Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
When window seals are damaged, it can lead to more energy bills and foggy windows. Employing a professional to repair the damaged seals will stop the problem from getting worse.
Window seals play an essential role in the insulative benefit double glazing can provide. They're also easy to repair and can save you money over the long haul.
Take off the Old Seal
Window seals break for a variety of reasons. They can be damaged because of inadequate installation or break over the years from normal wear and tear. Although it is impossible to completely stop the window seal from breaking, taking precautions can help ensure that the issue is less likely to occur. For instance, avoiding the power wash on your windows will help reduce the risk of damage resulting from high levels of pressure in the water. Check that the manufacturer of the windows does not recommend using reflective window films since they can damage the seal.
The most typical sign of a cracked seal in double-glazed windows is the appearance of condensation between the two panes. This happens when the inert gas that is used to insulate such as argon or krypton that was vacuum sealed between the two glass panes of the window is released. Once this happens, the window is not able to keep cold air and moisture out of the house.
The good news is that fixing a damaged window seal is quite simple. A new wedge gasket seal can be purchased at any hardware store. It is likely to be simple to install in your uPVC window. If you are worried that you won't be able to install the new seal correctly spray water onto the window's frame to help lubricate it.
It's important that you check the grooves of your window frame prior to 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 an axe before beginning to make sure that the new seal will fit properly in your window frame.
It is possible to repair a broken uPVC seal by yourself however, it is best to leave it to the professionals. A professional glazier will possess the skills and tools necessary to complete this job quickly and efficiently, with the least risk of damaging your uPVC windows.
Clean the Surface
When double glazing windows are properly installed and maintained, they offer excellent insulation and can reduce noise pollution. However window seals that is broken can let in air and moisture that can lead to a number of problems like condensation. The presence of moisture on the inside of a glass pane is not just unsightly, but it could cause mould to form and damage the frame, which is why it is necessary to have a professional repair. Other indicators of a damaged seal include a draft which can be uncomfortable and costly to heat or cause distortion in the glass, which could affect light transmission and impact the view.
The good aspect is that double-glazing windows are relatively easy to fix, especially if the issue is caught early. Although it is possible to complete this work yourself, a professional will be advised because they have the expertise and access to the materials that will give long-lasting results.
To begin, you'll have to take off any silicone sealant already present. This can be done with a sharp knife. After that, the window must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt or debris that might have accumulated. Once the surface is clean, the next step is to re-seal the window.
Before sealing, remove the bottom pane, and turn it upside down so that the side of the glass that was originally on the inside of the sealed unit is facing upwards. The surface must be thoroughly cleaned using dry, clean cloth.
Drilling holes into windows with double-glazed glass 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 place a desiccate pack that absorbs any moisture between the two glass panes. The hole can then be cleaned with ruby alcohol (isopropyl) to stop the build-up of mould.
Double-glazed windows are built to last, however they can break down. A lot of people require a double glazing repair. Most commonly, window seals fail when there is condensation between the glass panes, or if there are drafts.
Apply a New Seal
Window seals are essential to ensure a secure and energy-efficient glass-to frame connection, regardless of whether you've just moved into your home or have recently installed double-glazed windows. As time passes, seals may become damaged due to weather and other external factors. If the seals have been damaged, it's important to take steps to reseal them as soon as you can. This will prevent moisture from entering the space between the glass panes, which can lead to condensation, a reduction in energy efficiency and even water damage to your property.
It's best to choose the day that has a lower chance of rain during the time you're doing this work. You'll be working with the window open and you don't require lots of rainwater to enter your home. This could harm the new seals. In addition, if you have to make use of power tools to remove the old window seals be sure to wear eye protection as it is easy to get dust or other debris into your eyes.
After you've removed your old seal, you need to clean the surface prior to applying a new seal. With a knife, or a putty knife, remove all residuals from the area and then apply a fresh coating of silicone caulking in order to seal the gap. Make sure you apply a globule of the product on the outside of the frame as this will help make an airtight and waterproof seal around the glass.
Paint the outside of your window frames to protect them from the elements. Particularly during hot weather, it's common for seals to get cracks or damp spots, so this is a great way to help maintain the quality of your window.
While you can reseal your windows yourself but if the issue is severe, it's recommended you contact a professional window company to carry out the work on your behalf. This means you can be assured that the new seals will be installed properly to ensure that your windows remain secure and energy efficient.
Allow the seal to cure
Double glazed windows are a great choice for homeowners due to their ability to protect against the elements and keep the heat generated by heating systems within. They also stop sunlight from escaping. However, it can only accomplish this if the window is sealed correctly. A damaged window seal could cause condensation and mist between the glass panes, energy loss as well as draughts, and even security issues. To avoid damaging your window and your home, it is important to fix a broken seal as soon as possible.
You can test your window seal by squeezing for draughts, or cold around the frame's corners. If double glazing repairs feel this, then the window gasket is flattened and no longer forming an airtight seal. Another way to check is to look for misting and condensation between the glass panes of double-glazed windows. Both of these problems result from a leak in the double-glazed window seal. This allows moisture to enter the section, compromising its insulation properties.
There are DIY kits for resealing the double glazing seals available if you are a DIY-er. These kits typically require drilling a small hole into the window, and then cleaning it with a magnet tool. They then put in drying pellets that disappear and then 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 yourself or enlisted the help of an expert company it is essential to allow the new seal to dry before using. It can take up to a couple of days to a few weeks for the sealant to fully cure, so it is best to wait until then to open the window once more. It is important to clean a window that has just been resealed with attention. To guard against marks or stains you can put an old towel on the work surface.