Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
When window seals fail, they can lead to higher energy bills and foggy glass. Employing a professional to repair the damaged seals can prevent the problem from getting worse.
Window seals play a critical part in the insulation benefits that double glazing offers. It's a good thing that they're simple to fix and can save you money in the long term.
Remove the Old Seal
Window seals break for many reasons. They may be damaged because of poor installation or broken over the years from normal wear and wear and tear. While it's impossible to completely stop the window seal from breaking, taking some precautions can help make sure that the issue is less likely to occur. For instance, avoiding power washing on your windows will help reduce the risk of damage caused by high levels of water pressure. Make sure that the manufacturer of the windows does not advise using reflective window film as they can cause damage to the seal.
The most frequent sign of a cracked seal in double-glazed windows is the presence of condensation between two panes. This happens when the gas sealed in a vacuum such as argon or Krypton, which was in between the two panes glass has been released. Once this happens, the window is no longer able to keep cold air and moisture out of the home.
Repairing the window seal that is defective is easy. You can purchase a new wedge gasket seal at any hardware store and it will be easily installed on your uPVC windows. If you are worried that you'll be unable to install the new seal correctly spray water on the frame of the window to help lubricate it.
It is important to check the grooves on the window frame prior to installing the new seal. This can include melted uPVC pieces that are usually leftover from previous repairs. You can use a chisel to remove these areas prior to you start the repair. This will ensure that your new rubber seal fits properly into the window frame.
It is possible to repair a broken uPVC seal on your own, but it's best to leave it to professionals. A professional glazier is equipped with the tools and expertise to finish the job quickly and with minimum risk to your uPVC window.
Clean the Surface
Double glazing windows can help reduce noise pollution if they are installed and maintained properly. A broken window seal can allow moisture and air to be able to enter, which could cause a variety of problems such as condensation. The presence of moisture on the inside of the glass pane is not just unsightly, but it could cause mould to grow and damage the frame, making it necessary for professional repair. Other indicators of a failing seal are a draft which can be uncomfortable and costly to heat or a distortion of the glass that could alter light transmission and affect the view.
Double glazing windows can be repaired easily especially if you identify the issue early. Although double glazing repair near me is possible to do the job yourself, a professional is typically recommended as they have the expertise and access to high-quality products that will last for a long time.
To get the job started it is essential to get rid of any silicone sealant in use, which can be done by carefully scraping off the old sealant using a sharp blade. After removing any old sealant the surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned. After cleaning the surface the next step should be to reseal the windows.
Before sealing the unit, turn the bottom pane upside down so that the glass face that was originally inside the sealed unit is facing upwards. The surface must be thoroughly cleaned using a clean, dry cloth.
drilling holes in windows with double glazing is not an ideal option. However, to save money and avoid the necessity of an emergency call out for help, you can make small holes to insert an desiccate bag that absorbs any moisture between the two panes of glass. The hole can be cleaned with ruby alcohol (isopropyl) to prevent the build-up of mould.
Double-glazed windows are made to last a long time however they do fail and a lot of people are in need of professional help to repair their double glazing. Most often window seals fail when there is condensation between the glass panes, or if there are drafts.
Apply for a New Seal
Window seals are important 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 could break down due to age and external factors like weather. It is crucial to replace damaged seals as soon as possible. This will stop moisture from entering the space between the panes of glass which could cause condensation, a decrease in energy efficiency, or even water damage to your property.
You should pick a time that has a low chance of rain to perform this task. You will be working with the window open and you do not require lots of rainwater to enter your home. This could harm the new seals. Wear eye protection if you're using power tools to take off old window seals. It's easy to get dust or debris in your eyes.
It's important to thoroughly clean the surface after removing the old seal before applying the new one. Utilizing a utility knife or putty knife, clean all residues off the surface and then apply a new coating of silicone caulking in order to reseal 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.
Paint the outside of the frames of your windows to shield them against the elements. Particularly in hot weather, it's not uncommon for seals to develop cracks, or damp spots, so this is a great way to maintain the quality of your window.
Although you can reseal your windows on your own but if the issue is serious, it's recommended you get a professional window company to carry out 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
A double glazed window is a good choice for homeowners because it guards against the elements, keeps the heat generated by your heating system in and blocks sunlight from entering. It is only able to do this if the window seal is correctly installed. A damaged window seal could result in condensation and mist between the glass panes, energy loss, draughts and even security issues. It is crucial to address a damaged seal as quickly as you can in order to avoid damage to the window as well as your home.
One of the simplest ways to test if your window seal is broken is to feel for draughts and cold leaking from the frame's corners. If you can feel this the gasket of your window has been weakened and is no longer making an airtight seal. You may also look for misting or condensation between the glass panes of the double-glazed windows you have. Both of these problems are caused by a breach in the seal of the double glazed window, which lets moisture into that section and compromises its insulation qualities.
There are kits to reseal the double glazing seals available if you are a DIY-er. They typically involve drilling a small hole into the window, then cleaning the inside with an instrument that is magnetic, then inserting drying pellets that 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.
Whether you have tried to repair your window seals on your own or hired a professional company it is essential 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 is best to wait until it is to open the window again. A window that's been sealed should be treated with care and attention and it's a good idea to lay an old towel or duvet on the work surface to shield it from scratches and stains.