Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
When window seals fail, they can lead to more expensive energy bills and foggy glass. In the event that you do not address the issue, it will only make it worse, so hiring an expert glazier to fix the broken seals is a smart choice.
The window seals are crucial to the insulation offered by double glazing. They're also easy to repair and can save you money in the long term.
Remove the Old Seal
The seals could break for many reasons. They may be damaged due to inadequate installation or break through time due to normal wear and wear and tear. Although it is not possible to stop windows from breaking however, you can take steps to lessen the possibility of this happening. Avoiding the power washing of your windows, for example, can reduce the risk of damage from high water pressure. Verify that the manufacturer of windows doesn't recommend using reflective window films since they could damage the seal.
In the case of double-glazed windows, the most frequent sign that the seal has broken is the appearance of condensation between the two panes of glass. This happens because the gas sealed in a vacuum like argon and Krypton, that was positioned between the two panes glass has disappeared. Once this occurs the window is no longer able to keep the cold and moist air out of your home.
Fortunately, repairing a faulty window seal is quite simple. You can purchase a replacement wedge gasket seal from any hardware store and it should be able to be installed on your uPVC windows. If you are concerned that you won't be able to put in the new seal properly then 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. These could be melted pieces of uPVC that are often left behind from previous attempts to repair. You can chip away these areas with the chisel prior to beginning to make sure that the new rubber seal will fit perfectly within your window frame.
While it is possible to repair damaged uPVC window seal on your own however, it is best to leave this task to professionals. A professional glazier will have the skills and tools necessary to complete the task quickly and efficiently, while ensuring the least risk of damaging your uPVC windows.
Clean the Surface
When double glazing windows are properly fitted and maintained, they provide excellent insulation and reduce noise pollution. A damaged window seal could let moisture and air be able to enter, which could cause many problems like condensation. Moisture on the inside of the glass pane is not only unattractive, but it can cause mould to develop and damage the frame, which is why it is necessary to have a professional repair. Other signs of a damaged sealing include a draft that may be uncomfortable and expensive to heat, or a distortion in glass which can affect the light transmission and impact on 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 work yourself however, a professional is recommended as they have the knowledge and access to the materials that will deliver long-lasting results.
To begin the process, it's important to remove any silicone sealant in use to begin the process. This can be accomplished by carefully scraping off the old material with a sharp blade. After removing any old sealant the surface should be thoroughly cleaned. After cleaning the surface the next step should be to reseal 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 window is generally not a good idea but when it's a matter of saving money and preventing the need for a call from a professional out, a tiny hole in the seal could be used to tuck in a desiccate packet that will absorb any moisture that might be accumulating between the two glass panes. The hole can be rinsed with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) to prevent the growth of mould.
Double-glazed windows are constructed to last for a long time, however they do break down and a lot of people require a professional double glazing repair. The most common indications that seals have failed is drafts, condensation, and a blurred appearance between the glass panes.
Apply a New Seal
Whether you've recently moved into a home or just had your double-glazed windows installed, window seals play a significant role in maintaining an airtight and energy efficient glass-to-frame connection. Over time, however the seals may break down due to aging and external factors like weather. If the seals are damaged, it is important to take steps to reseal them as quickly as you can. This will stop water from getting in between the panes of glass and causing condensation, a reduction in energy efficiency and even water damage to your property.
It is best to pick a day with low rainfall while you're performing this task. You'll be working with a window open, so you shouldn't have huge amounts of rainwater flowing into your house and possibly damaging the new seals. Wear eye protection when using power tools to take off old window seals. It's easy to get debris or dust in your eyes.
It is essential to thoroughly clean the surface after removal of the old seal prior to applying the new one. Utilizing a utility knife or putty knife, clear all residuals from the area and then apply a new coat of silicone caulking to seal the gap. Add a globule on the outside of the frame as well. This will help create an airtight seal and waterproof seal around the glass.
It's also an excellent idea to paint the exterior of your window frames as it will help keep them safe from the elements. Especially in window repair Ashford , it's common for the seals to get damp spots or even cracks This is a good idea to ensure the integrity of your window.
While you can reseal your windows yourself but if the issue is serious, it's recommended you contact an experienced window company to do the work on your behalf. This way, you can be certain that the new seals will be put in place correctly, ensuring that your windows remain secure and energy efficient.
Allow the seal to cure
Double-glazed windows are an excellent choice for homeowners because it guards against the elements, keeps the heat generated by your heating system inside and blocks sunlight from entering. It is only able to do this by ensuring that the window seal is properly installed. A damaged window seal could result in condensation and mist between the glass panes, energy loss, draughts and even security issues. It is therefore crucial to address a damaged seal as soon as possible in order to avoid damage to the window and your home.
One of the most effective methods to determine if your window seal has failed is to feel for draughts or cold coming in around the frame's corners. If you feel this then the gasket has been weakened and is no longer forming an airtight seal. You can also check for condensation or misting between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows. Both of these problems are caused by a leak in the double glazed window seal, which lets moisture into that section and compromises its insulation properties.
There are DIY kits for resealing the double glazing seals in case you are a DIY-er. They usually involve drilling a small hole in the window, cleaning the inside with the help of a magnetic tool, then inserting drying pellets that will 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.
It is crucial to allow the sealant to dry completely prior to using it, regardless of whether you replaced your window seals yourself or hired a professional. It may take a few days or even a few weeks to cure the sealant, therefore you should wait until then to open the window. A window that has been resealed must be handled with care and attention and it's a good idea to lay an old duvet or towel down on your work surface to protect it from scratches and stains.