Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
When window seals are damaged, it can lead to an increase in energy costs and foggy windows. In the event that you do not address the issue, it can only cause it to get worse and hiring a professional glazier to fix the damaged seals is a smart move.
Window seals play a critical part in the insulation benefits double glazing can provide. They are easy to repair and could save you money in the end.
Take off the Old Seal
The seals could break for many reasons. They can be damaged due to poor installation or broken over the years from normal wear and wear and tear. Although it is impossible to completely stop a window seal from breaking, taking a few precautions can make sure that the issue is less likely to occur. Avoiding power washing your windows for instance, will reduce the risk of damage due to high pressure water. It is also important to ensure that the window manufacturer does not recommend the use of reflective window films on their windows as they could damage the window seal.
In the case of double-glazed windows, the most typical indication that a seal has been broken is the appearance of condensation between the two panes of glass. This happens when the vacuum-sealed inert gas like argon and Krypton, which was in between the two panes of glass has been released. Once this occurs, the window will no longer be capable of keeping the cold and moist air from your home.
It is good to know that repairing a broken window seal is not difficult. You can purchase a replacement wedge gasket seal at any hardware store and it will be easily installed on your uPVC windows. If you are concerned that you will not be able install the new seal properly, you can spray water on the exterior of the window frame to lubricate the process.
Before you install the new seal, it's important to check that there aren't any obstructions in the grooves of your window frame. This can include melted uPVC pieces that are typically left over from previous repairs. You can use a chisel or a hammer to remove these areas prior to you start the repair. This will ensure that the new seal is properly fitted into the window frame.
While it is possible to fix a damaged uPVC window seal on your own however, it is better to leave the job to experts. A professional glazier will have the tools and skills to finish the job quickly and efficiently, while ensuring little risk of causing damage to your uPVC windows.
Clean the Surface
Double glazing windows can help reduce noise pollution when they are installed and maintained correctly. A broken window seal can let moisture and air be able to enter, which could cause various problems, such as condensation. Moisture on the inside of the glass pane isn't only unattractive, but it can cause mould to grow and damage the frame making it essential to seek professional repair. Other signs of a failed sealing include a draft that may be uncomfortable and costly to heat or glass distortion that could affect light transmission and impact on the view.
The good thing is that double glazed windows are relatively simple to fix, especially when the issue is identified early. While it is possible to complete this yourself but a professional is recommended because they have the knowledge and access to materials that can give long-lasting results.
To begin the process it is important to eliminate any silicone sealant that is in use, which can be done by carefully scraping away 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 would be to seal the windows.
Before resealing the unit, turn the bottom pane upside down, so that the glass face that was originally inside the sealed unit faces upwards. Make sure to thoroughly clean the surface using a clean cloth and then dry it to ensure that there aren't any water marks.
Drilling holes into windows with double glazing is generally a bad idea, but when it's a matter of saving money and preventing the necessity of a professional call out, a small hole in the seal could be used to tuck in a desiccate packet that will take in any moisture that might have accumulated between the two glass panes. The hole can then be rinsed with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) to prevent the build-up of mould.
Double-glazed windows are constructed to last a long time but they can and do fail and many homeowners are in need of professional help to repair their double glazing. Most commonly windows fail to seal when there is condensation between the glass panes or if there are drafts.
Apply a New Seal
If you've recently moved into a new home or just had your double-glazed windows installed window seals play a important role in ensuring an airtight and energy efficient glass-to frame connection. Over time, however the seals could fail due to aging and external influences such as weather. If the seals have been damaged, it is important to make sure that you replace them as soon as you can. This will stop moisture from getting between the glass panes which can cause condensation, energy loss, and even damage to your home.
It is best to pick a day that is not soaked with rain to complete this task. You'll be working with a window open, therefore you shouldn't be concerned about large amounts of rainwater leaking into your house and potentially damaging the seals. Wear eye protection if you're using power tools to take off old window seals. It's easy to get debris or dust in your eyes.
It's important to thoroughly clean the surface after taking off the old seal prior to applying the new one. Clean the area with a putty or utility knife and then apply a fresh coat of silicone caulking. Be sure to add a globule of the product on the outside of the frame, too. it 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 the seals to get damp spots or even cracks and this is a great way to help maintain the quality of your window.
Although you can reseal your windows on your own however, if the issue is serious it's recommended that you seek out a professional window company to carry out the work on your behalf. You can be sure that the new seals have been properly installed, making sure your windows are energy efficient and safe.
Allow the Seal to heal
Double-glazed windows are a great choice for homeowners due to their ability to protect against the elements and also keep the heat produced by your heating systems inside. They also block sunlight from getting out. It can only do this when the window seal is correctly installed. A broken window seal can cause condensation and mist between the glass panes, loss of energy as well as draughts, and even security issues. To avoid damaging your window and home, it is crucial to repair a damaged seal as soon as possible.
One of the simplest methods to determine if your window seal is failing is to feel for draughts and cold coming in around the frame's corners. If double glazing repairs feel this, then the window gasket has been weakened and is no longer making an airtight seal. You may also look for condensation or misting between the glass panes in the double-glazed windows you have. Both of these problems are caused by leaks in the double-glazed window seal. This allows moisture to enter the section, which can compromise its insulation properties.
There are kits for resealing the double glazing seals available for those who are a DIY enthusiast. They typically require drilling a small hole into the window, then cleaning the inside using the help of a magnetic tool, then 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 on your own or have hired a professional company to do the work, it is imperative that you allow the new seal to dry prior to making use of it. It could take up to a couple of days to several weeks for the sealant to fully cure, so it's recommended to wait until the time is right to open the window once more. A window that has been sealed should be treated with care and care It's best to lay an old towel or duvet on the work surface to protect it from stains and scratches.