When window seals fail they can result in more expensive energy bills and foggy glass. If you don't address the issue, it will only make it worse and hiring a professional glazier to repair the damaged seals is a wise choice.
Window seals play an essential part in the insulation benefits that double glazing provides. Fortunately, they're easy to repair and can save you money in the long run.
Take off the Old Seal
Window seals can break due to many reasons. They may be damaged due to improper installation, or they could be damaged over time due to normal wear and tear. While it's impossible to completely prevent a window seal from breaking, taking precautions can help make sure that the issue is less likely to occur. Avoiding power washing your windows for instance, will reduce the risk of damage caused by high water pressure. Also, make sure that the window manufacturer does not recommend the use of reflective window films on their windows because they can cause damage to the window seal.
In the case of double-glazed windows, the most frequent sign that a seal has become broken is the appearance of condensation between the two panes of glass. This is caused when the gas that acts as an insulator like argon or Krypton that was sealed by vacuum between the two panes of glass is released. When this happens, the window is no longer able to keep moisture and cold air out of your home.
Fortunately, repairing a faulty window seal is not difficult. A new wedge gasket seal is available at any hardware store. It should be simple to install on your uPVC window. If you're worried that you won't be able to install the new seal properly you can spray water on the outside of the window frame to help in lubricating the process.
It's important that you check the grooves of the window frame prior to installing the new seal. This can include melting uPVC pieces that are typically left over from previous repairs. You can use a chisel or a hammer to remove these areas prior to you begin the repair. This will ensure that your new rubber seal fits properly into the window frame.
It is possible to repair the broken uPVC seal yourself however it's better to leave it to the professionals. A professional glazier will possess the tools and skills to finish the job quickly and efficiently, with the least risk of damaging your uPVC windows.
Clean the Surface
Double glazing windows can cut down on noise pollution if they are installed and maintained in a proper manner. A damaged window seal can allow air and moisture to be able to enter, which could cause many problems such as condensation. Moisture inside a glass pane can be unsightly however it can also cause mold to grow and can damage the frame. Repairs by a professional are needed. Other signs of a damaged sealing include a draft that may be uncomfortable and expensive to heat, or a distortion in glass which can alter light transmission and impact on the view.
double glazing window repairs is that double glazing windows are relatively easy to fix, especially when the issue is identified early. While it is possible to complete the work yourself, hiring a professional is typically recommended as they have the experience and access to high-quality materials that will last for a long time.
To begin, you'll need to remove any silicone sealant already in place. This can be done by using a sharp knife. After removing any old sealant, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned. After cleaning the surface the next step should be to reseal the windows.
Before sealing, remove the bottom pane, and turn it upside down so that the surface of the glass originally on the inside of the sealed unit is facing upwards. Clean the surface thoroughly with an uncluttered cloth, and then dry it so that no water marks remain.
Drilling holes into a double-glazed glass window is not a good idea. However, to save money and avoid the need for an emergency call-out, you can use small holes to place a desiccate packing that absorbs any moisture between the two glass panes. The hole can be cleaned using the aid of rubbing alcohol to stop the growth of mould.
Double-glazed windows are made to last, however they do sometimes break down. Many people need repairs to double glazing. Most commonly windows fail to seal when there is condensation between the glass panes or when there are drafts.
Apply a New Seal
Window seals are essential for maintaining a tight and energy-efficient glass-to frame connection, no matter if you've recently moved into your new home or have recently installed double-glazed windows. Over time, however, the seals can fail due to age and external factors like weather. If the seals are damaged, you must make the necessary steps to repair them as quickly as you can. This will prevent moisture from getting between the glass panes, which could cause condensation, energy loss and even damage to your home.
It is best to pick an afternoon with a low amount of rainfall while you're performing this task. You'll be working with a window open, so you don't want large amounts of rainwater flowing into your house and possibly causing damage to the new seals. Also, if you're going to make use of power tools to remove the old window seals, be sure to wear eye protection since it's easy to collect dust or other debris into your eyes.
It's important to thoroughly clean the surface after taking off the old seal prior to applying the new one. Clean the area with the help of a knife or putty and then apply a fresh coat of silicone caulking. Make sure you apply a small amount of the product to the outside of the frame as it will help make an airtight and waterproof seal around the glass.
Paint the exterior of your window frames to shield them from the elements. Particularly in hot weather, it's common for the seals to form cracks, or damp spots This is a great way to ensure the quality of your window.
Although you can seal your windows on your own but if the issue is severe, it's recommended you get an experienced window company to carry out the work on your behalf. You can be certain that the new seals have been installed correctly, ensuring your windows remain energy efficient and secure.
Allow the seal to cure
Double-glazed windows are an excellent choice for homeowners since it protects against the elements, holds the heat generated by your heating system in and blocks sunlight from entering. However, it will only accomplish this if the window is sealed properly. A damaged window seal could result in condensation and mist between the glass panes, loss of energy, draughts and even security issues. It is therefore important to address a damaged seal as quickly as you can in order to avoid damage to the window as well as your home.
One of the simplest methods to determine if your window seal is broken is to feel for draughts and cold leaking from the corners of the frame. If you can feel this then the gasket is flattened and no longer creating an airtight seal. Also, you can check for condensation or misting between the glass panes in your double-glazed windows. Both of these issues are caused by a leak in the double glazed window seal that allows moisture to enter that section and compromises its insulation properties.
There are kits for resealing the double glazing seals available for those who are a DIY enthusiast. These kits typically require drilling a small hole into the window, and then cleaning it with a magnet tool. They then put in drying pellets that disappear and then seal the hole using clear concrete. However, while these kits do have a good track record of providing quick results, they do tend to need doing more often than professionally-installed windows and they don't always provide a lasting solution.
It is important to let the sealant completely dry before you use it, regardless of whether you replaced your window seals on your own or employed an expert. It may take several days or several weeks to cure the sealant so you must wait until the time is right to open the window. A window that's been sealed must be handled with care and attention, so it's worth laying an old duvet or towel on the work surface to shield it from scratches and stains.
