Watch Out: How Repair Double Glazing Is Taking Over And What To Do About It
Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
If window seals fail, they could result in more energy costs and foggy glass. Engaging a professional for repair of the damaged seals will stop the issue from getting worse.
Window seals play a critical part in the insulation benefits that double glazing provides. Fortunately, they're easy to repair and can save you money in the long run.
Remove the Old Seal
Window seals break due to a variety of reasons. They can be damaged by improper installation, or be damaged as time passes due to normal wear and tear. Although it is not possible to prevent a window from breaking, you can take some precautions to reduce the likelihood of this happening. Avoiding power washing your windows, for example, can reduce the risk of damage from high water pressure. It is also important to ensure that the window manufacturer does not advise the use of reflective window films on their windows because they could damage the window 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 occurs when the vacuum-sealed inert gas, such as argon and Krypton, that was positioned between the two panes of glass has escaped. When this happens the window will not be in a position to keep the cold and moist air from your home.
Repairing a window seal that's damaged is simple. You can purchase a new wedge gasket seal at any hardware store and it should be easily installed inside your uPVC windows. If you're worried that you might not be able to install the new seal properly then spray water on the exterior of the window frame to lubricate the process.
Before you install the new seal, you need to ensure that there aren't any obstructions within the grooves of your window frame. These could be melting pieces of uPVC that are usually left behind from previous attempts to repair. You can chip away these areas using an axe before beginning to make sure that the new seal will be a good fit in your window frame.
While it is possible to fix damaged uPVC window seal on your own however, it is better to leave the job to the experts. A professional glazier has the equipment and skills to complete the task swiftly and with the least amount of risk to your uPVC window.
Clean the Surface
Double glazing windows can cut down on the amount of noise pollution if installed and maintained in a proper manner. However, a window seal that is damaged can let in air and moisture which can cause various issues like condensation. Moisture inside a glass pane is not only unsightly but it can cause mould to develop and damage the frame, making it necessary for professional repair. Other signs of a damaged sealing include a draft that can be uncomfortable and expensive to heat, or glass distortion which can affect the light transmission and impact on the view.
Double glazing windows can be easily repaired particularly if you spot the problem early. Although it is possible to complete this yourself however, a professional is advised because they have the knowledge and access to the materials that will give long-lasting results.
To get the job underway it is essential to get rid of any silicone sealant in use to begin the process. This can be accomplished by carefully scraping off the old sealant using a sharp blade. After removing any sealant that was previously used, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned. After the surface has been cleaned, the next step is to re-seal the window.
Before sealing the unit before sealing it, turn the bottom of the pane upside down, so that the glass face that was originally inside the sealed unit is facing upwards. Clean the surface thoroughly with a clean cloth and then dry it so that no water marks remain.
drilling holes in a double-glazed glass window is not a good idea. However, to save money and avoid the necessity of an emergency call-out, you can use small holes to place a desiccate packing that absorbs any moisture between the two panes of glass. The hole can be cleaned with ruby alcohol to stop mould from growing.
Double-glazed windows are made to last for a long time, however they do break down, and many people find themselves in need of a professional double glazing repair . The majority of the time window seals fail when there is condensation between the glass panes or if there are drafts.
Apply for a New Seal
If you've recently moved into a home or have just got your double-glazed windows, window seals play a important role in ensuring an airtight and energy efficient glass-to-frame connection. Over time, however the seals may be damaged due to age and external factors such as weather. If the seals have been damaged, it's important to make the necessary steps to repair them as quickly as possible. This will prevent moisture from leaking between the glass panes which can cause condensation, energy loss, and even damage to your home.
It is recommended to pick an afternoon with a low amount of rainfall when you're working. It's going to be a time when you have the window open and do not require much rainwater to enter your home. This could damage the new seals. Wear eye protection when using power tools to take off old window seals. It's easy to get dust or debris in your eyes.
It is essential to thoroughly clean the surface after taking off the old seal prior to applying the new one. Using a utility knife or putty knife, clear any remaining residues from the area and then apply a new coating of silicone caulking in order to reseal the gap. Be sure to add a globule of the product to the exterior side of the frame as it will help create a waterproof and airtight seal around the glass.
Paint the exterior of your window frames to protect them against the elements. This is a great method to protect the integrity of the window, particularly during hot temperatures.
You can reseal the windows yourself, but in the event of a major issue, it is best to speak with a professional company that specializes in window sealing. You can be certain that the new seals are installed correctly, ensuring your windows remain energy efficient and safe.
Let the Seal heal
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 when the window seal is correctly installed. A damaged window seal could result in condensation and mist between the glass panes, loss of energy, draughts and even security issues. It is therefore important to address a damaged seal as soon as you can to avoid damage to the window as well as your home.
One of the easiest 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 feel this the gasket of your window has been weakened and is no longer creating an airtight seal. Another method of determining this is to look for misting and condensation between the glass panes of double-glazed windows. Both of these issues are caused by a breach in the seal of the double glazed window, which lets moisture into the window and weakens its insulation capabilities.
There are kits to reseal the double glazing seals available if you are a DIY enthusiast. These kits usually require drilling a small opening into the window and cleaning it with a magnet. They then put in drying pellets that eventually disappear, and 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.
If you've tried to repair your window seals on your own or enlisted the help of an expert company to do the work, it is imperative to allow the new seal to dry prior to using. It could take a few days or even some weeks to cure the sealant therefore you should wait until that time to open the window. It is essential to take care of windows that have recently been sealed with diligence. To shield it from marks or stains you can put an old towel on the surface to work on.