Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
When window seals fail, they can result in more energy costs and foggy glass. Leaving the problem unattended 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 role in the insulation benefit double glazing can provide. They're also easy to fix and can save you money in the long run.
Take off the Old Seal
The seals could break for various reasons. They can be damaged due to improper installation or become broken over the years from normal wear and wear and tear. While it's not possible to prevent the window seal from breaking, taking precautions can help ensure that the problem is less likely to occur. Avoiding the power washing of your windows for instance, can lower the chance of damage due to high water pressure. You should also check that the window manufacturer doesn't 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 sign that a seal has become broken is the appearance of condensation between the two glass panes. This happens when the inert gas that is sealed by vacuum such as argon or krypton, that was between the two panes glass has been released. After this occurs, the window will be not able to keep moisture and cold air out of the home.
Repairing a window seal that's faulty is easy. A new wedge gasket seal can be bought at any hardware store. It is likely to be simple to install in your uPVC window. If you are worried that you won’t be able install the seal properly spray water onto the window's frame to help lubricate it.
Before you install the new seal, you need to check that there aren't any obstructions within the grooves of your window frame. This could include melted uPVC pieces that are usually leftover from previous repairs. You can remove these areas with a chisel before starting to ensure that the new seal will be a good fit in the window frame.
While it is possible to repair damaged uPVC window seal yourself however, it is better to leave the job to professionals. A professional glazier is equipped with the tools and expertise to complete this task quickly and with minimal risk to your uPVC window.
Clean the Surface
When double glazing windows are properly installed and maintained, they offer excellent insulation and can cut down on noise pollution. However windows with seals that is damaged can let in air and moisture that could cause a number of problems, such as condensation. Moisture in a glass frame can be unsightly, but it also causes mould to grow and damage the frame. Professional repair is needed. Other signs of a failed seal include a draft, which can be uncomfortable and expensive to heat or cause distortion in the glass that could alter light transmission and affect the view.
The good aspect is that double-glazing windows are relatively easy to fix, particularly when the issue is identified early. While it is possible to do this work yourself but a professional is recommended because they are knowledgeable and have access to the materials that can give long-lasting results.
To begin the process, it's important to remove any existing silicone sealant to begin the process. This can be accomplished by carefully scraping off the old material using a sharp blade. After removing any sealant that was previously used the surface needs to 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 surface of the glass that was originally on the inside of the sealed unit is facing upwards. Make sure to thoroughly clean the surface using a dry cloth and dry it to ensure that there are no water marks left.
drilling holes into windows with double glazing is generally a bad idea but when it comes to saving money and avoiding the need for a call from a professional out, a tiny hole in the seal could be used to insert a desiccate packet that will absorb any moisture that may be accumulating between the two glass panes. The hole can be rinsed with ruby alcohol (isopropyl) to stop the build-up of mould.
Double-glazed windows are made to last a long time however they do fail and a lot of people find themselves in need of a professional double glazing repair. The most frequent indications that seals are failing is drafts, condensation and a blurred appearance between the glass panes.
Apply for a New Seal
If you've recently moved into a new home or just got your double-glazed windows window seals play an important role in ensuring an airtight and energy efficient glass-to-frame connection. Over time, seals can be damaged due to the weather or other external elements. It is essential to replace damaged seals as fast as possible. This will stop water from getting in between the glass panes which could cause condensation, a decrease in energy efficiency and even water damage to your property.
You should pick a time when there is little rain to perform this task. You'll be working with the window open, and you don't need a lot of rainwater to seep into your home. This could cause damage to the new seals. Additionally, if you need to make use of power tools to remove the old window seals, ensure that you wear protective eyewear as it's easy to catch dust or other debris into your eyes.
After you've removed your old seal, it's important to clean the surface before applying a new one. Clean the area using a putty or utility knife and apply a fresh layer of silicone caulking. Make sure you apply an globule of the caulking to the exterior side of the frame as it will help create a waterproof and airtight seal around your glass.
Paint the outside of your window frames to protect them from the elements. This is a great way to ensure the integrity of the window, particularly in hot temperatures.
Although you can seal your windows on your own however, if the issue is serious, it's recommended you contact an expert window company to do the work on your behalf. double glazing repair near me can be assured that the new seals are installed correctly, ensuring your windows remain energy efficient and safe.
Allow the Seal to heal
A double glazed window is an excellent choice for homeowners as it guards against the elements, holds heat generated by your heating system in and prevents sunlight from escaping. However, it will only achieve this if the window has been sealed properly. A broken seal can cause condensation and mist to form between the glass panes. It can cause energy loss, draughts, and even security issues. To ensure that your window isn't damaged and your home, it is important to fix a broken seal right away.
One of the easiest methods to determine if the window seal has failed is to feel for draughts or cold leaking from the frame's corners. If you can feel this the gasket of your window has become flat and is not creating an airtight seal. You can also check for misting or condensation between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows. Both of these issues are caused by a leak in the seal of the double glazed window that allows moisture to enter the window and weakens its insulation capabilities.
If you are a keen DIYer, there are several DIY kits for resealing double glazing seals. They typically require drilling a small hole through the window, cleaning the inside with an instrument that is magnetic, then inserting drying pellets that will eventually disappear and plugging the hole using clear cement. 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 attempted to repair your window seals on your own or have hired a professional service, it is crucial to allow the new seal to cure prior to making use of it. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for the sealant to fully cure, so it is recommended to wait until the time is right to open the window once more. A window that's been sealed will need to be treated with care and attention, so it's worth laying an old duvet or towel down on your work surface to shield it from scratches and stains.