charlotte summers create condensation inside sealed compartments. That moisture sits against the rubber seals for months, breaking down the compounds and causing them to swell unevenly. Once they lose their original shape, they can’t maintain proper pressure. UV exposure acceleration: If your unit sits anywhere near a south-facing wall or gets afternoon sun, those UV rays are cooking the seal material daily. I’ve seen seals on the sunny side of a building fail two years before the shaded side on the same property. The red clay soil around Charlotte also plays a role that most folks don’t consider. When it dries out during summer droughts, it shifts and can cause subtle vibrations in your equipment mounting. Those constant micro-movements work the seals loose over time, especially if the installation wasn’t perfectly level to begin with. If you’re noticing performance issues or visible wear around your 404 2 seals, don’t wait for complete failure. Catching it early means we can often replace just the seals rather than dealing with damage to the internal components. Give your unit a visual check every spring before our humidity really kicks in.