Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
When window seals break they can result in more energy bills and windows that are foggy. Employing window repair Rochester to repair the damaged seals can prevent the issue from getting worse.
Window seals play a critical role in the insulation benefit that double glazing offers. It's a good thing that they're simple 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 because of improper installation or become broken over the years from normal wear and 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. For instance, avoiding power washing on your windows will reduce the chance of damage that is caused by high levels of pressure in the water. Verify that the manufacturer of the windows does not recommend using reflective window films since they can damage the seal.
The most common indication of a damaged seal in double-glazed windows is the presence of condensation between the two panes. This is caused when the insulating inert gas like argon or Krypton that was vacuum sealed between the two glass panes of the window is released. When this happens, the window is no longer capable of keeping the cold and moist air out of your home.
Repairing a window seal that is defective is easy. 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 worried that you won't be able to install the new seal correctly spray water on the frame of the window to help lubricate it.
Before you start installing the new seal, it is important to make sure there aren't any obstructions in the grooves of your window frame. This could include melted pieces of uPVC that are often left behind from previous repair attempts. You can use a chisel to take away these areas before you begin the repair. This will ensure that your new rubber seal fits properly into the window frame.
While it is possible to fix damaged uPVC window seal on your own however, it is better to leave the job to the experts. A professional glazier has the tools and expertise to complete this task quickly and with the least amount of risk to your uPVC window.
Clean the Surface
If double-glazed windows are properly installed and maintained, they offer excellent insulation and cut down on noise pollution. However, a window seal that is damaged may let in moisture and air that can lead to a number of problems, such as condensation. Moisture inside a glass pane is not only unsightly but it can cause mould to form and damage the frame making it essential to seek professional repair. Other indicators of a failing seal include a draft which can be uncomfortable and costly to heat or cause distortion in the glass, which can affect light transmission and impact the view.
Double glazing windows can be easily repaired, especially if you catch the issue early. While it is possible to perform this yourself however, a professional is recommended because they have the knowledge and access to materials that can give long-lasting results.
To get the job started, it's important to remove any silicone sealant that is in use, which can be done by carefully scraping off the old material using a sharp blade. After removing any old sealant the surface should be thoroughly cleaned. Once the surface is clean the next step is to seal the window.
Before sealing the unit, turn the bottom pane upside down so that the glass face that was inside the sealed unit faces upwards. Make sure to thoroughly clean the surface using a dry cloth and dry it so that no water marks remain.
Drilling holes into windows that are double-glazed 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 could be used to put in a desiccate packet that will absorb any moisture that may have built up between the two glass panes. The hole can be cleaned using ruby alcohol (isopropyl) to prevent the growth of mould.
Double-glazed windows are made to last a long time however they do fail and many homeowners require a professional double glazing repair. Most commonly window seals fail when there is condensation between the glass panes, or in the event of drafts.
Apply a New Seal
Window seals are essential to ensure a secure and efficient glass-to-frame connection, regardless of whether you've just moved into your home or have recently installed double-glazed windows. As time passes the seals may be damaged due to age and external factors like weather. It's important to replace damaged seals as quickly as possible. This will prevent moisture from entering the space between the glass panes, which can lead to condensation, a reduction in energy efficiency and even water damage to your property.
It is best to pick a day that has a low chance of rain to complete this task. You'll be working with a window open, so you shouldn't have huge amounts of rainwater to flow into your house and potentially damaging the seals. Wear eye protection when working with power tools to remove old window seals. It's easy to get debris or dust in your eyes.
Once you've removed the old seal, it's crucial to clean the surface prior to applying a new seal. Clean the area using a putty or utility knife and apply a new coating of silicone caulking. Make sure you apply a small amount of the product on the outside of the frame, too. this will help to create an airtight and waterproof seal around the glass.
It's also a good idea to paint the exterior of your window frames, as it will help protect them from the elements. Particularly during hot weather, it's normal for seals to get cracks or damp spots This is an extra step to ensure the integrity of your window.
Although you can seal your windows on your own, if the problem is serious it's recommended that you seek out an experienced window company to complete the work on your behalf. This means that you can be sure that the new seals will be installed correctly, ensuring that your windows are secure and efficient in energy use.
Allow the Seal to Cure
Double-glazed windows are an excellent choice for homeowners since they shield against the elements and also keep the heat generated by heating systems in. They also block sunlight from leaving. However, it can only achieve this if the window has been sealed properly. A failed seal can cause condensation and mist to form between glass panes. It can cause energy loss, draughts and even security concerns. It is crucial to address a broken seal as soon as you can to prevent damage to the window as well as your home.
You can test the seal on your window by squeezing for draughts, or cold around the corners of the frame. If you can feel this, then the window gasket has been weakened and is no longer forming an airtight seal. Also, you can check for misting or condensation between the glass panes of the double-glazed windows you have. Both of these issues are caused by a leak in the double-glazed window seal. This allows moisture to get into that section, causing damage to its insulation properties.
There are kits for resealing the double glazing seals if you are a DIY-er. These kits usually require drilling a tiny hole into the window and then cleaning it with a magnet tool. They then insert drying pellets 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.
If you've attempted to repair your window seals yourself or hired a professional company, it is crucial to allow the new seal to cure prior to making use of it. It could take several days or a few weeks to cure the sealant so you must wait until the time is right to open the window. A window that has been resealed should be treated with care and attention, so it's worth laying an old duvet or towel on the work surface to protect it from scratches and stains.