Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
If window seals fail it can lead to more energy bills and windows that are foggy. Leaving the problem unattended can only cause it to get worse and hiring an expert glazier to fix the damaged seals is a smart choice.
Window seals play a crucial role in the insulative benefit that double glazing offers. They're also easy to fix and could save you money over the long haul.
Remove the Old Seal
The seals may break due to many reasons. They can be damaged by poor installation, or they may become broken as time passes because of wear and tear. While it's not possible to prevent a window seal from breaking, taking a few steps can make sure that the issue is less likely to occur. Avoiding the power washing of your windows for instance, will reduce the risk of damage caused by high pressure water. Verify that the manufacturer of the windows does not advise using reflective window films as they could damage the seal.
In the case of double-glazed windows, the most frequent indication that a seal has been broken is the appearance of condensation between the two glass panes. This happens when the inert gas that is used to insulate like argon or Krypton that was vacuum sealed between the two panes of glass has escaped. If this happens the window will no longer be able to keep cold and moisture from your home.
The good news is that fixing a damaged window seal is quite simple. You can purchase a new wedge gasket seal from any hardware store and it will be installed easily inside your uPVC windows. If double glazing repair are concerned that you might not be able install the new seal properly, you can spray water on the exterior of the window frame to lubricate the process.
Before you begin installing the new seal, it's important to ensure that there aren't any obstructions in the grooves of your window frame. This can include melting uPVC pieces that are typically left over from previous repairs. You can chip away these areas with an axe before beginning to ensure that the new seal will fit perfectly in the window frame.
It is possible to repair an infected uPVC seal yourself however it's better to leave it to professionals. A professional glazier will have the tools and skills to finish the job quickly and efficiently, while ensuring little risk of causing damage to your uPVC windows.
Clean the Surface
If double-glazed windows are properly fitted and maintained, they provide excellent insulation and can reduce noise pollution. However window seals that is broken can let in moisture and air that could cause numerous issues like condensation. Moisture on the inside of a glass pane is not only unsightly but it can cause mould to form and cause damage to the frame, which is why it is necessary to have a professional repair. Other signs of a failed seal include a draft which can be uncomfortable and expensive to heat, or a distortion in the glass, which can affect light transmission and impact the view.
The good news is that double glazing windows are relatively simple to fix, especially when the issue is identified early. While it is possible to complete the job yourself, a professional is usually recommended as they are knowledgeable and have access to high-quality materials that will provide long-lasting results.
To begin, you will need to remove any silicone sealant that is already on the surface. This can be done by using a sharp knife. After removing any old sealant the surface should be thoroughly cleaned. When the surface is clean, the next step is to re-seal the window.
Before sealing again, remove the bottom pane, and turn it upside down so that the surface of the glass that was on the inside of the sealed unit is facing upwards. The surface must be thoroughly cleaned with a clean, dry cloth.
Drilling holes into windows with double glazing is not an ideal option. However, to save money and avoid the need for an emergency call out for help, you can make small holes to place an desiccate bag that will absorb any moisture between the two glass panes. The hole can be cleaned by the aid of rubbing alcohol to stop the growth of mould.
Double-glazed windows are built to last, however they can fail at times. A lot of people require repairs to 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 a New Seal
Whether you've recently moved into a new home or have just had your double-glazed windows installed, window seals play a important role in ensuring 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's important to take steps to reseal them as quickly as possible. This will prevent moisture from getting between the glass panes, which can cause condensation, energy loss, and even damage to your home.
You should choose a day that has a low chance of rain to complete this task. It's going to be a time when you have the window open, and you don't require a lot of rainwater to enter your home. This could harm the new seals. Also, if you're going to make use of power tools to remove the old window seals be sure to wear eye protection since it's easy to get dust or other debris in your eyes.
It's important to thoroughly clean the surface after removal of the old seal prior to applying the new one. Clean the area using a putty or utility knife and apply a new coating of silicone caulking. Add a globule to the frame's exterior as well. This will help create an airtight seal as well as a waterproof seal around the glass.
It's also an excellent idea to paint the exterior of your window frames since it will help keep them safe from the elements. Especially in hot weather, it's normal for the seals to develop cracks, or damp spots This is an extra step to ensure the integrity of your window.
Although you can reseal your windows yourself however, 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 assured that the new seals will be put in place correctly, ensuring that your windows remain secure and efficient in energy use.
Allow the seal to set
A double glazed window is an excellent choice for homeowners as it guards against the weather, keeps the heat produced by your heating system within and prevents sunlight from escaping. However, it can only do this if it is sealed properly. A failed window seal can result in condensation and mist between the glass panes, loss of energy as well as draughts, and even security issues. To avoid damaging your window and your home, it is essential to repair a damaged seal right away.
You can test the seal of your window by feeling for draughts or cold around the corners of the frame. If you can feel it, the window gasket is sagging and is no longer making a seal. Another method to determine this is to check for misting and condensation between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows. Both of these issues are caused by a breach in the double glazed window seal which allows moisture into the area and reduces its insulation capabilities.
If you're a fervent DIYer, there are many DIY kits that can be used to reseal double glazing seals. These kits usually require drilling a tiny hole 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.
If you've tried to repair your window seals on your own or enlisted the help of a professional service to do the work, it is imperative that you allow the new seal to cure prior to use. It could take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for the sealant to fully cure, so it is best to wait until then to open the window once more. It is crucial to treat a window that has just been resealed with diligence. To shield it from staining or scratches you can put an old towel on the surface to work on.