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. Leaving the problem unattended will only make it worse and hiring a professional glazier to fix the damaged seals is a smart choice.
Window seals play a crucial part in the insulation benefits that double glazing offers. They're also easy to repair and can save you money in the long run.
Remove the Old Seal
Window seals break due to various reasons. They may be damaged due to improper installation, or they could become broken in the course of time because of wear and tear. Although it is impossible to stop windows from breaking however, you can take precautions to reduce the likelihood of this happening. For example, avoiding using the power wash on your windows will help reduce the risk of damage that is caused by high levels of pressure in the water. Make sure that the manufacturer of the windows does not advise using reflective window films since they can cause damage to the seal.
In the case of double-glazed windows, the most typical indication that the seal has broken is the appearance of condensation between the two glass panes. This is caused when the insulating inert gas like argon or Krypton that was sealed by vacuum between the two glass panes of the window has escaped. After this occurs, the window will be not able to keep moisture and cold air out of the home.
Fortunately, repairing a faulty window seal is not difficult. A new wedge gasket seal can be purchased at any hardware store. It is likely to be simple to install in your uPVC window. If you're concerned that you'll be unable to install the new seal correctly, spray water on the frame of the window to help lubricate it.
Before you begin installing the new seal, it is important to ensure that there aren't any obstructions within the grooves of your window frame. This can include melted uPVC pieces that are often leftover from previous repairs. You can chip away these areas with 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 repair a broken uPVC window seal on your own, it's often better to leave the job to professionals. A professional glazier will have the tools and skills to finish the job quickly and efficiently, with the least risk of damaging your uPVC windows.
Clean the Surface
If double glazing windows are properly fitted and maintained, they provide excellent insulation and can reduce noise pollution. However window seals that is damaged can let in air and moisture that could cause a number of problems, such as condensation. The presence of moisture on the inside of a glass pane is not just unsightly, but it could cause mould to develop and damage the frame, which is why it is necessary to have a professional repair. Other indicators of a damaged seal include a draft which can be uncomfortable and costly to heat, or a distortion in the glass, which can cause light transmission to be affected and alter the view.
Double-glazed windows can be easily repaired especially if you identify the problem early. While it is possible to complete the job yourself, a professional is typically recommended as they are knowledgeable and have access to high-quality materials that can give long-lasting results.
To get double glazing repair is important to eliminate any silicone sealant that is in use, which can be done by carefully scraping off the old sealant using a sharp blade. After removing any sealant that was previously used the surface should be thoroughly cleaned. After the surface has been cleaned, the next step is to re-seal the window.
Before sealing, remove the bottom pane and turn it upside down so that the surface of the glass originally on the inside of the sealed unit is facing upwards. The surface should be thoroughly cleaned using dry, clean cloth.
Drilling holes into a double-glazed window is generally not a good idea but when it's about saving money and preventing the need for a professional call out, a tiny hole in the seal can be used to insert an insulating packet that will take in any moisture that might have built up between the two glass panes. The hole can be cleaned using rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) to stop the growth of mould.
Double glazed windows are designed to last for a long time, however they do fail and a lot of people require professional help to repair their double glazing. Most often window seals fail when there is condensation between the glass panes, or when there are drafts.
Apply for a New Seal
Whether you've recently moved into a home or just got your double-glazed windows, window seals play a significant role in maintaining an airtight and energy efficient glass-to frame connection. Over time, seals can be damaged due to weather conditions and other external factors. If the seals have been damaged, it is important to take steps to reseal them as soon as you can. This will prevent moisture from entering between the glass panes, which can cause condensation, energy loss, and even damage to your home.
You should pick a time when there is little rain to accomplish this task. You'll be working with the window open, so you shouldn't have huge amounts of rainwater to flow into your house and potentially damaging the seals. Wear eye protection if you're using power tools to take off old window seals. It's easy to get debris or dust into your eyes.
It is essential to thoroughly clean the surface after taking off the old seal prior to applying the new one. With a knife, or a putty knife, clear all residuals from the area and then apply a new coat of silicone caulking to seal the gap. Apply a globule of caulking to the outside of the frame as well. This will help to create an airtight seal and waterproof seal around the glass.
It's also recommended to paint the exterior of your window frames since this will protect them from the elements. This is a great way to protect the integrity of the window, especially in hot temperatures.
You can reseal the windows yourself, however when the issue is serious, it is recommended to call an expert company that is specialized in window sealing. You can be assured that the new seals are properly installed, ensuring that your windows are energy efficient and secure.
Allow the seal to set
Double-glazed windows are a great option for homeowners because it guards against the weather, keeps the heat generated by your heating system in and prevents sunlight from escaping. It can only do so when the window seal is properly installed. A failed window seal can lead to mist and condensation between the glass panes, energy loss, draughts and even security issues. To avoid damaging your window and home, it is important to fix a broken seal as soon as possible.
One of the most effective methods to determine if the window seal is broken is to feel for draughts or cold coming in around the frame's corners. If you feel it, the window gasket has flattened out and is no longer creating the seal. Another method of determining this is to look for signs of misting and 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 which allows moisture into that section and compromises its insulation capabilities.
There are kits for resealing the double glazing seals if you are a DIY enthusiast. They typically involve drilling a small hole in the window, then cleaning the inside using the help of a magnetic tool, then inserting drying pellets which eventually disappear and plugging the hole with 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.
Whether you have tried to repair your window seals yourself or enlisted the help of a professional service, it is crucial to allow the new seal to dry before using. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for the sealant to fully cure, so it is best to wait until then to open the window again. 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 protect it from scratches and stains.