Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
When window seals fail they can lead to more energy costs and foggy glass. Hiring a professional to repair the broken seals will prevent the issue from getting worse.
The window seals are essential for the insulation that is provided by double glazing. Fortunately, they're easy to fix and could save you money in the long run.
Remove the Old Seal
Window seals break for a variety of reasons. They can be damaged by improper installation, or be damaged as time passes due to wear and tear. Although it is not possible to stop windows from breaking but you can take a few precautions to reduce the likelihood of this occurring. Avoiding the power washing of your windows for instance, can reduce the risk 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 typical indication that the seal has broken is the appearance of condensation between the two glass panes. This is caused when the gas that acts as an insulator such as argon or krypton that was sealed by vacuum between the two panes of glass has escaped. When this occurs, the window is no longer able to seal moisture and cold air out of the home.
Fortunately, repairing a faulty window seal is quite simple. You can purchase a replacement wedge gasket seal at any hardware store and it will be installed easily on your uPVC windows. If you are worried that you might not be able to put in 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 on your window frame before installing the new seal. These could be melting pieces of uPVC that are often left in the wake of previous attempts at repair. You can use a chisel or a hammer to take away these areas before you start the repair. This will ensure that your new rubber seal fits properly into the window frame.
While it is possible to fix a damaged uPVC window seal yourself, it's often recommended to leave the work to the professionals. A professional glazier will possess the experience and tools to complete the task quickly and efficiently, while ensuring minimal risk of damage to your uPVC windows.
Clean the Surface
Double glazing windows can reduce the amount of noise pollution if installed and maintained in a proper manner. A damaged window seal could let moisture and air be able to enter, which could cause a variety of problems like condensation. Moisture inside a glass pane can be unsightly but it also causes mold to grow and can damage the frame. Repairs by a professional are needed. Other indicators of a faulty sealing include a draft that may be uncomfortable and costly to heat or glass distortion that could affect light transmission and impact on the view.
Double glazing windows can be repaired easily particularly if you spot the issue early. While it is possible to complete this yourself, a professional will be recommended because they have the knowledge and access to the materials that will deliver long-lasting results.
To begin, double glazing repair will 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 should be thoroughly cleaned. After the surface has been cleaned the next step is to re-seal the window.
Before sealing the unit again, turn the bottom pane upside down, so that the glass face that was originally inside the sealed unit faces upwards. Clean the surface thoroughly with a dry cloth and dry it so that no water marks remain.
Drilling holes in a double-glazed glass window is not a good idea. To save money and avoid the necessity of an emergency call out, you can use small holes to insert a desiccate packing that will absorb any moisture between the two glass panes. The hole could then be rinsed with ruby alcohol (isopropyl) to stop the build-up of mould.
Double glazed windows are designed to be long-lasting however they do break down and a lot of people require professional help to repair their double glazing. The majority of the time window seals fail when there is condensation between the glass panes or when there are drafts.
Apply for a New Seal
Window seals are essential for maintaining a tight and energy-efficient glass-to-frame connection, regardless of whether you've recently moved into your new home or just installed double-glazed windows. In time, the seals can break down due to aging and external factors such as weather. It is crucial to replace damaged seals as soon as possible. This will prevent water from getting in between the panes of glass and causing condensation, a decrease in energy efficiency and even water damage to your property.
It is recommended to pick the day that has a lower chance of rain when you're working. It's going to be a time when you have the window open and you don't need much rainwater to enter your home. This could cause damage to the new seals. In addition, if you have to employ power tools to take off the old window seals make sure to wear eye protection as it is easy to get dust or other debris in your eyes.
It is essential to thoroughly clean the surface after removing the old seal before applying the new one. Using a utility knife or putty knife, clear all residues off the surface and then apply a new layer of silicone caulking to reseal the gap. Make sure to apply a globule of the product on the outside of the frame, too. this will help create an airtight and waterproof seal around your glass.
Paint the exterior of your window frames to shield them against the elements. This is a good way to protect the integrity of your window, particularly in hot temperatures.
You can reseal the windows yourself, but if the problem is severe it is best to speak with an expert company that is specialized in window sealing. You can be sure that the new seals are installed correctly, ensuring your windows remain energy efficient and safe.
Allow the seal to cure
Double-glazed windows are an excellent choice for homeowners because it guards against the elements, keeps the heat produced by your heating system inside and prevents sunlight from escaping. It can only do so when the window seal is properly installed. A failed seal can cause condensation and mist to form between glass panes. It could also lead to energy loss, draughts, and even security issues. To prevent damage to your window and home, it's crucial to repair a damaged seal as soon as possible.
One of the simplest methods to determine if the window seal has failed is to feel for draughts or cold coming in around the corners of the frame. If you can feel this then the gasket has become flat and is not creating an airtight seal. Another way to check is to look for misting and condensation between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows. Both of these problems result from leaks in the double-glazed window seal. This allows moisture to enter the section, causing damage to its insulation properties.
If you are a keen DIYer, there are several DIY kits available for resealing double glazing seals. These kits typically require drilling a small opening into the window and then cleaning it with a magnet tool. They then insert drying pellets which eventually disappear, and fill the hole with 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 allow the sealant to completely dry before you use it, whether you repaired your window seals yourself or employed a professional. It may take a few days or even a few weeks to cure the sealant, so you should wait until the time is right to open the window. A window that has been sealed will need to be treated with care and attention It's best to lay an old towel or duvet down on your work surface to shield it from stains and scratches.