Very often, after several years of operation of plastic windows, a draft occurs from under the sash, which cannot be eliminated by the usual adjustment of the system. There may be several reasons, but usually it is wear of the sealing gum. How to eliminate such a negative phenomenon? The answer is simple - you need to replace the seal.
Reasons for replacing gaskets
The tightness of a plastic window depends on many points: from the quality of the frame itself to the tightness of the glass. But every factor is important, including the degree of pressing the sash, which provides the presence of sealing gum. If they are worn out, then such negative phenomena may appear:
- Freezing windows.
- The appearance of condensation on the glass.
- The shutter has a backlash when closing and does not cover well.
- Near the openings a draft is felt.
Of course, it may be that the whole reason lies in setting up the system, and simply adjusting the plastic windows will fix the whole situation. But, if all the options have been tried, but there is no result, then the seal will definitely need to be replaced.
How to check the closing density
What methods can be used to check the closure density of a plastic window sash? The easiest is to use a thermal imager. The device will show where the coldest points in the system are.
However, you can verify this with simple methods:
- Light a match or candle near the window. If the light fluctuates, then the tightness is broken.
- Lay a sheet of paper in an open window. The shutter is locked and they try to pull out the bookmark. With a securely locked system, this will not work. Otherwise, the degree of pressure is insufficient and replacement of the seal is needed.
- With very poor sealing, the draft is felt even by a hand leaning against the window.
Types of window seals
Most often there are several types of sealing elements that differ from each other in the material of manufacture.
Rubber types
The most widely used type of such an element is rubber. The material is very plastic and resistant to various types of loads. Rubber seals have only one drawback - they are sensitive to temperature differences.
The main advantages are durability with proper care (about 30 years), ensuring tightness and breathability.
Silicone varieties
Seals made of silicone are more durable compared to rubber analogues (up to 40 years of operation). Lightweight and durable material that can withstand many loads and impacts, including sudden temperature changes and ultraviolet radiation.
Polymer (EPDM) types
Such varieties of sealant on plastic windows are made from several polymer compounds. The main advantage is resistance to very low temperatures. Warranty period - up to 20 years.
Thermoelastoplastic (TEP) varieties
Sealers are made from polymer compounds that have the ability to expand at elevated temperatures. In milder weather conditions, seals resemble rubber. However, too cold conditions lead to destruction (cracking).
PVC and foam types
The use of such a sealant on plastic windows is acceptable only in a heated room. PVC is very sensitive to frost and cracks pretty quickly.
Foam rubber is a lightweight material and has excellent thermal insulation properties, but it is very fragile. The service life of these types of seals is within 3 years.
When choosing one or another type, it is worth considering that the warranty period will be maintained with proper care (adjustment of the leaves, cleaning and lubrication). With a careless attitude, the period of use will be reduced significantly.
How to understand what kind of seal is installed in your windows? The best way out of the situation is to contact the installer. If this is not possible, you can simply cut the sample and purchase the same in the store. Also for the purchase you need to measure how many meters of material you need to purchase.
Seal replacement technology
So, after the acquisition of sealing elements proceed immediately to the replacement. The process itself is divided into two stages: preparation and installation itself.
Preparatory work
Initially, you need to prepare a place before installing a new seal.
To make it convenient to work, you can remove the entire sash. This is done very simply: the window is locked, and the protective covers are removed from the hinges. Next, from the upper canopy, you need to knock out the pin. Open the window, holding the sash (it will start to fall out). Lifting, it is removed from the frame.
- First, dismantle the old sealing element. This can be done using a narrow spatula, which is used to pick up the material.
- Secondly, the entire surface is thoroughly cleaned of dust, dirt and the remnants of the old seal.
Drying the surface, proceed to install a new sealing element.
Seal installation
The installation instructions will depend on the type of attachment of the rubber bands. There are self-adhesive types of seals that do not require the purchase of additional fixing composition.
Self-adhesive types are mounted as follows.
Casement windows are laid on a flat surface. Remove the protective tape from the seal. Installation is done with a protrusion intended for mounting in a groove extending around the perimeter of the sash and frame. The tape is lightly pressed. After that, the sash is returned to its place.
At the beginning of self-adhesive sealing, it is advisable to consult the seller about the type of glue used for this work. You can use such types of compositions as "Cyanoplast" or superglue "88". But it is advisable to clarify whether the compositions will harm the seal and the window frame. They must also have excellent resistance to moisture..
Installation of the seal begins with the application of glue in the groove where the installation will be carried out. After the gum is inserted, pressing them lightly.
In no case should you tighten the seal too much; it will tear quickly during thermal deformations!
In the same way, the sealing element on the window frame is also replaced.
How to extend seal life
In order not to be claimed by some experts, the plastic window does not work on the “set and forget” principle, it needs constant care, otherwise its parts will quickly fail. To do this, periodically clean and lubricate all elements, including sealing gum.
As a lubricant for the sealant, you can purchase special compounds, but you can do with simpler options, such as petroleum jelly or glycerin. Both of these funds are sold in pharmacies and are very cheap.
Do not use products such as WD-40 - this is not a lubricant, but a rust remover. It can degrade silicone and other types of sealant very quickly.!
Non-aggressive silicone greases, sold in the form of a spray, as well as wedges, can be used to lubricate window gums.
To extend the service life, you also need to regularly change the window settings by season twice a year (winter / summer). This is done by turning the eccentrics at the end of the window (with a marker inwards - summer, outside - winter). So they tighten or weaken the degree of pressing of the flaps, which will allow "rest" of the seal in the summer.
Changing the seal significantly extends the life of the entire window and avoids the consequences of freezing, condensation and their derivatives: decay and mold in the openings.