Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
If window seals fail they can result in an increase in energy costs and windows that are foggy. In the event that you do not address the issue, it will only make it worse, so hiring a professional glazier to repair the broken seals is a smart choice.
The window seals are vital for the insulation that is provided by double glazing. They're also easy to repair and can save you money in the long term.
Take off the Old Seal
Window seals break due to various reasons. They can be damaged due to improper installation or become broken due to normal wear and wear and tear. Although double glazing repair near me is not possible to prevent a window from breaking however, you can take steps to minimize the chance of this happening. Avoiding cleaning your windows with power for instance, can reduce the risk of damage due to high pressure water. Verify that the manufacturer of windows doesn't recommend using reflective window films as they could damage the seal.
In the case of double-glazed windows, the most frequent indication that a seal has become broken is the appearance of condensation between the two panes of glass. This happens when the gas that acts as an insulator such as argon or krypton that was vacuum sealed between the two glass panes of the window has escaped. Once this occurs, the window will be not able to keep cold air and moisture out of the house.
It is good to know that repairing a broken window seal is a simple. You can buy a new wedge gasket seal from any hardware store and it should be installed easily inside your uPVC windows. If you are worried that you will not be able install the new seal correctly, you can spray water on the outside of the window frame to lubricate the process.
Before you begin installing the new seal, you need to check that there aren't any obstructions within the grooves of your window frame. This could include melted pieces of uPVC that are often left in the wake of previous attempts at repair. You can chip away these areas using an axe before beginning to ensure that the new rubber 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 experts. A professional glazier has the experience and tools to complete the task quickly and efficiently, while ensuring the least risk of damaging your uPVC windows.
Clean the Surface
If double glazing windows are properly fitted and maintained, they offer excellent insulation and reduce noise pollution. However windows with seals that is damaged may let in air and moisture which can cause various issues like condensation. The presence of moisture on the inside of the glass pane is not only unattractive, but it can cause mould to grow and cause damage to the frame, making it necessary for professional repair. Other signs of a failed sealing include a draft that may be uncomfortable and expensive to heat, or glass distortion which could affect light transmission and impact on the view.
The good news is that double glazing windows are fairly simple to fix, especially if the issue is caught early. Although it is possible to perform this work yourself, a professional will be advised because they have the expertise and access to the materials that can deliver long-lasting results.
To begin the process 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 must be thoroughly cleaned. After cleaning the surface, the next step would be to reseal the windows.
Before sealing again, remove the bottom pane, and turn it upside down so that the side of the glass originally on the inside of the sealed unit is facing upwards. This surface should be thoroughly cleaned using dry, clean cloth.
Drilling holes into windows with double glazing is not an ideal option. To save money and avoid the need for an emergency call out to the emergency services, you can drill a small hole to insert a desiccate pack that will absorb any moisture between the two panes of glass. The hole can be cleaned with ruby alcohol to stop mold from forming.
Double-glazed windows are made to be long-lasting but they can and do break down and many homeowners are in need of a professional double glazing repair. The majority of the time, window seals fail when there is condensation between the glass panes or if there are drafts.
Apply for a New Seal
Whether you've recently moved into your new home or have just had your double-glazed windows installed window seals play an significant role in maintaining an airtight and energy efficient glass-to-frame connection. Over time, seals could be damaged by weather conditions and other external factors. If the seals have been damaged, it's important to make sure that you replace them as quickly as possible. This will stop moisture from leaking between the glass panes which could cause condensation, energy loss and even damage to your home.
It is best to pick an afternoon with a low amount of rainfall during the time you're doing this work. You'll be working with the window open, and you do not require much rainwater to get into your home. This could cause 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 eye protection since it's easy to collect dust or other debris into your eyes.
Once you've removed the old seal, it's important to clean the surface prior applying a new one. With a knife, or a putty knife, clear all residues off the surface and then apply a new coat of silicone caulking to reseal the gap. Make sure to apply an globule of the caulking to the outside of the frame too as 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 this will protect them from the elements. This is a great method to maintain the integrity of your window, particularly during hot weather.
You can seal the windows yourself, but in the event of a major issue, it's best to contact 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 cure
Double-glazed windows are a great option for homeowners since it protects against the weather, keeps the heat generated by your heating system inside and prevents sunlight from escaping. It can only do so by ensuring that the window seal is properly installed. A broken seal can cause mist and condensation to form between the glass panes. It could also lead to energy loss, draughts, and even security concerns. To ensure that your window isn't damaged and home, it is essential to repair a damaged seal immediately.
You can test the seal of your window by squeezing for draughts, or cold around the corners of the frame. If you feel it, then the gasket has flattened out and is no longer creating the seal. Also, you can check for misting or condensation between the glass panes in the double-glazed windows you have. Both of these issues are caused by a breach in the double glazed window seal, which lets moisture into that section and compromises its insulation capabilities.
If you are a keen DIYer, there are many DIY kits for resealing double glazing seals. These kits typically require drilling a tiny hole into the window and then cleaning it with a magnet tool. They then place drying pellets in the hole, which eventually disappear, and seal the hole using 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 an expert. It could take several days or some weeks to cure the sealant so you should wait until the time is right to open the window. A window that has been sealed should be treated with care and attention, so it's worth laying an old towel or duvet down on your work surface to shield it from stains and scratches.