Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
When window seals fail they could result in more energy costs and foggy glass. Leaving the problem unattended will only make it worse and hiring a professional glazier to repair the broken seals is a smart move.
Window seals play a crucial part in the insulation benefits double glazing can provide. They're easy-to-repair and could save you money in the end.
Take off the Old Seal
The seals could break for many reasons. They may be damaged due to inadequate installation or break through time due to normal wear and wear and tear. While it's impossible to completely prevent the window seal from breaking, taking some precautions can make sure that the issue is less likely to occur. Avoiding cleaning your windows with power for instance, will reduce the risk of damage from high pressure water. Also, make sure that the window manufacturer does not advise the use of reflective window films on their windows because these can damage the window seal.
In the case of double-glazed windows, the most typical indication that a seal has become broken is the appearance of condensation between the two glass panes. This is caused when the gas that acts as an insulator like argon or krypton that was vacuum sealed between the two glass panes of the window has escaped. When this happens, the window is not able to keep cold air and moisture out of the home.
It is good to know that repairing a broken window seal is not difficult. double glazing repair can purchase a replacement wedge gasket seal at any hardware store and it will be easily installed inside your uPVC windows. If you're concerned that you won't be able to install the new seal correctly spray water onto the frame of the window to aid in lubricating it.
It is important to check the grooves on your window frame before installing the new seal. This could include melting uPVC pieces that are often left over from previous repairs. You can use a chisel take away these areas before you begin the repair. This will ensure that your new rubber seal fits properly into your window frame.
While it is possible to repair damaged uPVC window seal on your own however, it is recommended to leave the work to the professionals. A professional glazier has the equipment and expertise to complete this task quickly and with minimum risk to your uPVC window.
Clean the Surface
Double glazing windows can help reduce noise pollution when they are installed and maintained in a proper manner. A broken window seal can allow air and moisture to be able to enter, which could cause a variety of problems like condensation. Moisture inside a glass pane can be unattractive, but it also causes mold to grow and can damage the frame. Repairs by a professional are required. Other indicators of a failing seal include a draft which can be uncomfortable and costly to heat or cause distortion in the glass that could cause light transmission to be affected and alter the view.
Double glazing windows can be repaired easily especially if you identify the issue early. Although it is possible to perform this yourself, a professional will be advised because they are knowledgeable and have access to materials that can give long-lasting results.
To begin the process it is important to eliminate any silicone sealant in use to begin the process. This can be accomplished by carefully scraping away the old sealant using a sharp blade. After removing any sealant that was previously used, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned. Once the surface is clean, the next step is to re-seal the window.
Before sealing the unit first, turn the bottom pane upside down, so that the glass face that was inside the sealed unit is facing upwards. The surface should be thoroughly cleaned using a clean, dry cloth.
Drilling holes into a double-glazed glass window is not a good idea. However, to save money and avoid the necessity of an emergency call-out for help, you can make small holes to place an desiccate bag which will absorb any moisture between the two glass panes. The hole can be cleaned with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) to stop the growth of mould.
Double-glazed windows are made to last a long time however they do fail and many homeowners require professional help to repair their double glazing. Most commonly window seals fail when there is condensation between the glass panes, or when there are drafts.
Apply for a New Seal
Window seals are important to ensure a secure and energy-efficient glass-to-frame connection, whether you have just moved into your home or just installed double-glazed windows. Over time, however the seals could be damaged due to aging and external factors such as weather. If the seals have been damaged, it is important to make sure that you replace them as quickly as you can. This will prevent moisture from leaking between the glass panes, which can cause condensation, energy loss and even damage to your home.
You should choose a day when there is little rain to accomplish this task. You'll be working with a window open so you shouldn't have huge amounts of rainwater to flow into your home and possibly damaging the new seals. Wear eye protection when working with power tools to remove old window seals. It's easy to get debris or dust into your eyes.
After you've removed your old seal, it's important to clean the surface prior applying a new seal. Using a utility knife or putty knife, clean any remaining residues from the area and then apply a fresh layer of silicone caulking to seal the gap. Apply a globule of caulking to the outside of the frame as well. This will help create an airtight seal and a waterproof seal around the glass.
It's also an excellent idea to paint the exterior of your window frames as this will shield them from the elements. Particularly during hot weather, it's common for the seals to form damp spots or even cracks, so this is an extra step to maintain the integrity of your window.
You can repair the windows yourself, however when the issue is serious, it is recommended to call a professional company that specializes in window sealing. You can be sure that the new seals have been properly installed, making sure your windows are energy efficient and safe.
Allow the seal to cure
A double glazed window is a great option for homeowners because it guards against the elements, holds the heat generated by your heating system inside and stops sunlight from getting out. However, it can only achieve this if the window has been sealed properly. A broken window seal can result in condensation and mist between the glass panes, energy loss, draughts and even security issues. To ensure that your window isn't damaged and home, it's important to fix a broken seal as soon as possible.
One of the easiest ways to test if your window seal has failed is to feel for draughts and cold coming in around the frame's corners. If you feel it, then the gasket has sunk and is no longer creating a seal. Another way to check is to look for misting and condensation between the glass panes of your double glazed windows. Both of these issues are caused by a breach in the seal of the double glazed window which allows moisture into the area and reduces its insulation properties.
There are kits to reseal the double glazing seals available in case you are a DIY-er. These kits typically require drilling a tiny hole into the window, and then cleaning it with a magnet tool. They then insert drying pellets 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.
Whether you have tried to repair your window seals on your own or have hired a professional service to do the work, it is imperative that you allow the new seal to cure prior to making use of it. It can take between a few 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 sealed should be treated with care and attention It's best to lay an old towel or duvet on the work surface to shield it from scratches and stains.