10 Factors To Know On Repair Double Glazing You Didn't Learn In The Classroom
Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
If window seals fail, they could result in more expensive 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 damaged seals is a smart move.
Window seals play an essential role in the insulation benefit double glazing can provide. They're easy-to-repair and could save you money in the end.
Remove the Old Seal
The seals may break due to various reasons. They may be damaged due to inadequate installation, or they may be damaged over time due to wear and tear. Although it is not possible to stop a window from breaking, you can take some steps to minimize the chance of this occurring. Avoiding the power washing of your windows for instance, can reduce the risk of damage due to high pressure water. Make sure that the manufacturer of the windows does not advise using reflective window film as they could damage the seal.
In the case of double glazed windows, the most common sign that a seal has been broken is the appearance of condensation between the two panes of glass. This happens because the inert gas that is used to insulate such as argon or krypton that was sealed by vacuum between the two panes of glass is released. Once this occurs the window will not be capable of keeping moisture and cold air out of your home.
Repairing a window seal that is defective is easy. You can buy a new wedge gasket seal at any hardware store and it will be installed easily inside your uPVC windows. If you are worried that you won’t be able install the seal properly spray water on the frame of the window to aid in lubricating it.
It is important to check the grooves of your window frame before installing the new seal. These could be melting pieces of uPVC that are often left behind from previous attempts to repair. You can use a chisel chip away these areas before you start the repair. This will ensure that the new seal is properly fitted into your window frame.
While it is possible to repair a broken uPVC window seal yourself however, it is recommended to leave the work to the experts. A professional glazier has the tools and expertise to complete this task quickly and with the least amount of risk to your uPVC window.
Clean the Surface
If double glazing windows are properly fitted and maintained, they provide excellent insulation and can reduce noise pollution. A broken window seal can allow moisture and air to be able to enter, which could cause a variety of problems such as condensation. Moisture in a glass frame can be unattractive however it can also cause mould to develop and cause damage to the frame. Repairs by a professional are required. Other indicators of a failing seal are a draft which can be uncomfortable and expensive to heat or cause distortion in the glass, which could affect light transmission and impact the view.
Double-glazed windows can be easily repaired especially if you identify the issue early. Although it is possible to do the job yourself, a professional is typically recommended as they have the expertise and access to high-quality products that can give long-lasting results.
To get the job underway it is important to eliminate any silicone sealant that is in use, which can be done by carefully scraping away the old material using a sharp blade. After removing any old sealant the surface should be thoroughly cleaned. When the surface is clean the next step is to re-seal the window.
Before sealing again, remove the bottom pane and turn it upside down so that the face of the glass that was originally on the inside of the sealed unit is facing upwards. Make double glazing window repairs to thoroughly clean the surface using a clean cloth and then dry it so that no water marks remain.
Drilling holes in windows with double-glazed glass is not an ideal option. However, to save money and avoid the need for an emergency call-out for help, you can make a small hole to insert an desiccate bag that will absorb any moisture between the two panes of glass. The hole can be cleaned using rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) to stop the build-up of mould.
Double-glazed windows are designed to last, however they do sometimes break down. A lot of people require a double glazing repair. The majority of the time window seals fail when there is condensation between the glass panes, or in the event of drafts.
Apply a New Seal
If you've recently moved into your new home or just have your double-glazed windows installed window seals play a crucial role in keeping an airtight and energy efficient glass-to frame connection. As time passes, seals may be damaged by the weather or other external elements. It is crucial to replace damaged seals as fast as you can. This will stop water from getting in between the panes of glass, which can lead to condensation, a reduction in energy efficiency, and even water damage to your property.
It is best to pick an afternoon with a low amount of rainfall during the time you're doing this work. You'll be working with a window open, so you shouldn't have huge amounts of rainwater flowing into your house and possibly damaging the new seals. Also, if you're going to use power tools to remove the old window seals, ensure that you wear eye protection as it is easy to catch dust or other debris into your eyes.
After you've removed the old seal, you need to clean the surface prior to applying a new seal. Clean the area using a putty or utility knife and apply a new coat of silicone caulking. Add a globule to the outside of the frame 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 keep them safe from the elements. Particularly during hot weather, it's common for seals to develop damp spots or even cracks This is a great way to maintain the integrity of your window.
Although you can reseal your windows yourself but if the issue is serious, it's recommended you seek out an experienced window company to complete the work on your behalf. You can be sure that the new seals have been installed correctly, ensuring your windows are energy efficient and safe.
Let the Seal heal
Double glazed windows are a fantastic option for homeowners due to their ability to protect against the elements and keep heat generated by your heating systems in. They also stop sunlight from escaping. However, it will only achieve this if the window is sealed properly. A broken window seal can result in condensation and mist between the glass panes, energy loss, draughts and even security issues. It is therefore important to fix a damaged seal as soon as you can to avoid damage to the window as well as your home.
One of the simplest methods to determine if your window seal is failing is to feel for draughts or cold coming in around the corners of the frame. If you can feel it, the window gasket has sunk and is no longer creating the seal. Another way to check is to look for signs of misting and condensation between the glass panes of double-glazed windows. Both of these problems are caused by a breach in the double glazed window seal that allows moisture to enter that section and compromises its insulation qualities.
If you're a keen DIYer, there are a variety of DIY kits available for resealing double glazing seals. These kits usually require drilling a small opening into the window, and then cleaning it with a magnet tool. They then insert drying pellets which disappear and then seal the hole using 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.
Whether you have tried to repair your window seals on your own or hired an expert company it is essential that you allow the new seal to cure prior to making use of it. It can take up to a couple of days to several weeks for the sealant to fully cure, so it's best to wait until it is to open the window once more. A window that has been resealed should be treated with care and attention and it's a good idea to lay an old duvet or towel down on your work surface to protect it from scratches and stains.