Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
When window seals break it can lead to increased energy bills and windows that are foggy. If you don't address the issue, it can only cause it to get worse, so hiring a professional glazier to repair the broken seals is a smart choice.
The window seals are essential for the insulation that is provided by double glazing. Fortunately, they're easy to fix and could save you money in the long term.
Take off the Old Seal
The seals may break due to numerous reasons. They can be damaged because of inadequate installation or break through time due to normal wear and tear. Although it is impossible to prevent a window seal from breaking, taking steps can ensure that the problem is less likely to occur. For instance, avoiding power washing on your windows can reduce the chance of damage resulting from high levels of water pressure. Verify that the manufacturer of the windows does not recommend using reflective window film as they could damage the seal.
In the case of double glazed windows, the most common indication that a seal has become broken is the appearance of condensation between the two glass panes. This is caused when the inert gas that is used to insulate like argon or Krypton that was sealed by vacuum between the two glass panes of the window is released. Once this occurs, the window is no longer in a position to keep moisture and cold air from your home.
Repairing the window seal that is faulty is easy. You can purchase a replacement wedge gasket seal at any hardware store, and it can be installed easily inside your uPVC windows. If you're worried that you will not be able to install the new seal properly you can spray water on the outside of the window frame to help lubricate the process.
It is important to check the grooves of the window frame prior to installing the new seal. This can include melting uPVC pieces that are typically left over from previous repairs. You can use a chisel to chip away these areas before you begin the repair. This will ensure that your new rubber seal is a perfect fit into the window frame.
It is possible to repair the broken uPVC seal yourself however, it is best to leave the job to professionals. A professional glazier will possess the skills and tools necessary to finish the job quickly and efficiently, while ensuring the least risk of damaging your uPVC windows.
Clean the Surface
If double-glazed windows are properly installed and maintained, they offer excellent insulation and reduce noise pollution. However windows with seals that is damaged can let in air and moisture which can cause numerous issues, such as condensation. Moisture inside a glass pane can be ugly but it also causes mould to grow and damage the frame. Professional repair is needed. Other signs of a failed seal include a draft which can be uncomfortable and costly to heat or a distortion of the glass, which can affect light transmission and impact the view.
Double glazing windows can be repaired easily especially if you identify the problem early. While it is possible to complete the work yourself, a professional is usually recommended as they are knowledgeable and have access to high-quality products that will provide long-lasting results.
To begin, you'll need to remove any silicone sealant that is already on the surface. This can be done using a sharp knife. After removing any old sealant the surface should be thoroughly cleaned. Once the surface is clean the next step is to seal the window.
Before sealing the unit again first, turn the bottom pane upside down so that the glass face that was originally inside the sealed unit faces upwards. Clean the surface thoroughly with a clean cloth and then dry it to ensure that there are no water marks left.
Drilling holes into windows with double glazing is not an ideal option. To save money and avoid the need for an emergency call out for help, you can make small holes to insert a desiccate pack that absorbs any moisture between the two panes of glass. The hole could then be rinsed with ruby alcohol (isopropyl) to prevent the build-up of mould.
Double-glazed windows are designed to last, but they do sometimes break down. Many people require a double glazing repair. The majority of the time windows fail to seal when there is condensation between the glass panes, or in the event of drafts.
Apply a New Seal
If you've recently moved into a home or have just had your double-glazed windows installed window seals play an significant role in maintaining an airtight and energy efficient glass-to frame connection. Over time, seals can be damaged due to weather and other external factors. If the seals have been damaged, it's important to take steps to reseal them as quickly as possible. This will prevent moisture from entering the space between the glass panes and causing condensation, a reduction in energy efficiency, and even water damage to your property.
It is best to pick the day that has a lower chance of rain while you're performing this task. You will be working with the window open and you do not require a lot of rainwater to seep into your home. This could damage the new seals. Additionally, if you need to make use of power tools to remove the old window seals make sure to wear protective eyewear as it's easy to catch 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 one. With a knife, or a putty knife, clear all residuals from the area and then apply a new coat of silicone caulking to reseal the gap. Add a globule on the outside of the frame as well. This will help create an airtight seal and a waterproof seal around the glass.
It's also an excellent idea to paint the exterior of your window frames as this will keep them safe from the elements. Especially in hot weather, it's normal for seals to develop cracks, or damp spots This is a good idea to maintain the integrity of your window.
Although you can reseal your windows yourself however, if the issue is serious it's recommended that you seek out an experienced window company to do the work on your behalf. This means that you can be assured that the new seals are installed correctly to ensure your windows are secure and energy efficient.
Allow the seal to set
Double-glazed windows are a great option for homeowners since it protects against the weather, keeps the heat produced by your heating system within and blocks sunlight from entering. But, it is able to accomplish this if the window has been sealed properly. A failed window seal can result in condensation and mist between the glass panes, energy loss, draughts and even security issues. To prevent damage to your window and your home, it is important to fix a broken seal immediately.
You can test the seal on your window by squeezing for draughts, or cold around the frame's corners. If you can feel this, then the window gasket has been weakened and is no longer making an airtight 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 are caused by a leak in the double glazed window seal which allows moisture into the window and weakens its insulation qualities.
If you're a keen DIYer, there are many DIY kits that can be used to reseal double glazing seals. They usually require 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.
double glazing repairs is important to let the sealant completely dry before you use it, whether you fixed your window seals yourself or hired an expert. It could take several days or some weeks to cure the sealant, therefore you should wait until that time to open the window. It is crucial to clean a window that has just been resealed with diligence. To shield it from marks or stains you can put an old towel on the work surface.