Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
When window seals fail, they could result in more energy costs and foggy glass. Hiring a professional to repair the damaged seals can prevent the issue from getting worse.
Window seals play an essential part in the insulation benefits that double glazing offers. Fortunately, they're easy to repair and can save you money in the long term.
Take off the Old Seal
The seals can break for various reasons. They may be damaged due to improper installation or become broken over the years from normal wear and tear. While it's not possible to completely stop a window seal from breaking, taking some steps can ensure that the issue is less likely to occur. Avoiding cleaning your windows with power for instance, will reduce the risk of damage due to high pressure water. Make sure that the manufacturer of the windows does not advise using reflective window films as they can damage the seal.
In the case of double glazed windows, the most frequent indication that the seal has broken is the appearance of condensation between the two panes of glass. This occurs when the inert gas that is sealed by vacuum, such as argon and Krypton, that was positioned between the two panes glass has escaped. Once this occurs, the window is no longer able to seal cold air and moisture 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're concerned that you won’t be able install the new seal correctly, spray water on the window's frame to help lubricate it.
Before you begin installing the new seal, you need to ensure that there aren't any obstructions in the grooves of your window frame. These can include melting pieces of uPVC that are usually left behind from previous attempts to repair. You can use a chisel or a hammer to chip away these areas before you start the repair. This will ensure that the new seal is properly fitted into the window frame.
It is possible to repair a broken uPVC seal by yourself however it's better to leave it to the 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
If double-glazed windows are properly installed and maintained, they provide excellent insulation and cut down on noise pollution. However, a window seal that is damaged can let in moisture and air that can lead to numerous issues like condensation. Moisture on the inside of the glass pane is not only unsightly but it can cause mould to grow and cause damage to the frame, making it essential to seek professional repair. Other indicators of a failing seal include a draft which can be uncomfortable and expensive to heat, or a distortion in the glass, which could cause light transmission to be affected and alter the view.
The good thing is that double glazed windows are fairly simple to fix, especially when the problem is discovered early. Although it is possible to perform this yourself, a professional will be recommended because they are knowledgeable and have access to materials that can give 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 sealant using a sharp blade. After removing any sealant that was previously used, the surface must 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 that the glass face that was inside the sealed unit faces upwards. Clean the surface thoroughly with an uncluttered cloth, and then dry it so that there are no water marks left.
Drilling holes into windows with double glazing is generally a bad idea but when it's about saving money and avoiding the need for a call from a professional out, a small hole in the seal could be used to tuck in a desiccate packet that will absorb any moisture that might have accumulated between the two glass panes. The hole can then be cleaned using ruby alcohol (isopropyl) to stop the build-up of mould.
Double-glazed windows are constructed to be long-lasting but they can and do fail and many homeowners are in need of a professional double glazing repair. 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
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 energy efficient glass-to-frame connection. Over time, however, the seals can be damaged due to age and external factors like weather. If the seals are damaged, it's important to take steps to reseal them as soon as you can. This will prevent moisture from entering between the glass panes, which can cause condensation, energy loss, and even damage to your home.
You should pick a time when there is little rain to perform this task. You'll be working with the window open, so you don't want large amounts of rainwater to flow into your house and possibly damaging the new seals. Also, if you're going to use power tools to remove the old window seals, be sure to wear eye protection as it is easy to catch 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, remove all residuals from the area and then apply a new coating of silicone caulking in order to reseal the gap. Make sure you apply a globule of the product to the exterior side of the frame too as this will help to create an airtight and waterproof seal around your glass.
Paint the outside of your window frames to shield them against the elements. Particularly in hot weather, it's not uncommon for the seals to form damp spots or even cracks and this is an extra step to ensure the integrity of your window.
While you can reseal your own windows however, if the issue is serious it's recommended that you contact an experienced window company to do the work on your behalf. You can be certain that the new seals are installed correctly, ensuring your windows remain energy efficient and secure.
Allow the Seal to heal
Double-glazed windows are a fantastic option for homeowners due to their ability to protect against the elements and also keep the heat generated by heating systems inside. They also prevent sunlight from getting out. It is only able to do this when the window seal is correctly installed. A failed seal can cause condensation and mist to form between the glass panes. It can cause energy loss, draughts, and even security issues. To prevent damage to your window and your home, it is crucial to repair a damaged seal as soon as possible.
You can test the seal of your window by smelling for draughts or cold around the frame's corners. If you feel it, the gasket has sunk and is no longer creating the seal. Another method to determine this is to look for signs of misting and condensation between the glass panes of double-glazed windows. Both of these issues result from leaks in the double-glazed window seal. This allows moisture to get into that section, which can compromise its insulation properties.
There are double glazing window repairs to reseal the double glazing seals for those who are a DIY enthusiast. They usually require drilling a small hole through the window, then cleaning the inside with a magnetic tool, 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.
If you've tried to repair your window seals yourself or hired a professional service to do the work, it is imperative that you allow the new seal to dry before making use of it. It may take a few days or even several weeks to cure the sealant so you must wait until then 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 protect it from scratches and stains.