Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
When 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 a professional glazier to fix the damaged seals is a wise choice.
Window seals play an essential part in the insulation benefits double glazing can provide. They're also easy to repair and can save you money over the long haul.
Take off the Old Seal
Window seals can break due to a variety of reasons. They may be damaged because of improper installation or become broken due to normal wear and tear. Although it is impossible to prevent the window seal from breaking, taking a few precautions can make sure that the issue is less likely to occur. Avoiding power washing your windows for instance, will reduce the risk of damage caused by high water pressure. Also, make sure that the window manufacturer does not recommend the use of reflective window films on their windows since they can cause damage to the window seal.
The most frequent indication of a damaged seal in double-glazed windows is the presence of condensation between the two panes. This happens when the inert gas that is sealed by vacuum like argon and Krypton, which was in between the two panes glass has disappeared. When this happens the window is no longer in a position to keep the cold and moist air out of your home.
It is good to know that repairing a broken window seal is a simple. You can purchase a new wedge gasket seal from any hardware store and it should be installed easily in your uPVC windows. If you are concerned that you will not be able to install the new seal properly you can spray water on the outside of the window frame to help lubricate the process.
It's important that you check the grooves on your window frame before installing the new seal. These can include melting pieces of uPVC that are often left in the wake of previous attempts at repair. You can use a chisel or a hammer to take away these areas before you start the repair. This will ensure that your new seal is properly fitted into your window frame.
While it is possible to fix a damaged uPVC window seal yourself however, it is best to leave this task to the experts. A professional glazier has the skills and tools necessary to complete the task quickly and efficiently, with minimal risk of damage to your uPVC windows.
Clean the Surface
If double-glazed windows are properly fitted and maintained, they provide excellent insulation and can cut down on noise pollution. A damaged window seal could allow air and moisture to be able to enter, which could cause a variety of problems such as condensation. The presence of moisture on the inside of the glass pane is not only unattractive, but it can cause mould to develop and cause damage to the frame, making it essential to seek professional repair. Other signs of a failed seal include a draft which can be uncomfortable and expensive to heat or cause distortion in the glass, which could cause light transmission to be affected and alter the view.
The good aspect is that double-glazing windows are fairly simple to fix, especially if the issue is caught early. While it is possible to complete this yourself, a professional will be recommended as they have the expertise and access to materials that can give long-lasting results.
To get the job underway, it's important to remove any silicone sealant that is in use, which can be done by carefully scraping away the old sealant using a sharp blade. After removing any old sealant, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned. After the surface has been cleaned, the next step is to seal the window.
Before sealing, remove the bottom pane and flip it upside down so that the side of the glass originally on the inside of the sealed unit is facing upwards. Clean the surface thoroughly with an uncluttered cloth, and then dry it to ensure that there aren't any water marks.
drilling holes in windows with double glazing is not an ideal option. To save money and avoid the necessity of an emergency call-out, you can use a small hole to insert a desiccate packing which will absorb any moisture between the two panes of glass. The hole can be rinsed with ruby alcohol (isopropyl) to prevent the build-up of mould.
Double-glazed windows are designed to last, but they do sometimes break down. Many people need repairs to their double glazing. Most commonly window seals fail when there is condensation between the glass panes, or in the event of drafts.
Apply for a New Seal
Window seals are important for maintaining a tight and energy-efficient glass-to frame connection, no matter if you've just moved into your home or just installed double-glazed windows. In time the seals may be damaged due to aging and external influences like weather. If the seals have been damaged, it's important to take steps to reseal them as quickly as possible. This will stop moisture from entering the space between the glass panes and causing condensation, a decrease in energy efficiency, or even water damage to your property.
You should choose a day that has a low chance of rain to complete this task. You'll be working with the window open, and you do not require much rainwater to seep into your home. This could harm the new seals. Wear eye protection when working with power tools to remove old window seals. It's easy to let dust or debris in your eyes.
Once you've removed the old seal, it's important to clean the surface prior to applying a new seal. With a knife, or a putty knife, remove all residuals from the area and then apply a new layer of silicone caulking to reseal the gap. Make sure to apply a small amount of the product on the outside of the frame, too. it will help create an airtight and waterproof seal around the glass.
Paint the exterior of your window frames to protect them against the elements. This is a good way to ensure the integrity of your window, particularly during hot weather.
Although you can seal your own windows however, if the issue is severe, it's recommended you get a professional window company to carry out the work on your behalf. You can be sure that the new seals have been properly installed, ensuring that your windows are energy efficient and safe.
Allow the seal to cure
Double-glazed windows are an excellent choice for homeowners as it guards against the elements, keeps the heat produced by your heating system within and prevents sunlight from escaping. However, it will only achieve this if it is sealed correctly. A failed window seal can lead to mist and condensation between the glass panes, energy loss, draughts and even security issues. It is therefore important to address a damaged seal as quickly as you can in order to avoid damage to the window and your home.
One of the simplest 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 this, then the window gasket is flattened and no longer making an airtight seal. Also, you can check for condensation or misting between the glass panes in the double-glazed windows you have. Both of these problems are caused by a leak in the double-glazed window seal. This allows moisture to enter that section, compromising its insulation properties.
If you are a keen DIYer, there are a variety of DIY kits that can be used to reseal double glazing seals. These kits typically require drilling a tiny hole into the window and 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.
double glazing repair is crucial to allow the sealant to completely dry before you use it, whether you fixed your window seals on your own or hired an expert. It may take a few days or even some weeks to cure the sealant so you must wait until that time to open the window. A window that has been resealed must be handled with care and care, so it's worth laying an old towel or duvet down on your work surface to protect it from scratches and stains.