Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
When window seals are damaged it can lead to more energy bills and foggy windows. In the event that you do not address the issue, it will only make it worse and hiring a professional glazier to repair the damaged seals is a smart choice.
Window seals play a crucial part in the insulation benefits that double glazing offers. It's a good thing that they're simple to repair and can save you money in the long run.
Take off the Old Seal
The seals may break due to many reasons. They may be damaged because of poor installation or broken through time due to normal wear and tear. Although it is impossible to stop windows from breaking, you can take some steps to lessen the possibility of this happening. For example, avoiding using the power wash on your windows can reduce the chance of damage caused by high levels of water pressure. You should also check that the window manufacturer doesn't recommend the use of reflective window films on their windows because they can cause damage to the window seal.
In double glazing repair near me of double glazed windows, the most frequent sign that a seal has become broken is the appearance of condensation between the two glass panes. This is caused when the insulating inert gas such as argon or krypton that was vacuum sealed between the two glass panes of the window is released. When this happens, the window will not be in a position to keep cold and moisture out of your home.
Fortunately, repairing a faulty window seal is quite simple. You can buy a new wedge gasket seal at any hardware store and it should be easily installed in your uPVC windows. If you are worried that you'll be unable to install the new seal correctly spray water onto the window's frame to help lubricate it.
It is essential to examine the grooves of your window frame prior to installing the new seal. This can include melted uPVC pieces that are usually leftover from previous repairs. You can remove these areas with an axe before beginning to ensure that the new seal will be a good fit in your window frame.
It is possible to repair an infected uPVC seal on your own however, it is best to leave it to experts. A professional glazier will possess the tools and skills to finish the 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 offer excellent insulation and reduce noise pollution. A broken window seal can let moisture and air enter, which can cause a variety of problems such as condensation. The presence of moisture on the inside of the glass pane is not only unattractive, but it can cause mould to form and damage the frame making it essential to seek professional repair. Other signs of a damaged sealing include a draft that can be uncomfortable and expensive to heat, or glass distortion that can affect the light transmission and impact on the view.
The good thing is that double glazed windows are relatively simple to fix, especially if the issue is caught early. Although it is possible to perform this yourself however, a professional is advised because they are knowledgeable and have access to the materials that will deliver long-lasting results.
To get the job started it is essential to get rid of any existing silicone sealant, which can be done by carefully scraping away the old material with a sharp blade. After removing any sealant that was previously used the surface should be thoroughly cleaned. After cleaning the surface the next step would be to reseal the windows.
Before re-sealing, take the bottom pane and turn it upside down so that the side of the glass that was originally on the inside of the sealed unit is facing upwards. Clean the surface thoroughly with a clean cloth and then dry it to ensure that there aren't any water marks.
Drilling holes into windows with double glazing is not a good idea. To save money and avoid the need for an emergency call-out, you can use a small hole to insert a desiccate pack which will absorb any moisture between the two panes of glass. The hole can be rinsed with ruby alcohol (isopropyl) to prevent the growth of mould.
Double-glazed windows are constructed to last a long time but they can and do break down and a lot of 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 when there are drafts.
Apply for a New Seal
Window seals are essential for maintaining a tight and energy-efficient glass-to-frame connection, no matter if you've just moved into your home or have recently installed double-glazed windows. Over time, seals can become damaged due to weather and other external factors. It's important to replace damaged seals as fast as you can. This will stop moisture from getting into the space between the panes of glass which could cause condensation, a reduction in energy efficiency and even water damage to your property.
You should choose a day when there is little rain to perform this task. You'll be working with a window open therefore you shouldn't be concerned about large amounts of rainwater flowing into your home and potentially damaging the seals. Wear eye protection if you're working with power tools to remove old window seals. It's easy to get dust or debris into your eyes.
After you've removed the old seal, you need to clean the surface prior applying a new one. With a knife, or a putty knife, remove any remaining residues from the area and then apply a fresh coating of silicone caulking in order to reseal the gap. Be sure to add a small amount of the product on the outside of the frame as this will help to create a waterproof and airtight seal around the glass.
Paint the exterior of your window frames to shield them from the elements. Especially in hot weather, it's normal for the seals to develop cracks, or damp spots This is an extra step to help maintain the quality of your window.
Although you can seal your windows yourself, if the problem is severe, it's recommended you seek out a professional window company to do the work on your behalf. This means that you can be sure that the new seals are installed correctly to ensure your windows are safe and energy efficient.
Allow the Seal to heal
Double glazed windows are a great choice for homeowners due to their ability to protect against the elements and also keep heat generated by your heating systems within. They also block sunlight from leaving. But, it is able to achieve this if the window is sealed properly. A failed window seal can cause condensation and mist between the glass panes, loss of energy as well as draughts, and even security issues. It is therefore important to fix a damaged seal as soon as possible in order to avoid damage to the window and to your home.
You can test the seal on your window by feeling for draughts or cold around the corners of the frame. If you feel it, the gasket is sagging and is no longer making a 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 result from a crack in the seal of the double glazed window that allows moisture to enter the area and reduces its insulation qualities.
If you're a keen DIYer, there are many DIY kits that can be used to reseal double glazing seals. These kits typically require drilling a small opening into the window, and then cleaning it using a magnet. They then place drying pellets in the hole, 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.
It is crucial to allow the sealant to completely dry before you use it, whether you repaired your window seals yourself or hired an expert. It can take between a few days to a few weeks for the sealant to fully cure, so it is recommended to wait until the time is right to open the window once more. A window that has been sealed should be treated with care and attention, so it's worth laying an old towel or duvet on the work surface to shield it from stains and scratches.