Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
When window seals fail they can lead to higher energy bills and foggy glass. If you don't address the issue, it can only cause it to get worse and hiring an expert glazier to fix the broken seals is a smart move.
The window seals are crucial to the insulation offered by double glazing. Fortunately, they're easy to fix and could save you money in the long run.
Remove the Old Seal
Window seals break for a variety of reasons. They may be damaged because of improper installation or become broken through time due to normal wear and tear. While it is impossible to stop a window from breaking but you can take a few precautions to reduce the likelihood of this happening. For instance, avoiding power washing on your windows will reduce the chance of damage caused by high levels of pressure in the water. Check that the manufacturer of windows doesn't recommend using reflective window film as they can cause damage to the seal.
The most typical sign of a cracked seal in double-glazed windows is the appearance of condensation between two panes. This happens because the vacuum-sealed inert gas, such as argon and krypton, that was between the two panes glass has escaped. When this happens the window is no longer capable of keeping moisture and cold air from your home.
It is good to know that repairing a broken window seal is quite simple. You can purchase a replacement wedge gasket seal from any hardware store and it will be installed easily in your uPVC windows. If you're concerned that you'll be unable to install the seal properly spray water onto the window's frame to help lubricate it.
Before you install the new seal, it is important to ensure that there aren't any obstructions in the grooves of your window frame. This could include melting uPVC pieces that are often leftover from previous repairs. double glazing window repairs can remove these areas using the chisel prior to beginning to ensure that the new seal will be a good fit in the window frame.
While it is possible to repair damaged uPVC window seal yourself however, it is recommended to leave the work to experts. A professional glazier has the equipment and experience to complete the task swiftly and with minimum risk to your uPVC window.
Clean the Surface
Double glazing windows can reduce noise pollution if they are installed and maintained in a proper manner. A broken window seal can let moisture and air enter, which can cause various problems, like condensation. Moisture inside a glass pane is not only unattractive, but it can cause mould to grow and cause damage to the frame, making it necessary for professional repair. Other signs of a failed seal are a draft which can be uncomfortable and costly to heat or a distortion of the glass, which can cause light transmission to be affected and alter the view.
The good aspect is that double-glazing windows are relatively simple to fix, particularly when the problem is discovered early. Although it is possible to do the job yourself, a professional is usually recommended as they have the expertise and access to high-quality products that will provide long-lasting results.
To begin, you will have to take off any silicone sealant that is already in place. This can be done using a sharp knife. After removing any old sealant the surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned. When the surface is clean, the next step is to re-seal the window.
Before sealing, remove the bottom pane and turn it upside down so that the side of the glass originally on the inside of the sealed unit is facing upwards. Make sure to thoroughly clean the surface using a clean cloth and then dry it so that no water marks remain.
Drilling holes into windows with double-glazed glass is not a good idea. To save money and avoid the need for an emergency call out for help, you can make small holes to insert a desiccate packing which will absorb any moisture between the two panes of glass. The hole can be cleaned using ruby alcohol to stop mould from growing.
Double-glazed windows are made to be long-lasting however they do fail and a lot of people require professional assistance for repair of double glazing. Most often windows fail to seal when there is condensation between the glass panes or when 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 important role in ensuring an airtight and efficient glass-to-frame connection. Over time, seals could be damaged by the weather or other external elements. It's important to replace damaged seals as fast as you can. This will prevent moisture from getting between the glass panes which can lead to condensation, energy loss and even damage to your home.
It's best to choose a day with low rainfall when you're working. You'll be working with a window open therefore you shouldn't be concerned about large amounts of rainwater flowing into your home, possibly causing damage to the new seals. Also, if you're going to employ power tools to take off the old window seals, make sure to wear eye protection since it's easy to get dust or other debris in your eyes.
After you've removed your old seal, you need to clean the surface prior applying a new seal. With a knife, or a putty knife, clean all residuals from the area and then apply a new layer of silicone caulking to reseal the gap. Make sure you apply an globule of the caulking to the exterior side of the frame too as this will help to make an airtight and waterproof seal around the glass.
It's also recommended to paint the exterior of your window frames since this will keep them safe from the elements. Particularly during hot weather, it's normal for seals to form damp spots or even cracks This is a great way to ensure the quality of your window.
While you can reseal your windows yourself however, if the issue is serious, it's recommended you contact an expert window company to do the work on your behalf. You can be assured that the new seals are properly installed, making sure your windows are energy efficient and secure.
Allow the seal to cure
Double-glazed windows are a good choice for homeowners as it guards against the elements, keeps the heat generated by your heating system inside and prevents sunlight from escaping. It is only able to do this if the window seal is correctly installed. A broken window seal can lead to mist and condensation between the glass panes, energy loss as well as draughts, and even security issues. It is therefore crucial to fix a damaged seal as soon as you can in order to avoid damage to the window and to your home.
One of the simplest ways to test if your window seal is broken is to feel for draughts and cold coming in around the frame's corners. If you feel this, then the window gasket has been weakened and is no longer forming 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 a breach in the double glazed window seal which allows moisture into that section and compromises its insulation properties.
There are kits to reseal the double glazing seals for those who are a DIY enthusiast. These kits usually require drilling a tiny hole into the window and cleaning it with a magnet. They then place drying pellets in the hole, 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 crucial to let the sealant dry completely prior to using it, whether you fixed your window seals yourself or hired an expert. It can 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 again. It is essential to take care of a window that has just been sealed with attention. To shield it from scratches or stains it is best to lay an old towel on the work surface.