Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
If window seals fail it can lead to more energy bills and foggy windows. If you don't address the issue, it can only cause it to get worse, so hiring an expert glazier to fix the broken seals is a smart move.
Window seals play a critical role in the insulative benefit double glazing can provide. It's a good thing that they're simple to fix and can save you money in the long term.
Take off the Old Seal
Window seals can break due to many reasons. They can be damaged due to poor installation or broken through time due to normal wear and tear. Although it is impossible to prevent a window from breaking however, you can take precautions to reduce the likelihood of this occurring. For example, avoiding using power washing on your windows can help reduce the risk of damage that is caused by high pressure water. You should also check that the window manufacturer doesn't recommend the use of reflective window films on their windows because these can damage the window seal.
In the case of double-glazed windows, the most typical sign that a seal has been broken is the appearance of condensation between the two panes of glass. This occurs when the gas sealed in a vacuum like argon and krypton, that was between the two panes of glass has escaped. If this happens the window is no longer in a position to keep the cold and moist air out of your home.
Repairing a window seal that is faulty is easy. You can buy a new wedge gasket seal from any hardware store, and it can be installed easily on your uPVC windows. If you are concerned that you might not be able to install the new seal properly then spray water on the outside of the window frame to help in lubricating the process.
It is essential to examine the grooves on the window frame prior to installing the new seal. These could be melted pieces of uPVC that are left in the wake of previous attempts at repair. You can remove these areas using an axe before beginning to make sure that the new rubber seal will fit perfectly in the window frame.
It is possible to repair an infected uPVC seal on your own however, it is best to leave the job to professionals. A professional glazier has the experience and tools to complete this job quickly and efficiently, with minimal risk of damage to your uPVC windows.
Clean the Surface
Double glazing windows can help reduce noise pollution when they are installed and maintained correctly. A damaged window seal can allow air and moisture to be able to enter, which could cause a variety of problems like condensation. Moisture on the inside of the glass pane isn't only unattractive, but it can cause mould to grow and damage the frame making it necessary for professional repair. Other signs of a damaged 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.
The good thing is that double glazed windows are fairly simple to fix, especially if the issue is caught early. Although it is possible to perform this work yourself, a professional will be advised because they have the knowledge and access to the materials that can deliver long-lasting results.
In the beginning, you'll need to get rid of any silicone sealant that is already present. This can be done using a sharp knife. After removing any sealant that was previously used the surface should be thoroughly cleaned. After cleaning the surface the next step should be to seal the windows.
Before re-sealing, take the bottom pane, and turn it upside down so that the face of the glass that was originally on the inside of the sealed unit is facing upwards. This surface should be thoroughly cleaned using a clean, dry cloth.
Drilling holes into a double-glazed glass window is not a good idea. However, to save money and avoid the necessity of an emergency call-out for help, you can make a small hole to insert a desiccate packing that will absorb any moisture between the two glass panes. The hole can be cleaned by rubbing alcohol to prevent mold from forming.
Double-glazed windows are designed to last, however they can break down. Many people need repairs to their double glazing. The most common indications that the window seals have failed is drafts, condensation and a discolored look between the glass panes.
Apply a New Seal
Whether you've recently moved into a new home or just have your double-glazed windows installed, window seals play a crucial role in keeping an airtight and efficient glass-to-frame connection. As time passes, seals may be damaged by the weather or other external elements. It's important to replace damaged seals as fast as possible. This will stop moisture from entering between the glass panes which can cause condensation, energy loss, and even damage to your home.
It is best to pick a day that has a low chance of rain to complete this task. You'll be working with a window open, so you shouldn't have huge amounts of rainwater leaking into your home and possibly causing damage to the new seals. Wear eye protection when working with power tools to remove old window seals. It's easy to get debris or dust in your eyes.
It's important to thoroughly clean the surface after taking off the old seal prior to applying the new one. Using a utility knife or putty knife, clean any remaining residues from the area and then apply a fresh coat of silicone caulking to reseal the gap. Make sure you apply a globule of the product to the exterior side of the frame as it will help create an airtight and waterproof seal around the glass.
Paint the exterior of the frames of your windows to shield them from the elements. Especially in hot weather, it's common for seals to form cracks or damp spots and this is an extra step to help maintain the quality of your window.
Although you can reseal your own windows, if the problem is serious it's recommended that you contact a professional window company to complete the work on your behalf. You can be sure that the new seals are properly installed, making sure your windows are energy efficient and secure.
Allow the seal to set
A double glazed window is a good choice for homeowners because it guards against the elements, keeps the heat produced by your heating system within and prevents sunlight from escaping. But, it is able to achieve this if it is sealed properly. A broken window seal can lead to mist and condensation between the glass panes, loss of energy as well as draughts, and even security issues. It is crucial to address a damaged seal as quickly as you can in order to avoid damage to the window and your home.
One of the most effective ways to test if your window seal is broken is to feel for draughts and cold air coming into the corners of the frame. If you can feel it, then the gasket is sagging and is no longer forming a seal. You may also look for condensation or misting between the glass panes in the double-glazed windows you have. double glazing repair near me of these problems result from a leak in the double-glazed window seal. This allows moisture to get into that section, which can compromise its insulation properties.
There are kits to reseal the double glazing seals available in case you are a DIY-er. They usually involve drilling a small hole through the window, cleaning the inside using a magnetic tool, inserting drying pellets which eventually disappear, and then plugging the hole using 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 let the sealant dry completely before using it, whether you repaired your window seals by yourself or employed an expert. It could take a few days or even some weeks to cure the sealant so you must wait until that time to open the window. It is essential to take care of a window that has just been resealed with diligence. To shield it from staining or scratches you can put an old towel on the work surface.