Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
When window seals fail they can result in more energy costs and foggy glass. Engaging a professional for repair of the damaged seals will stop the problem from becoming worse.
The window seals are crucial to the insulation offered by double glazing. Fortunately, they're easy to repair and can save you money in the long term.
Take off the Old Seal
Window seals can break due to a variety of reasons. They can be damaged by inadequate installation, or they may break over time because of wear and tear. Although it is impossible to stop windows from breaking however, you can take precautions to reduce the likelihood of this occurring. For example, avoiding using power washing on your windows will reduce the chance of damage caused by high levels of water pressure. Make sure that the manufacturer of the windows does not recommend using reflective window films since they could damage the seal.
The most frequent sign of a broken seal in double-glazed windows is the presence of condensation between two panes. This is caused when the gas that acts as an insulator like argon or Krypton that was vacuum sealed between the two panes of glass is released. Once this occurs, the window is no longer capable of keeping the cold and moist air from your home.
The good news is that fixing a damaged window seal is not difficult. You can buy a new wedge gasket seal at any hardware store and it should be installed easily on your uPVC windows. If you're worried that you will not be able install the new seal properly, you can spray water on the exterior of the window frame to help lubricate the process.
Before you install the new seal, it is important to make sure there aren't any obstructions within the grooves of your window frame. This can include melting uPVC pieces that are usually left over from previous repairs. You can use a chisel remove these areas prior to you start the repair. This will ensure that the new rubber seal is a perfect fit into your window frame.
It is possible to repair the broken uPVC seal yourself however it's better to leave it to the professionals. A professional glazier has the equipment and skills to complete the task swiftly and with minimum risk to your uPVC window.
Clean the Surface
When double glazing windows are properly installed and maintained, they offer excellent insulation and can reduce noise pollution. However, a window seal that is damaged can let in air and moisture that could cause numerous issues, such as condensation. Moisture in a glass frame can be unattractive, but it also causes mould to grow and damage the frame. Repairs by a professional are needed. Other signs of a failed seal include a draft, which can be uncomfortable and costly to heat or a distortion of the glass, which can cause light transmission to be affected and alter the view.
The good aspect is that double-glazing windows are relatively easy to fix, especially when the issue is identified early. While it is possible to do this yourself however, a professional is advised because they are knowledgeable and have access to the materials that will provide long-lasting results.
To get the job underway it is essential to get rid of any existing silicone sealant, which can be done by carefully scraping off the old material using a sharp blade. After removing any old sealant the surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned. When the surface is clean, the next step is to seal the window.
Before resealing the unit before sealing it, turn the bottom of the pane upside down so the glass face that was originally inside the sealed unit is facing upwards. Make sure to thoroughly clean the surface using an uncluttered cloth, and then dry it so that there aren't any water marks.
Drilling holes into windows with double glazing is not an ideal idea. However, to save money and avoid the need for an emergency call out to the emergency services, you can drill small holes to insert a desiccate pack that will absorb any moisture between the two panes of glass. The hole can be rinsed with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) to prevent the growth of mould.
double glazing repair -glazed windows are made to last a long time however they do break down and many homeowners require professional help to repair their double glazing. Most often windows fail to seal when there is condensation between the glass panes or when there are drafts.
Apply for a New Seal
Whether you've recently moved into a 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. Over time, seals can be damaged by weather conditions and other external factors. If the seals are damaged, it is important to take steps to reseal them as quickly as you can. This will stop moisture from entering between the glass panes, which can cause condensation, energy loss, and even damage to your home.
It is recommended to pick an afternoon with a low amount of rainfall when you're working. You'll be working with a window open therefore you shouldn't be concerned about large amounts of rainwater to flow into your home, possibly causing damage to the new seals. Also, if you're going to use power tools to remove the old window seals be sure to wear eye protection since it's easy to collect dust or other debris into your eyes.
Once you've removed the old seal, it's crucial to clean the surface before applying a new one. Clear the area with a utility knife or putty and then apply a fresh coating of silicone caulking. Make sure to apply an globule of the caulking on the outside of the frame as this will help to make an airtight and waterproof seal around your glass.
It's also a good idea to paint the exterior of your window frames as this will protect them from the elements. Especially in 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.
You can repair the windows yourself, however in the event of a major issue, it is recommended to call 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 secure.
Allow the Seal to Cure
Double-glazed windows are a good choice for homeowners as it guards against the elements, keeps the heat produced by your heating system inside and blocks sunlight from entering. It can only do this by ensuring that the window seal is properly installed. A damaged seal could cause condensation and mist to form between the glass panes. It could also lead to energy loss, draughts and even security issues. It is therefore crucial to fix a damaged seal as quickly as you can in order to avoid damage to the window and your home.
You can test the seal of your window by smelling for draughts or cold around the corners of the frame. If you can feel this, then the window gasket is flattened and no longer forming an airtight seal. Another method of determining this is to look for misting and condensation between the glass panes of your double glazed windows. Both 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.
If you are a keen DIYer, there are a variety of DIY kits for resealing double glazing seals. They typically involve drilling a small hole into the window, cleaning the inside using an instrument that is magnetic, then inserting drying pellets which eventually disappear and 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.
If you've attempted to repair your window seals yourself or enlisted the help of a professional company to do the work, it is imperative that you allow the new seal to dry before using. It could take between a few days to a few weeks for the sealant to fully cure, so it's best to wait until then to open the window again. It is essential to clean a window that has just been resealed with diligence. To protect it from marks or stains, you can lay down an old towel on the surface to work on.