Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
If window seals fail, they can result in higher energy bills and foggy glass. Leaving the problem unattended can only cause it to get worse and hiring an expert glazier to fix the damaged seals is a wise choice.
The window seals are crucial for the insulation that is provided by double glazing. They're also easy to repair and can save you money in the long term.
Take off the Old Seal
The seals can break for various reasons. They may be damaged due to improper installation, or they may break over time due to normal wear and tear. While it's impossible to completely stop a window seal from breaking, taking a few precautions can ensure that the problem is less likely to occur. Avoiding cleaning your windows with power, for example, can lower the chance of damage due to high water pressure. It is also important to ensure that the window manufacturer doesn't 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 glass panes. This happens when the vacuum-sealed inert gas like argon and Krypton, which was in between the two panes glass has disappeared. When this occurs, the window will be no longer able to keep cold air and moisture out of the home.
Repairing a window seal that is defective is easy. A new wedge gasket seal is available at any hardware store. It is likely to be simple to install in your uPVC window. If you are worried that you might not be able to put in the new seal properly you can spray water on the exterior of the window frame to help lubricate the process.
Before you begin installing the new seal, you need to make sure there aren't any obstructions within the grooves of your window frame. These can include melting pieces of uPVC that are left in the wake of previous attempts at repair. You can use a chisel to remove these areas prior to you begin the repair. This will ensure that the new rubber seal fits properly into the window frame.
While it is possible to repair a damaged uPVC window seal on your own however, it is better to leave the job to the professionals. A professional glazier has the equipment and experience to finish the job quickly and with the least amount of risk to your uPVC window.
Clean the Surface
If double-glazed windows are properly fitted and maintained, they provide excellent insulation and reduce noise pollution. However windows with seals that is broken can let in moisture and air which can cause various issues like condensation. The condensation inside a glass pane can be unattractive but it also causes mold to grow and can damage the frame. Repairs by a professional are required. Other signs of a failed sealing include a draft that may be uncomfortable and costly to heat, or glass distortion that can alter light transmission and impact on the view.
The good aspect is that double-glazing windows are relatively easy to fix, particularly when the issue is identified early. Although it is possible to do the work yourself, hiring a professional is usually recommended as they have the expertise and access to high-quality materials that will provide long-lasting results.
To begin, you'll need to remove any silicone sealant already present. This can be accomplished with a sharp knife. After removing any sealant that was previously used, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned. After cleaning double glazing repair would 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. This surface should be thoroughly cleaned with a clean, dry cloth.
Drilling holes into windows that are double-glazed is generally a bad idea however, when it's a matter of saving money and preventing the necessity of a professional call out, a tiny hole in the seal can be used to put in an insulating packet that will take in any moisture that might have accumulated between the two glass panes. The hole can be cleaned with the aid of rubbing alcohol to stop mold from forming.
Double-glazed windows are constructed to last a long time however they do break down and many homeowners find themselves in need of professional assistance for repair of double glazing. The majority of the time window seals fail when there is condensation between the glass panes or if there are drafts.
Apply for a New Seal
Window seals are essential to ensure a secure and energy-efficient glass-to frame connection, whether you have just moved into your home or just installed double-glazed windows. As time passes, seals may be damaged due to weather conditions and other external factors. If the seals are damaged, it's important to take steps to reseal them as quickly as possible. This will prevent moisture from entering between the glass panes which could cause condensation, energy loss and even damage to your home.
You should pick a time when there is little rain to complete this task. It's going to be a time when you have the window open and you don't require lots of rainwater to enter your home. This could harm the new seals. Wear protective eyewear if you're working with power tools to remove old window seals. It's easy to let dust or debris into your eyes.
It's important to thoroughly clean the surface after removal of the old seal prior to applying the new one. Utilizing a utility knife or putty knife, remove all residuals from the area and then apply a fresh coat of silicone caulking to reseal the gap. Be sure to add a globule of the product to the exterior side of the frame as this will help to create an airtight and waterproof seal around the glass.
It's also an excellent idea to paint the exterior of your window frames since it will help protect them from the elements. This is a great way to ensure the integrity of your window, particularly in hot weather.
You can reseal windows on your own, but when the issue is serious, it's best to contact an expert company that is specialized in window sealing. You can be assured that the new seals are properly installed, making sure your windows are energy efficient and safe.
Allow the Seal to Cure
Double-glazed windows are a great option for homeowners because it guards against the weather, keeps heat generated by your heating system in and stops sunlight from getting out. It can only do so by ensuring that the window seal is correctly installed. A broken window seal can lead to mist and condensation between the glass panes, energy loss as well as draughts, and even security issues. It is therefore crucial to address a damaged seal as soon as you can to avoid damage to the window and your home.
One of the easiest methods to determine if the window seal has failed is to feel for draughts and cold coming in around the frame's corners. If you can feel it, the window gasket is sagging and is no longer making a seal. You can also check for misting or condensation between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows. Both of these problems are caused by a leak in the double-glazed window seal. This allows moisture to enter the section, which can compromise its insulation properties.
There are kits to reseal the double glazing seals in case you are a DIY enthusiast. These usually require drilling a small hole in the window, cleaning the inside using an instrument that is magnetic, then inserting drying pellets that eventually disappear, and then plugging the hole with clear cement. 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.
Whether you have tried to repair your window seals on your own or enlisted the help of a professional service, it is crucial to allow the new seal to dry prior to using. It can take a few days or even several weeks to cure the sealant so you must wait until that time to open the window. A window that has been sealed will need to be treated with care and attention and it's a good idea to lay an old towel or duvet down on your work surface to protect it from scratches and stains.