Don't Make This Silly Mistake With Your Repair Double Glazing
Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
If window seals fail, it can lead to increased energy bills and foggy windows. Leaving the problem unattended can only cause it to get worse and hiring a professional glazier to repair the broken seals is a wise choice.
The window seals are vital to the insulation provided by double glazing. Fortunately, they're easy to repair and can save you money over the long haul.
Remove the Old Seal
Window seals break due to many reasons. double glazing repair can be damaged by poor installation, or they may become broken over time because of wear and tear. While it's impossible to prevent a window seal from breaking, taking precautions can ensure that the problem is less likely to occur. Avoiding cleaning your windows with power for instance, will lower the chance of damage due to high water pressure. Also, make sure that the window manufacturer does not recommend the use of reflective window films on their windows since they could damage the window seal.
In the case of double glazed windows, the most frequent indication that a seal has been broken is the appearance of condensation between the two glass panes. This happens because the vacuum-sealed inert gas such as argon or Krypton, which was in between the two panes glass has been released. If this happens the window is no longer in a position to keep the cold and moist air from your home.
Repairing a window seal that is damaged is simple. You can purchase a replacement wedge gasket seal from any hardware store and it should be easily installed in your uPVC windows. If you are worried that you'll be unable to install the new seal correctly, spray water on the window's frame to aid in lubricating it.
Before you install the new seal, it is important to ensure that there are no obstructions in the grooves of your window frame. This could include melted uPVC pieces that are typically left over from previous repairs. You can use a chisel remove these areas prior to you start the repair. This will ensure that the new seal is properly fitted into the window frame.
It is possible to fix an infected uPVC seal on your own however it's better to leave it to experts. A professional glazier has the tools and experience to finish the job quickly and with minimum risk to your uPVC window.
Clean the Surface
Double glazing windows can reduce the amount of noise pollution if installed and maintained correctly. However window seals that is damaged may let in moisture and air which can cause various issues, such as condensation. The condensation inside a glass pane can be unattractive, but it also causes mould to grow and damage the frame. Professional repair is needed. Other indicators of a failing seal include a draft which can be uncomfortable and expensive to heat or cause distortion in the glass that could affect light transmission and impact the view.
The good aspect is that double-glazing windows are fairly simple to fix, particularly when the problem is discovered early. While it is possible to complete the job yourself, a professional is usually recommended as they have the expertise and access to top-quality materials that will last for a long time.
To get the job started it is essential to get rid of any silicone sealant in use, which can be done by carefully scraping away the old sealant using 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 sealing, remove the bottom pane, and turn it upside down so that the surface of the glass that was on the inside of the sealed unit is facing upwards. Thoroughly clean this surface with a clean cloth and then dry it so that there aren't any water marks.
Drilling holes in windows with double glazing is not an ideal idea. However, to save money and avoid the need for an emergency call out, you can use small holes to place a desiccate pack that will absorb any moisture between the two glass panes. The hole can be cleaned using rubbing alcohol to prevent mould from growing.
Double-glazed windows are made 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 most frequent indications that the window seals have failed are condensation, drafts and a discolored look between the glass panes.
Apply a New Seal
Window seals are crucial to ensure a secure and efficient glass-to-frame connection, regardless of whether you've just moved into your home or just installed double-glazed windows. Over time, however the seals could be damaged due to aging and external influences such as weather. If the seals have been damaged, you must make sure that you replace them as soon as you can. This will prevent water from getting in between the panes of glass which could cause condensation, a reduction in energy efficiency, or even water damage to your property.
It is best to pick the day that has a lower chance of rain when you're working. You'll be working with the window open, so you shouldn't have huge amounts of rainwater leaking into your home and possibly damaging the new seals. Also, if you're going to employ power tools to take off the old window seals, ensure that you wear eye protection since it's easy to get dust or other debris in your eyes.
Once you've removed the old seal, it's crucial to clean the surface prior to applying a new one. Clear the area with a putty or utility knife and apply a fresh layer of silicone caulking. Be sure to add a globule of the product to the outside of the frame too as this will help create an airtight and waterproof seal around the glass.
Paint the exterior of your window frames to shield them against the elements. This is a good way to maintain the integrity of the window, particularly in hot weather.
Although you can seal your windows on your own however, if the issue is serious it's recommended that you get an experienced 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 remain energy efficient and safe.
Allow the Seal to Cure
Double glazed windows are a great choice for homeowners because they protect against the elements and keep the heat generated by heating systems in. They also stop sunlight from getting out. However, it will only achieve this if the window is sealed correctly. A failed window seal can result in condensation and mist between the glass panes, loss of energy, draughts and even security issues. To ensure that your window isn't damaged and home, it's crucial to repair a damaged seal as soon as possible.
You can test your window seal by feeling for draughts or cold around the corners of the frame. If you feel it, the gasket has flattened out and is no longer creating the seal. You may also look for condensation or misting between the glass panes of the double-glazed windows you have. Both of these problems result from a crack in the double glazed window seal that allows moisture to enter the area and reduces its insulation qualities.
If you're a keen DIYer, there are many DIY kits that can be used to reseal double glazing seals. These kits typically require drilling a small opening into the window, and then cleaning it with a magnet. 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.
If you've tried to repair your window seals on your own or enlisted the help of a professional service to do the work, it is imperative to allow the new seal to dry prior to making use of it. It may take some days or a few weeks to cure the sealant, so you should wait until then to open the window. It is crucial to treat a window that has just been sealed with care. To protect it from scratches or stains you can put an old towel on the surface to work on.