Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
When window seals fail they can result in more energy costs and foggy glass. Leaving the problem unattended will only make it worse and hiring a professional glazier to repair the broken seals is a smart move.
Window seals play a critical part in the insulation benefits that double glazing offers. They are easy to repair and could save you money in the end.
Remove the Old Seal
The seals may break due to many reasons. They can be damaged by improper installation, or they could be damaged in the course of time due to wear and tear. While it’s impossible to completely prevent a window seal from breaking, taking precautions can help make sure that the issue is less likely to occur. For example, avoiding using power washing on your windows can help to reduce the risk of damage caused by high levels of water pressure. Also, make sure that the window manufacturer doesn’t recommend the use of reflective window films on their windows as they can cause damage to the window seal.
In the case of double-glazed windows, the most typical sign that the seal has broken is the appearance of condensation between the two panes of glass. This happens because the gas that acts as an insulator like argon or krypton that was sealed by vacuum between the two glass panes of the window is released. If this happens the window will not be capable of keeping moisture and cold air out of your home.
Repairing the window seal that is faulty is easy. A new wedge gasket seal can be bought at any hardware store. It should be simple to install in your uPVC window. If you’re worried that you won’t be able to install the seal properly spray water onto the window’s frame to aid in lubricating it.
Before you begin installing the new seal, you need to ensure that there aren’t any obstructions within the grooves of your window frame. These could be melted pieces of uPVC that are left in the wake of previous attempts at repair. You can remove these areas with a chisel before starting to make sure that the new rubber seal will be a good fit in your window frame.
While it is possible to repair double glazed windows a broken uPVC window seal on your own, it’s often best to leave this task to the professionals. A professional glazier is equipped with the tools and experience to complete the task swiftly and with minimal risk to your uPVC window.
Clean the Surface
Double glazing windows can reduce noise pollution when they are installed and maintained properly. A damaged window seal can allow air and moisture to enter, which can cause many problems like condensation. The presence of moisture on the inside of a glass pane is not only unsightly but it can cause mould to develop and damage the frame which is why it is necessary to have a professional repair. Other indicators of a faulty sealing include a draft that can be uncomfortable and expensive to heat, or a distortion in glass which could affect light transmission and impact on the view.
The good thing is that double glazed windows are relatively simple to fix, especially if the issue is caught early. While it is possible to perform this work yourself, a professional will be recommended because they have the expertise and access to the materials that will deliver long-lasting results.
To begin, you’ll have to take off any silicone sealant already present. This can be accomplished by using a sharp knife. After removing any sealant that was previously used the surface should be thoroughly cleaned. Once the surface is clean the next step is to re-seal the window.
Before re-sealing, take the bottom pane and flip it upside down so that the side of the glass that was originally on the inside of the sealed unit is facing upwards. This surface should be thoroughly cleaned with dry, clean cloth.
drilling holes into windows with double glazing is usually not a good idea however, when it’s a matter of saving money and avoiding the need for a professional call out, a small hole in the seal could be used to tuck in the desiccate container that will absorb any moisture that may have built up between the two glass panes. The hole can 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 repairs to double glazing windows to their double glazing. Most commonly window seals fail when there is condensation between the glass panes or if there are drafts.
Apply for a New Seal
Window seals are essential for maintaining a tight and efficient glass-to-frame connection, no matter if you’ve just moved into your home or have recently installed double-glazed windows. As time passes, seals may be damaged by the weather or other external elements. It is crucial to replace damaged seals as fast as possible. This will prevent moisture from getting between the glass panes which can cause condensation, energy loss and even damage to your home.
It is recommended to pick a day with low rainfall when you’re working. It’s going to be a time when you have the window open and you do not require much rainwater to seep into your home. This could harm the new seals. Wear protective eyewear if you’re working with power tools to remove old window seals. It’s easy to get debris or dust in your eyes.
It is important to thoroughly clean the surface after taking off the old seal prior to applying the new one. Clean the area using a putty or utility knife and then apply a fresh coat of silicone caulking. Make sure to apply a small amount of the product to the exterior side of the frame too as this will help to create a waterproof and airtight seal around the glass.
It’s also recommended to paint the exterior of your window frames, as it will help protect them from the elements. Particularly in hot weather, it’s not uncommon for seals to develop cracks or damp spots and this is an extra step to help maintain the quality of your window.
You can reseal windows on your own, but if the problem is severe it is best to speak with a professional company that specializes in window sealing. This means you can be certain that the new seals will be installed properly to ensure that your windows remain secure and energy efficient.
Allow the Seal to heal
double glaze window repair-glazed windows are an excellent choice for homeowners since it protects against the weather, keeps the heat generated by your heating system within and blocks sunlight from entering. It can only do this when the window seal is properly installed. A broken window seal can lead to mist and condensation between the glass panes, loss of energy, draughts and even security issues. To avoid damaging your window and home, it’s important to fix a broken seal immediately.
You can test your window seal by smelling for draughts or cold around the frame’s corners. If you can feel this the gasket of your window has been weakened and is no longer creating an airtight seal. You may also look for condensation or misting between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows. Both of these issues result from a leak in the double-glazed window seal. This allows moisture to enter the section, causing damage to its insulation properties.
If you’re a fervent DIYer, there are a variety of DIY kits that can be used to reseal double glazing seals. These kits typically require drilling a small opening into the window, and then cleaning it with a magnet. They then insert drying pellets which 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.
It is important to let the sealant dry completely prior to using it, whether you repaired your window seals yourself or hired a professional. It could take between a few days to a few weeks for the sealant to fully cure, so it’s recommended to wait until the time is right to open the window again. A window that has been resealed should be treated with care and attention, so it’s worth laying an old towel or duvet down on your work surface to protect it from stains and scratches.
