Now you almost never see houses without plastic windows, and in new buildings a double-glazed window comes with an apartment. And it's no secret that the quality of these products leaves much to be desired. It is more cost-effective for many developers to install cheap analogues with lower quality fittings and seals instead of really good windows. Therefore, by the next winter, many new settlers have a question about how to change the seal on plastic windows. This is what we will try to understand in this material.
Reason for replacement
Sooner or later, any product or equipment can fail, this problem also applies to seals for plastic windows. There may be many reasons for this: violation of installation rules, improper operation and maintenance, or the seal itself is of poor quality.
The tightness of closed sashes and double-glazed windows, as well as protection from cold, heat, noise and dust depend on the seals. Therefore, the main signs for replacing seals are:
- In winter, frost forms on the inside of the window, that is, the window freezes through.
- The appearance of condensation on the glass.
- The appearance of drafts and the presence of dust on the windowsill (in summer) when the window sash is closed.
- Increased sound transmission from the street side.
- Visible damage to the seals themselves: various cracks, cuts, breaks or falling out of the grooves.
Do I need to change?
Sometimes, in the presence of one or more of the above signs, replacement of the seal in plastic windows is not required at all. But this is only if the seal itself is in good condition, that is, without visible damage. The following usually helps:
Adjustment/adjustment of the plastic window profile. Modern designs have two closing modes: summer and winter (with a tighter pressing of the sash to the window frame). Well, for those who do not have this option, it is recommended to adjust at least once a year. And the first time this should be done by the plastic window installer
It may help (for minor microcracks) applying silicone grease. This will not only eliminate microcracks, but also give the seal elasticity. It is necessary to lubricate strictly at positive temperature. In general, it is necessary to process the sealant with a certain frequency, but more on thatlater
If the above did not help and the problems continue, then only replacing the seal will help.
Types of seals
Seals for plastic windows can be divided for a long time according to their destination (frame, sash) or appearance (chamber, petal), but the main selection criterion is still the material from which the product is made.
- TPE or thermoplastic elastomer. The most commonly used seal (mainly by manufacturers), but not because of the quality of the material, but because of the relative cheapness and ease of installation. Also, the pluses include good resistance to mechanical stress during repeated opening and closing of the window. Cons - does not tolerate temperature extremes: it becomes brittle in extreme cold and too soft in the heat. Not UV resistant.
- EPDM or EPDM. It is highly resistant to temperature changes (from -60 to +120 degrees), not exposed to ultraviolet radiation. A rather expensive sealant, but taking into account the service life of up to 20 years, its use is quite justified.
- Silicone seals. They combine all the advantages of other types: excellent resistance to extreme heat and frost, increased elasticity of the material (with frequent and tight closing, it is practically not erased). The best choice, although the most expensive.
- Rubber seals for plastic windows are also widely used by both consumers and manufacturers. Mainly, of course, because oflow cost. The product, although it has good sealing, can crack under sudden and often repeated temperature changes.
Recommendations for selection
Following simple recommendations, you can protect yourself from buying inappropriate or low-quality goods, and, therefore, avoid wasting time and money.
- It is recommended to buy exactly the type of seal that was installed by the manufacturer － both in shape and thickness. Another manufacturer's product simply won't work for you.
- It's a good idea to take a piece of the old seal with you to make it easier to find.
- Get a seal of the required length to avoid unnecessary joints. Ideally, there should be only one seam.
- It is believed that a chamber-type seal is better than petal products. But this is very conditional, since many worthy manufacturers successfully use both types of seals.
- Do not choose a product by color, as this criterion does not affect its quality in any way.
- When choosing, be sure to consider what the seal is made of, as each material has its own specific characteristics.
Preparation
Before replacing rubber seals in plastic windows (as well as any other seals), it is necessary to prepare these same windows by following simple steps:
First you need to remove the sash from the frame, as this will greatly facilitate the process of preparing and installing the seal
- Next, you need to pull out the old seals and clean the windows from dirt and dust.
- It is necessary to degrease the surface of the grooves using white spirit or regular alcohol.
You also need to prepare the necessary tools and material:
- Scissors for cutting sealant.
- Seal itself.
- Glue for rubber. You can use superglue for the joint.
Seal installation
After the preparation is complete, it's time to start installing silicone seals for plastic windows (or any other products). It's a fairly easy process that doesn't require any extra effort.
It is better to start installation from the top of the sash, approximately from the middle or corner. We attach the seal to the groove and press it down with your finger (depending on the material of the product, the pressing force may be different). We pass this way around the entire perimeter of the sash, evenly inserting the seal. Having reached the beginning of laying, you need to cut it as close as possible to the other end.
In order to glue the joint, it is necessary to pull the ends out of the groove and apply glue to the seal lock. Then put the rubber bands back in place and press lightly. It is important to apply glue to the leg, and not to the body of the seal. In the same way, the seal is changed on the frame.
It is important to insert the seal with the correct side, otherwise there will be no sense from the work done. The insertion side can be determined by looking at how the old seal is inserted.
Pledge of long service
Careful care is the key to a long service lifeonly the seal, but the entire window as a whole. Therefore, it is necessary at least once a year (and preferably twice - in spring and autumn) to perform the following actions:
Wipe the profile and seal with a soft sponge or cloth using detergent (no solid particles)
- Also clean the gap between the seal and the frame from dirt.
- After drying, it is necessary to treat the seal with a special silicone-based lubricant.
- It is necessary to wipe and lubricate all hardware mechanisms.
It would be useful to purchase a special kit for the care of plastic windows
Conclusion
No matter what window seal you use, it is important to remember some rules:
- It is better to replace the seal after adjusting the fittings.
- It is recommended to change the seal both on the frame and on the sash. Never change the seal partially (in pieces).
- Do not pull or squeeze the seal during installation, especially at corners.
- Be sure to coat the joints with glue to avoid divergence.
- Use the seal for its intended purpose, that is, a frame seal is installed on the frame, and a sash seal is installed on the sash.
