Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
When window seals fail they can result in higher energy bills and foggy glass. If you don't address the issue, it can only cause it to get worse, so hiring a professional glazier to repair the damaged seals is a smart choice.
The window seals are essential to the insulation provided by double glazing. They're simple to fix and can save money in the end.
Remove the Old Seal
The seals could break for various reasons. They may be damaged due to inadequate installation, or become broken over time due to wear and tear. Although it is impossible to prevent a window from breaking however, you can take steps to lessen the possibility of this occurring. Avoiding power washing your windows for instance, will reduce the risk of damage from high water pressure. It is also important to ensure 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 typical indication that a seal has become broken is the appearance of condensation between the two glass panes. This happens because the gas sealed in a vacuum such as argon or krypton, that was between the two panes glass has escaped. If this happens the window will no longer be capable of keeping the cold and moist air out of your home.
Fortunately, repairing a faulty window seal is not difficult. A new wedge gasket can be bought at any hardware store. It should be easy to install in your uPVC window. If you're concerned that you'll be unable to install the new seal properly spray water on the frame of the window to aid in lubricating it.
It's important that you check the grooves on your window frame prior to installing the new seal. This can include melting uPVC pieces that are often left over from previous repairs. You can chip away these areas using the chisel prior to beginning to make sure that the new seal will be a good fit in your window frame.
While it is possible to fix damaged uPVC window seal on your own, it's often recommended to leave the work to the professionals. A professional glazier will have the tools and skills to complete this job quickly and efficiently, while ensuring little risk of causing damage to your uPVC windows.
Clean the Surface
If double glazing windows are properly installed and maintained, they provide excellent insulation and can cut down on noise pollution. However, a window seal that is broken can let in moisture and air that can lead to numerous issues like condensation. The condensation inside a glass pane can be ugly however it can also cause mould to grow and damage the frame. Professional repair is required. Other signs of a failed sealing include a draft that can be uncomfortable and costly to heat, or glass distortion which can affect the light transmission and impact on the view.
Double glazing windows can be repaired easily particularly if you spot the problem early. While it is possible to complete this work yourself however, a professional is recommended as they have the knowledge and access to the materials that can give long-lasting results.
In the beginning, you'll need to get rid of any silicone sealant already in place. This can be done with a sharp knife. After this, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt and debris that might have been accumulating. When the surface is clean, the next step is to seal the window.
Before re-sealing, take the bottom pane and turn it upside down so that the face of the glass originally on the inside of the sealed unit is facing upwards. This surface should be thoroughly cleaned with dry, clean cloth.
Drilling holes into a double-glazed glass window is not an ideal option. To save money and avoid the necessity of an emergency call-out, you can use small holes to place a desiccate packing that absorbs any moisture between the two glass panes. The hole can be cleaned using rubbing alcohol to prevent mould from growing.
Double glazed windows are designed to last a long time but they can and do fail, and many people find themselves in need of a professional double glazing repair . Most commonly windows fail to seal when there is condensation between the glass panes or in the event of drafts.
Apply a New Seal
If you've recently moved into your new home or just got your double-glazed windows, window seals play a crucial role in keeping an airtight and energy efficient glass-to frame connection. Over time, seals can be damaged by the weather or other external elements. If the seals are damaged, you must take steps to reseal them as quickly as you can. This will stop moisture from entering the space between the panes of glass and causing condensation, a decrease in energy efficiency, or even water damage to your property.
It is best to pick an afternoon with a low amount of rainfall while you're performing this task. You'll be working with a window open so you shouldn't have huge amounts of rainwater to flow into your home and potentially damaging the seals. In addition, if you have to make use of power tools to remove the old window seals be sure to wear eye protection as it is easy to catch dust or other debris into your eyes.
It's important to thoroughly clean the surface after removing the old seal before applying the new one. Clean the area with a utility knife or putty and then apply a fresh coating of silicone caulking. Add a globule on the frame's exterior as well. This will help to create an airtight seal and waterproof seal around the glass.
Paint the outside of your window frames to shield them against the elements. Especially in hot weather, it's not uncommon for seals to form cracks or damp spots This is a good idea to maintain the quality of your window.
You can reseal windows on your own, but in the event of a major issue, it's best to contact an experienced company that specializes in window sealing. This way, you can be assured that the new seals are installed correctly to ensure your windows remain secure and energy efficient.
Allow the seal to cure
Double-glazed windows are a good choice for homeowners because it guards against the weather, keeps the heat produced by your heating system in and stops sunlight from getting out. However, it will only achieve this if it is sealed properly. A broken seal can cause mist and condensation to form between the glass panes. It can also lead to energy loss, draughts, and even security concerns. It is therefore crucial to address a damaged seal as quickly as you can to avoid damage to the window and to your home.
One of the most effective ways to test if your window seal has failed is to feel for draughts or cold leaking from the frame's corners. If you can feel this then the gasket is flattened and no longer creating an airtight seal. You may also look for condensation or misting between the glass panes in the double-glazed windows you have. Both of these issues are caused by a breach in the seal of the double glazed window which allows moisture into that section and compromises its insulation qualities.
If you're 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 then cleaning it with a magnet tool. They then insert drying pellets which disappear and then 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.
Whether you have tried to repair your window seals on your own or have hired a professional service, it is crucial to allow the new seal to dry before making use of it. It could take up to a couple of days to a few weeks for the sealant to fully cure, so it's best to wait until it is to open the window again. It is important to clean a window that has just been sealed with attention. To protect it from staining or scratches, you can lay down an old towel on the surface to work on.