Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
When window seals fail, they can lead to higher energy bills and foggy glass. Employing a professional to repair the damaged seals can prevent the problem from getting worse.
The window seals are vital for the insulation that is provided by double glazing. Fortunately, they're easy to repair and can save you money over the long haul.
Take off the Old Seal
Window seals break due to various reasons. They may be damaged due to inadequate installation, or they may be damaged in the course of time because of wear and tear. While it is impossible to prevent a window from breaking however, you can take precautions to reduce the likelihood of this occurring. Avoiding power washing your windows for instance, will lower the chance of damage caused by high water pressure. Verify that the manufacturer of the windows does not recommend using reflective window film as they can cause damage to the seal.
In the case of double-glazed windows, the most frequent indication that a seal has been broken is the appearance of condensation between the two glass panes. This happens because the gas that acts as an insulator like argon or Krypton that was sealed by vacuum between the two panes of glass has escaped. If this happens, the window is no longer able to keep the cold and moist air from your home.
Repairing a window seal that is damaged is simple. You can purchase a replacement wedge gasket seal from any hardware store and it should be installed easily in your uPVC windows. If you're concerned that you won’t be able install the new seal correctly spray water on the window's frame to aid in lubricating it.
Before you install the new seal, you need to ensure that there aren't any obstructions within the grooves of your window frame. This can include melting uPVC pieces that are usually leftover from previous repairs. You can chip away these areas using a chisel before starting to ensure that the new seal will be a good fit in your window frame.
It is possible to fix the broken uPVC seal on your own however, it is best to leave the job to experts. A professional glazier will possess the tools and skills to complete this job quickly and efficiently, with the least risk of damaging 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 broken window seal can allow moisture and air to enter, which can cause various problems, such as condensation. The condensation inside a glass pane can be unattractive however it can also cause mould to grow and damage the frame. Repairs by a professional are needed. Other indicators of a failing seal include a draft which can be uncomfortable and expensive to heat, or a distortion in the glass, which could affect light transmission and impact the view.
The good news is that double glazing windows are relatively easy to fix, especially if the issue is caught early. While it is possible to complete the work yourself, a professional is typically recommended as they have the expertise and access to top-quality materials that will last for a long time.
To get the job started it is important to eliminate any silicone sealant in use, which can be done by carefully scraping away the old material with a sharp blade. After removing any old sealant the surface should be thoroughly cleaned. When the surface is clean the next step is to re-seal the window.
Before re-sealing, take the bottom pane and flip it upside down so that the side of the glass that was originally on the inside of the sealed unit is facing upwards. Thoroughly clean this surface with a dry cloth and dry it so that there aren't any water marks.
Drilling holes into windows with double glazing is not an ideal option. However, to save money and avoid the necessity of an emergency call-out to the emergency services, you can drill small holes to place a desiccate packing that will absorb any moisture between the two glass panes. The hole could then be cleaned with ruby alcohol (isopropyl) to stop the build-up of mould.
Double-glazed windows are constructed to last a long time however they do fail and a lot of people find themselves in need of professional help to repair their double glazing. The most common indications that seals have failed is drafts, condensation and a blurred appearance between the glass panes.
Apply window repairs Golders Green
If you've recently moved into your new home or just have your double-glazed windows installed window seals play an significant role in maintaining an airtight and efficient glass-to-frame connection. As time passes, seals may be damaged by weather conditions and other external factors. It's important to replace damaged seals as soon as possible. This will stop moisture from entering between the glass panes, which can lead to condensation, energy loss, and even damage to your home.
It is recommended to pick an afternoon with a low amount of rainfall while you're performing this task. You'll be working with a window open, therefore you shouldn't be concerned about large amounts of rainwater to flow into your house and possibly causing damage to the new seals. Also, if you're going to employ power tools to take off the old window seals make sure to wear protective eyewear as it's easy to catch dust or other debris in your eyes.
After you've removed the old seal, you need to clean the surface prior to applying a new seal. With a knife, or a putty knife, clear all residuals from the area and then apply a new layer of silicone caulking to reseal the gap. Add a globule on the outside of the frame as well. This will help to create an airtight seal as well as a waterproof seal around the glass.
Paint the outside of the frames of your windows to shield them from the elements. Especially in hot weather, it's common for seals to get cracks or damp spots and this is a good idea to ensure the integrity of your window.
While you can reseal your windows yourself however, if the issue is serious it's recommended that you contact an expert window company to do the work on your behalf. You can be sure that the new seals have been installed correctly, ensuring your windows are energy efficient and secure.
Let the Seal heal
A double glazed window is a good choice for homeowners since it protects against the elements, holds heat generated by your heating system in and blocks sunlight from entering. It is only able to do this by ensuring that the window seal is properly installed. A broken window seal can lead to mist and condensation between the glass panes, energy loss as well as draughts, and even security issues. To prevent damage to your window and home, it is essential to repair a damaged seal immediately.
You can test the seal on your window by feeling for draughts or cold around the frame's corners. If you can feel it, the gasket has sunk and is no longer creating the seal. Another way to check is to check for misting and condensation between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows. Both of these issues 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 many DIY kits for resealing double glazing seals. These kits usually require drilling a small hole into the window and cleaning it with a magnet tool. They then place drying pellets in the hole, which eventually disappear, and plug 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.
It is essential to let the sealant completely dry before you use it, whether you repaired your window seals yourself or employed a professional. It can take up to a couple of days to a few weeks for the sealant to fully cure, so it is best to wait until it is to open the window once more. A window that's been sealed should 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.