Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
If window seals fail, they could result in higher energy bills and foggy glass. Leaving the problem unattended will only make it worse and hiring a professional glazier to fix the broken seals is a smart choice.
Window seals play a crucial part in the insulation benefits double glazing can provide. Fortunately, they're easy to fix and could save you money in the long run.
Take off the Old Seal
Window seals break due to many reasons. They may be damaged due to improper installation, or they may break in the course of time because of wear and tear. Although it is impossible to completely prevent a window seal from breaking, taking some precautions can ensure that the problem is less likely to occur. Avoiding power washing your windows for instance, can lower the chance of damage from high pressure water. Check that the manufacturer of the windows does not recommend using reflective window films as they could damage the seal.
In the case of double-glazed windows, the most common sign that the seal has broken is the appearance of condensation between the two panes of glass. This happens because the inert gas that is sealed by vacuum, such as argon and Krypton, which was in between the two panes glass has escaped. If this happens the window will no longer be capable of keeping cold and moisture from your home.
Repairing the window seal that is damaged is simple. You can purchase a new wedge gasket seal at any hardware store and it will be able to be installed inside your uPVC windows. If you are worried that you won't be able to install the new seal properly you can spray water on the exterior of the window frame to help in lubricating the process.
Before you start installing the new seal, it's important to ensure that there are no obstructions in the grooves of your window frame. This can include melting uPVC pieces that are often leftover from previous repairs. You can chip away these areas using the chisel prior to beginning to make sure that the new rubber seal will fit properly in your window frame.
While it is possible to repair a broken uPVC window seal yourself, it's often best to leave this task to the professionals. A professional glazier has the experience and tools to finish the job quickly and efficiently, while ensuring the least risk of damaging your uPVC windows.
Clean the Surface
Double glazing windows can help reduce noise pollution if they are installed and maintained in a proper manner. A damaged window seal can allow air and moisture to enter, which can cause a variety of problems like condensation. Moisture inside the glass pane is not only unsightly but it can cause mould to form and damage the frame which is why it is necessary to have a professional repair. Other indicators of a faulty sealing include a draft that may be uncomfortable and expensive to heat, or glass distortion which can affect the light transmission and impact on the view.
The good thing is that double glazed windows are relatively simple to fix, especially if the issue is caught early. While it is possible to perform this work yourself but a professional is advised because they have the knowledge and access to materials that can deliver long-lasting results.
To get the job underway it is essential to get rid of any silicone sealant that is in use, which can be done by carefully scraping off the old material using a sharp blade. After removing any sealant that was previously used the surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned. After cleaning the surface the next step should be to reseal the windows.
Before resealing the unit first, turn the bottom pane upside down so the glass face that was originally inside the sealed unit is facing upwards. Clean the surface thoroughly with an uncluttered cloth, and then dry it to ensure that there are no water marks left.
drilling holes into windows with double glazing is generally not a good idea but when it's a matter of saving money and preventing the need for a professional call out, a tiny hole in the seal could be used to put in a desiccate packet that will absorb any moisture that may have accumulated between the two glass panes. The hole can be cleaned by the aid of rubbing alcohol to stop mold from forming.
Double-glazed windows are made to last, but they can break down. Many people require a double glazing repair . Most often, window seals fail when there is condensation between the glass panes or when there are drafts.
Apply for a New Seal
If you've recently moved into a home or have just had your double-glazed windows installed window seals play a crucial role in keeping an airtight and energy efficient glass-to frame connection. In time the seals could be damaged due to aging and external influences like weather. It's important to replace damaged seals as fast as possible. This will stop moisture from getting into the space between the glass panes which could cause condensation, a decrease in energy efficiency, or even water damage to your property.
You should pick a time that is not soaked with rain to perform this task. You'll be working with the window open, so you don't want large amounts of rainwater flowing into your home, potentially damaging the seals. Wear eye protection if you're using power tools to remove old window seals. It's easy to get dust or debris in your eyes.
After you've removed the old seal, it's crucial to clean the surface before applying a new one. Clean the area with a putty or utility knife and apply a fresh coating of silicone caulking. Be sure to add an globule of the caulking to the outside of the frame, too. this will help to create a waterproof and airtight seal around the glass.
It's also a good idea to paint the exterior of your window frames since it will help shield them from the elements. This is a great method to ensure the integrity of your window, especially in hot temperatures.
You can reseal the windows yourself, but in the event of a major issue, it is best to speak with an expert company that is specialized in window sealing. You can be certain that the new seals are installed correctly, ensuring your windows are energy efficient and secure.
Allow the seal to cure
Double glazed windows are a great choice for homeowners because they protect against the elements and also keep the heat produced by your heating systems inside. They also prevent sunlight from leaving. It can only do this when the window seal is correctly installed. A damaged window seal could result in condensation and mist between the glass panes, loss of energy as well as draughts, and even security issues. To prevent damage to your window and your home, it is important to fix a broken seal as soon as possible.
You can test your window seal by smelling for draughts or cold around the corners of the frame. If you feel it, the window gasket is sagging and is no longer creating an airtight seal. You may also look for misting or condensation between the glass panes in your double-glazed windows. Both of these issues are caused by a breach in the seal of the double glazed window which allows moisture into that section and compromises its insulation qualities.
If you are a keen DIYer, there are many DIY kits available for resealing double glazing seals. They typically involve drilling a small hole through the window, then cleaning the inside with the help of a magnetic tool, then inserting drying pellets which eventually disappear, and then filling 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.
It is crucial to allow the sealant to dry completely prior to using it, regardless of whether you replaced your window seals by yourself or employed an expert. It can take up to a couple of days to a few weeks for the sealant to fully cure, so it is recommended to wait until the time is right to open the window again. A window that has been sealed will need to be treated with care and attention, so it's worth laying an old towel or duvet on the work surface to shield it from stains and scratches.