Why double glazing repairs Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
If window seals fail, they can lead to more expensive energy bills and foggy glass. If you don't address the issue, it will only make it worse, so hiring a professional glazier to repair the broken seals is a wise choice.
The window seals are vital to the insulation offered by double glazing. They're also easy to fix and could save you money over the long haul.
Take off the Old Seal
The seals can break for various reasons. They may be damaged because of inadequate installation or break through time due to normal wear and wear and tear. Although it is impossible to completely prevent the window seal from breaking, taking steps can ensure that the problem is less likely to occur. For example, avoiding using the power wash on your windows can help reduce the risk of damage caused by high pressure water. Also, make sure that the window manufacturer does not advise the use of reflective window films on their windows as these can damage the window seal.
In the case of double glazed windows, the most frequent indication that the seal has broken is the appearance of condensation between the two panes of glass. This happens when the inert gas that is sealed by vacuum, such as argon and krypton, that was between the two panes of glass has escaped. Once this happens, the window is not able to keep moisture and cold air out of the home.
Repairing a window seal that's faulty is easy. A new wedge gasket seal can be bought at any hardware store. It should be simple to install on your uPVC window. If you're worried that you won't be able to install the new seal correctly spray water on the window's frame to aid in lubricating it.
It is important to check the grooves of the window frame prior to installing the new seal. These could be melting pieces of uPVC that are usually left in the wake of previous attempts at repair. You can remove these areas with an axe before beginning to ensure that the new rubber seal will be a good fit in the window frame.
While it is possible to fix a damaged uPVC window seal yourself however, it is recommended to leave the work to the professionals. A professional glazier will have the skills and tools necessary to finish the job quickly and efficiently, with the least risk of damaging your uPVC windows.
Clean the Surface
If double glazing windows are properly fitted and maintained, they offer excellent insulation and cut down on noise pollution. However, a window seal that is broken can let in moisture and air that can lead to numerous issues like condensation. Moisture inside the glass pane is not just unsightly, but it could cause mould to grow and damage the frame making it necessary for professional repair. Other signs of a damaged sealing include a draft that could be uncomfortable and expensive to heat, or glass distortion that can affect the light transmission and impact on the view.
The good thing is that double glazed windows are fairly simple to fix, especially when the problem is discovered early. While it is possible to do this yourself but a professional is recommended because they have the expertise and access to the materials that can provide long-lasting results.
To begin, you'll have to take off any silicone sealant that is already present. This can be done using a sharp knife. After that, the surface should be thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated. After the surface has been cleaned 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 on the inside of the sealed unit is facing upwards. This surface should be thoroughly cleaned using dry, clean cloth.
Drilling holes into windows with double-glazed glass is not an ideal idea. However, to save money and avoid the necessity of an emergency call out for help, you can make small holes to place a desiccate packing which will absorb any moisture between the two glass panes. The hole can be cleaned with the aid of rubbing alcohol to stop mold from forming.
Double-glazed windows are constructed to be long-lasting but they can and do fail and many homeowners find themselves in need of professional help to repair their double glazing. The majority of the time 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 home or have just got your double-glazed windows, window seals play a significant role in maintaining an airtight and energy efficient glass-to-frame connection. In time the seals could fail due to aging and external factors like weather. If the seals have been damaged, it's important to make the necessary steps to repair them as quickly as you can. This will stop moisture from leaking between the glass panes which could cause condensation, energy loss and even damage to your home.
You should pick a time when there is little rain to accomplish this task. You'll be working with a window open, therefore you shouldn't be concerned about large amounts of rainwater to flow into your house and possibly damaging the new seals. Wear protective eyewear if you're using power tools to remove old window seals. It's easy to get debris or dust in your eyes.
After you've removed your old seal, it's crucial to clean the surface prior applying a new one. Clean the area with the help of a knife or putty and apply a new coat of silicone caulking. Apply a globule of caulking to the frame's exterior as well. This will create an airtight seal and waterproof 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. This is a good way to protect the integrity of the window, particularly in hot temperatures.
You can reseal the windows yourself, however in the event of a major issue, it's best to contact an expert company that is specialized in window sealing. This way, you can be assured that the new seals will be installed correctly to ensure your windows are secure and efficient in energy use.
Allow the Seal to Cure
Double-glazed windows are a good choice for homeowners since it protects against the elements, holds heat generated by your heating system within and blocks sunlight from entering. It is only able to do this if the window seal is correctly installed. A damaged window seal could lead to mist and condensation between the glass panes, energy loss, draughts and even security issues. To avoid damaging your window and home, it is essential to repair a damaged seal immediately.
You can test the seal of your window by smelling for draughts or cold around the frame's corners. If you can feel it, the gasket has flattened out and is no longer forming an airtight seal. Another method of determining this is to look for signs of misting and condensation between the glass panes of double-glazed windows. Both of these issues result from leaks in the double-glazed window seal. This allows moisture to enter that section, which can compromise its insulation properties.
If you are a keen DIYer, there are many DIY kits for resealing double glazing seals. These kits usually require drilling a tiny hole into the window, and then cleaning it using a magnet. They then place drying pellets in the hole, which eventually disappear, and plug 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 attempted to repair your window seals yourself or enlisted the help of an expert company to do the work, it is imperative that you allow the new seal to cure prior to using. It may take several days or a few weeks to cure the sealant, therefore you should wait until the time is right to open the window. It is crucial to take care of windows that have recently been sealed with care. To protect it from scratches or stains you can put an old towel on the surface to work on.