Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
When window seals fail, they could result in higher energy bills and foggy glass. Engaging a professional for repair of the broken seals will prevent the issue from getting worse.
Window seals play an essential part in the insulation benefits double glazing can provide. It's a good thing that they're simple to repair and can save you money over the long haul.
Remove the Old Seal
Window seals break for many reasons. They may be damaged due to poor installation or broken through time due to normal wear and tear. Although it is not possible to stop a window from breaking however, you can take precautions to reduce the likelihood of this occurring. Avoiding power washing your windows, for example, can lower the chance of damage due to high pressure water. It is also important to ensure that the window manufacturer doesn't recommend the use of reflective window films on their windows since they can cause damage to the window seal.
In the case of double-glazed windows, the most frequent sign that a seal has become broken is the appearance of condensation between the two panes of glass. This happens when the gas that acts as an insulator like argon or Krypton that was sealed by vacuum between the two panes of glass has escaped. When this happens the window will no longer be in a position to keep the cold and moist air from your home.
The good news is that fixing a damaged window seal is quite simple. A new wedge gasket can be bought at any hardware store. It should be easy to install on your uPVC window. If you're worried that you won’t be able install the new seal correctly spray water on the window's frame to help lubricate it.
Before you start installing the new seal, it's important to check that there aren't any obstructions in the grooves of your window frame. This could include melting pieces of uPVC that are often left behind from previous repair attempts. You can chip away these areas using an axe before beginning to make sure that the new seal will fit perfectly in the window frame.
While it is possible to fix a broken uPVC window seal on your own however, it is best to leave this task to the professionals. A professional glazier is equipped with the tools and skills to finish the job quickly and with minimal risk to your uPVC window.
Clean the Surface
Double glazing windows can help reduce noise pollution when they are installed and maintained properly. However, a window seal that is damaged can let in air and moisture which can cause various issues like condensation. Moisture inside a glass pane can be unattractive but it also causes mould to develop and cause damage to the frame. Professional repair is required. Other indicators of a faulty sealing include a draft that could be uncomfortable and costly to heat or a distortion in glass which could affect light transmission and impact on the view.
Double-glazed windows can be repaired easily particularly if you spot the problem early. Although it is possible to do the job yourself, a professional is typically recommended as they have the experience and access to high-quality materials that can give long-lasting results.
In the beginning, you'll need to remove any silicone sealant already on the surface. This can be accomplished using a sharp knife. After that, the surface should be thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt or debris that might have been accumulating. After cleaning the surface, the next step would be to reseal the windows.
Before sealing the unit before sealing it, turn the bottom of the pane upside down so that the glass face that was originally inside the sealed unit faces upwards. Thoroughly clean double glazing repairs near me with a clean cloth and then dry it to ensure that no water marks remain.
Drilling holes in windows with double glazing is usually 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 insert an insulating packet that will take in any moisture that might be accumulating between the two glass panes. The hole can be cleaned using rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) to stop the build-up of mould.
Double-glazed windows are made to last, but they can break down. Many 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
Whether you've recently moved into a new home or have 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, seals could become damaged due to weather and other external factors. If the seals have been damaged, it is important to take steps to reseal them as quickly as possible. This will prevent moisture from entering between the glass panes, which can lead to condensation, energy loss, and even damage to your home.
You should choose a day that is not soaked with rain to perform this task. You'll be working with a window open so you shouldn't have huge amounts of rainwater leaking into your home and potentially damaging the seals. Additionally, if you need to employ power tools to take off the old window seals, be sure to wear protective eyewear as it's easy to catch dust or other debris in your eyes.
It is important to thoroughly clean the surface after removing the old seal before applying the new one. Clear the area with a putty or utility knife and apply a new coat of silicone caulking. Be sure to add a small amount of the product to the exterior side of the frame as this will help to create an airtight and waterproof seal around your glass.
It's also recommended to paint the exterior of your window frames, as this will keep them safe from the elements. This is a good way to protect the integrity of your window, particularly in hot weather.
Although you can seal your own windows however, if the issue is serious it's recommended that you contact an experienced window company to complete the work on your behalf. You can be assured that the new seals have been properly installed, ensuring that your windows remain energy efficient and safe.
Allow the Seal to Cure
Double-glazed windows are a great option for homeowners since it protects against the elements, holds the heat generated by your heating system in and blocks sunlight from entering. It is only able to do this by ensuring that the window seal is correctly installed. A failed window seal can lead to mist and condensation between the glass panes, loss of energy, draughts and even security issues. To ensure that your window isn't damaged and home, it is crucial to repair a damaged seal as soon as possible.
One of the simplest methods to determine if the window seal is broken is to feel for draughts or cold coming in around the frame's corners. If you feel it, then the gasket is sagging and is no longer creating the 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 problems result from a crack in the seal of the double glazed window that allows moisture to enter that section and compromises its insulation properties.
There are kits for resealing the double glazing seals in case you are a DIY-er. These usually involve drilling a small hole into the window, then cleaning the inside using a magnetic tool, inserting drying pellets which 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.
If you've tried to repair your window seals yourself or enlisted the help of an expert company to do the work, it is imperative to 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 then to open the window again. A window that's been sealed will need to be treated with care and attention and it's a good idea to lay an old duvet or towel down on your work surface to shield it from scratches and stains.