The main task of the sealant, which is an obligatory part of PVC windows, is to protect the room from the cold, to keep heat inside the room. The seal serves as an airtight seal, it also protects rooms from moisture, dust and noise from the street. A seal is attached between the window sash and the frame.
Modern seals can be made of rubber, silicone, polymers, modified PVC. Black rubber seals are the most popular. Silicone – light, they are usually used in harsh climates, as they can retain their properties in severe frost.
How do you know when it is time to change the seals? Manufacturers usually provide a five to ten year warranty on these parts. If you begin to feel that it is leaking from the windows, on the windowsill, even if the window is closed all day, a layer of dust forms – it means that something is wrong with the seals. Checking the tightness is simple – insert a sheet of paper into the open sash, close the window and pull the sheet. If it came out very easily, without resistance, then the seal can no longer cope with its functions..
There can be several reasons for the wear of seals at the same time – a long service life, a harsh climate, exposure to ultraviolet rays. In any case, the dry, cracked, thinned PVC window seal needs to be replaced, because comfort and warmth in your home depends on it.
Manufacturers advise contacting specialists and service departments to replace seals. The price of such a service is on average 150 rubles per linear meter. Not very expensive, we agree, but if you want to save money, you can try to do everything yourself. To do this, you will need to buy a new seal first. They are selected taking into account the manufacturer of the plastic window, as well as the size of the old seals. New ones cost about 20-25 rubles per running meter. You can buy on the construction market or in companies engaged in the installation of plastic windows.
The first step is to remove the old seal. Find where to hook it, for example with a not too sharp knife, a small putty knife and pull to pry it out of the groove. The location of the seal is carefully wiped to clean it from dirt and dust.
Then one end of the seal is inserted into the groove, and its pad should be completely drowned. Rubber glue is applied in the corners to further secure the seal. No glue is required along the entire length.
Then we go with our finger or an improvised tool, for example, a screwdriver, but still better with a spatula, along the entire tape and insert it into the groove around the entire perimeter, without tension and compression. The kantik remains outside, it will be responsible for the tightness of the window. Excess tape is cut off, glue should also be applied at the junction of the joint, fixed.
It’s pretty simple. Another thing is when it comes to the seal between the glass unit and the frame, in which case you have to remove the plastic glazing beads, remove the linings, remove the glass unit, and then put everything back. This is already a rather complicated process. However, internal seals wear out less often, last longer.
After replacing the seals, also check the adjustment of the sashes, make sure that now the window closes tightly, nothing interferes, everything is done correctly.
To make your seals on plastic windows last longer, experts advise you to wash them at least once every six months with soapy water and wipe them with silicone grease (sold in stores in the auto accessories department). This will help them maintain elasticity for a long time..
I’m curious to know if replacing seals on PVC windows is a complicated task or if it can be done easily. Are there any recommended tools or techniques for sealing replacement? Additionally, how often should seals be replaced on PVC windows to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency? Any advice or guidance on this topic would be greatly appreciated!