Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
When window seals fail they could result in more energy costs and foggy glass. Leaving the problem unattended can only cause it to get worse, so hiring an expert glazier to fix the broken seals is a wise choice.
The window seals are essential for the insulation that is provided by double glazing. 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 various reasons. They may be damaged because of improper installation or become broken over the years from normal wear and wear and tear. While it is impossible to stop windows from breaking however, you can take steps to lessen the possibility of this occurring. Avoiding the power washing of your windows for instance, will reduce the risk of damage due to high pressure water. Verify that the manufacturer of the windows does not advise using reflective window film as they could damage the seal.
The most common indication of a damaged seal in double-glazed windows is the presence of condensation between two panes. This happens when the insulating inert gas 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 cold and moisture from your home.
It is good to know that repairing a broken window seal is quite simple. A new wedge gasket seal can be bought at any hardware store. It is likely to be simple to install in your uPVC window. If you are worried that you won’t be able 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 of your window frame before installing the new seal. This could include melted uPVC pieces that are usually left over from previous repairs. You can chip away these areas with the chisel prior to beginning to make sure that the new seal will fit perfectly in the window frame.
It is possible to fix the broken uPVC seal yourself however it's better to leave the job to experts. A professional glazier has the tools and skills to complete the task swiftly and with minimum risk to your uPVC window.
Clean the Surface
Double glazing windows can cut down on noise pollution when they are installed and maintained properly. However, a window seal that is damaged can let in moisture and air which can cause numerous issues, such as condensation. Moisture inside a glass pane can be unattractive but it also causes mould to develop and cause damage to the frame. Repairs by a professional are needed. Other signs of a failed seal are a draft which can be uncomfortable and costly to heat, or a distortion in the glass, which can cause light transmission to be affected and alter the view.
The good thing is that double glazed windows are relatively simple to fix, particularly if the issue is caught early. While it's possible to do the job yourself, a professional is typically recommended as they are knowledgeable and have access to high-quality materials that will provide long-lasting results.
To begin, you'll have to take off any silicone sealant that is already present. This can be accomplished with a sharp knife. After this, the surface is required to be thoroughly cleaned in order to remove any dirt and debris that might have been accumulating. 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 that was on the inside of the sealed unit is facing upwards. Make sure to thoroughly clean the surface using an uncluttered cloth, and then dry it so that there aren't any water marks.
Drilling holes into a double-glazed glass window is not an ideal idea. However, to save money and avoid the need for an emergency call out to the emergency services, you can drill small holes to insert a desiccate pack that absorbs any moisture between the two panes of glass. The hole can be cleaned using ruby alcohol to stop mold from forming.
Double-glazed windows are made to last, but they do sometimes break down. A lot of people require a double glazing repair. window repair Golders Green that seals have failed are drafts, condensation, and a distorted look between the glass panes.
Apply a New Seal
Whether you've recently moved into a home or just had your double-glazed windows installed window seals play an important role in ensuring 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, it is important to make sure that you replace them as soon as you can. This will prevent moisture from getting 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 while you're performing this task. You'll be working with a window open so you don't want large amounts of rainwater leaking into your home and possibly causing damage to the new seals. Wear eye protection if you're using power tools to take off old window seals. It's easy to get debris or dust into your eyes.
After you've removed your old seal, it's important to clean the surface before applying a new one. Utilizing a utility knife or putty knife, clean all residuals from the area and then apply a fresh coat of silicone caulking to seal the gap. Make sure you apply a small amount of the product to the exterior side of the frame too as this will help create a waterproof and airtight seal around your glass.
Paint the exterior of your window frames to shield them against the elements. Particularly during hot weather, it's common for the seals to form damp spots or even cracks This is a good idea to help maintain the integrity of your window.
While you can reseal your own windows but if the issue is severe, it's recommended you contact an experienced window company to do the work on your behalf. This way, you can be assured that the new seals are installed correctly, ensuring that your windows remain secure and energy efficient.
Let the Seal heal
Double-glazed windows are an excellent choice for homeowners since it protects against the weather, keeps the heat generated by your heating system within and stops sunlight from getting out. But, it is able to accomplish this if it is sealed properly. A damaged seal could cause condensation and mist to form between the glass panes. It can cause energy loss, draughts, and even security issues. It is therefore important to fix a damaged seal as quickly as you can in order to avoid damage to the window as well as your home.
One of the easiest methods to determine if your window seal is broken is to feel for draughts and cold air coming into the corners of the frame. If you feel it, the gasket has sunk and is no longer creating a seal. Another method to determine this is to look for signs of misting and condensation between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows. Both of these issues result from leaks in the double-glazed window seal. This allows moisture to enter that section, compromising its insulation properties.
There are DIY kits for resealing the double glazing seals available in case you are a DIY-er. 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 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 enlisted the help of a professional service to do the work, it is imperative that you allow the new seal to dry before making use of it. It can take anywhere from a few days to several 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's been sealed must be handled with care and care, so it's worth laying an old towel or duvet on the work surface to protect it from stains and scratches.