Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
If window seals fail, it can lead to increased energy bills and foggy windows. If you don't address the issue, it can only cause it to get worse, so hiring a professional glazier to fix the damaged seals is a wise choice.
The window seals are essential for the insulation that is provided by double glazing. Fortunately, they're easy to fix and can save you money in the long term.
Remove the Old Seal
The seals could break for various reasons. They may be damaged due to improper installation or become broken through time due to normal wear and wear and tear. While it's impossible to prevent the window seal from breaking, taking steps can ensure that the problem is less likely to occur. Avoiding the power washing of your windows, for example, can lower the chance of damage caused by 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 these can damage the window seal.
In the case of double-glazed windows, the most common indication that a seal has become broken is the appearance of condensation between the two panes of glass. This happens because the gas sealed in a vacuum, such as argon and Krypton, which was in between the two panes of glass has escaped. Once this occurs, the window is no longer capable of keeping cold and moisture from your home.
Fortunately, repairing a faulty window seal is quite simple. A new wedge gasket is available at any hardware store. It should be easy to install in your uPVC window. If you're worried that you won't be able to install the new seal correctly, you can spray water on the exterior of the window frame to lubricate the process.
It is important to check the grooves of your window frame before installing the new seal. This could include melted uPVC pieces that are often left over from previous repairs. You can chip away these areas using a chisel before starting to ensure that the new rubber seal will fit perfectly in your window frame.
It is possible to repair the broken uPVC seal yourself, but it's best to leave it to experts. A professional glazier has the skills and tools necessary to finish the job quickly and efficiently, while ensuring the least risk of damaging your uPVC windows.
Clean the Surface
Double glazing windows can cut down on noise pollution when they are installed and maintained correctly. A broken window seal can allow air and moisture to be able to enter, which could cause a variety of problems like condensation. The condensation inside a glass pane can be ugly however it can also cause mould to grow and damage the frame. Professional repair is needed. Other indicators of a faulty sealing include a draft that could be uncomfortable and expensive to heat or a distortion in glass which can affect the light transmission and impact on the view.
The good news is that double glazing windows are fairly simple to fix, particularly when the issue is identified early. While it is possible to complete this work yourself, a professional will be recommended because they have the expertise and access to the materials that can give long-lasting results.
To get the job underway, it's important to remove any existing silicone sealant to begin the process. This can be accomplished by carefully scraping away the old material using a sharp blade. After removing any old sealant the surface should be thoroughly cleaned. After cleaning the surface, the next step would be to seal the windows.
Before sealing the unit first, turn the bottom pane upside down, so that the glass face that was originally inside the sealed unit faces upwards. This surface should be thoroughly cleaned using dry, clean cloth.
drilling holes into a double-glazed window is usually not a good idea however, when it comes to saving money and preventing the necessity of a professional call out, a small 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 could then be cleaned using ruby alcohol (isopropyl) to prevent the build-up of mould.
Double-glazed windows are constructed to be long-lasting however they do fail and many homeowners find themselves in need of professional help to repair their double glazing. The most typical indications that the window seals have failed are drafts, condensation, and a distorted look between the glass panes.
Apply a New Seal
Window seals are essential to ensure a secure and efficient glass-to-frame connection, no matter if you've just moved into your home or have recently installed double-glazed windows. In time the seals may break down due to aging and external factors such as weather. If the seals have been damaged, you must make sure that you replace them as quickly as you can. This will stop moisture from getting between the glass panes which could cause condensation, energy loss, and even damage to your home.
It is recommended to pick an afternoon with a low amount of rainfall during the time you're doing this work. You will be working with the window open, and you don't require a lot of rainwater to get into your home. This could cause damage to the new seals. Wear eye protection if you're using power tools to take off old window seals. It's easy to let dust or debris into your eyes.
Once you've removed the old seal, you need to clean the surface before applying a new seal. Clear the area with a utility knife or putty and apply a new coating of silicone caulking. Be sure to add a small amount of the product to the exterior side of the frame too as this will help to make an airtight and waterproof seal around the glass.
It's also a good idea to paint the exterior of your window frames since this will help to keep them safe from the elements. Particularly during hot weather, it's normal for seals to form cracks or damp spots and this is a good idea to ensure the integrity of your window.
Although you can reseal your own windows but if the issue is severe, it's recommended you seek out an experienced window company to complete the work on your behalf. This means that you can be sure that the new seals will be installed properly to ensure that your windows are secure and energy efficient.
Allow the seal to set
A double glazed window is an excellent choice for homeowners since it protects against the elements, keeps heat generated by your heating system in and blocks sunlight from entering. However, it can only do this if the window is sealed properly. A broken seal can cause condensation and mist to form between glass panes. It can also lead to energy loss, draughts and even security issues. double glazing window repairs is therefore important to address a broken seal as quickly as you can in order to avoid damage to the window and to your home.
One of the most effective methods to determine if the window seal is broken is to feel for draughts and cold air coming into the frame's corners. If you feel it, then the gasket has flattened out and is no longer creating a seal. Another way to check is to check for misting and condensation between the glass panes of your double glazed windows. Both of these issues result from a crack in the double glazed window seal which allows moisture into the window and weakens its insulation qualities.
If you are a keen DIYer, there are many DIY kits that can be used to reseal double glazing seals. These usually involve drilling a small hole through the window, cleaning the inside using an instrument that is magnetic, then inserting drying pellets that eventually disappear and 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.
If you've attempted to repair your window seals yourself or have hired an expert company to do the work, it is imperative that you allow the new seal to dry prior to using. It can take several days or several weeks to cure the sealant so you must wait until that time to open the window. It is important to clean windows that have just been sealed with care. To shield it from marks or stains it is best to lay an old towel on the surface to work on.