How to repair window seal

The minimum lifespan of a sealing rubber is five years. And with proper care, it lasts for ten years. If problems appeared earlier, it is better to adjust and tighten the fittings preliminarily. Only if this does not help do you need to proceed to replace the rubber gaskets on the plastic windows. There are a few basic signs of wear and tear:

• During the cold season, condensation appears on the profile around the opening sashes.
• There are visible defects on the rubber band: dents and cracking of the surface layer. It has become stiff and lost its elasticity.
• There are signs of depressurization. The room quickly gets cold, and a strong wind blows from the narthex.
• Ice forms on the window sill or the frame itself in cold weather.
• Noise isolation is reduced. You can hear passing cars and people talking on the street. In a strong wind, there is an increased hum and even whistling.
• Due to increased humidity, fungus or mold can develop near loosened shutters.

If there is no possibility of calling a master for diagnosis and repair, the first thing you can do with your own hands is to lubricate and turn the adjusting trunnions to the "Winter" position. If nothing changes, move on to replacing the rubber itself.

What is the best sealing rubber for PVC windows?

You can find different consumables at the construction market or in the supermarket. But the only correct solution is the installation of elements recommended by the manufacturer of the profiles. If you do not know the brand name, it can be installed by:

• The handle is engraved on the handle;
• carving on the handle;
• the logo on the front of the profile;
• stamping on the band hardware;
• markings on the end part of the profile.

If you can not find the manufacturing company, it is enough to cut a piece of rubber tape for a sample. It is most convenient to take it at the joint, which is in the upper part.

Different types of rubber seals can be on the same profile system. So that you can choose a suitable option for yourself, let's consider their classification in more detail.

According to the type of material

The raw material used in the production directly affects the quality characteristics. For example, good sealing rubber remains elastic in the cold, retains its shape at high temperatures, and does not crack under the scorching sun. Therefore, it correctly serves as long as declared by the manufacturer. There are several variants on the market:

• Rubber. It was produced from vulcanized rubber. It is cheap, but in the cold can lose elasticity and, under the influence of the sun, crack. To prevent this, chemical additives are introduced into the composition. This means that the physical properties depend on the production technology.
• Synthetic rubber (EPDM). Depending on the vulcanizing component, there are sulfur and peroxide EPDM. The first can leave yellow marks on white plastic. The second is slightly more expensive but more practical. Both have excellent physical properties.
• Thermoelastopolymer (TPE). Produced from modified PVC. They are very elastic but do not withstand deformation in frost. They are used mainly in blind window blocks.
• Silicone. The material is very soft, durable, retains its properties in a wide range of temperatures, can withstand the aggressive effects of household chemicals, and does not crack under the sun. The only drawback is the high price. It is because of this that the products are not widespread.

Two variants are distinguished:

• Petal. These are rubber bands with the outer part in the form of a curved petal, usually semicircular. The reliability and durability of such consumables depend on the material's elasticity. If it blows on frost or poorly restores its body after compression, blowing will appear at once.
• Chamber ones. These represent a bundle along which one or more closed air chambers are located. Due to the stiffening rib, such products are better, and longer hold their shape. An air layer provides additional heat insulation for the jamb. Such seals are designed for window units with higher energy efficiency.

It is best to use the standard consumables when replacing the gaskets on plastic windows. If you want to change it, it is vital to get the thickness right. When the seals are thicker than the regular ones, the hardware wears down a lot. If they are thinner, you get an inadequate fit.

How to change the rubbers on plastic windows yourself

The replacement process is simple enough. But there are some peculiarities. Here are three essential rules, non-compliance with which leads to blowing and, in some cases, damage to the hardware:

• Remove the sash before changing the seal. The design features of the top hinge significantly restrict access to it. Physically replacing the rubber band without removing the strap can only be done with a tilt-and-turn opening. But to cope with this task can, not every professional. Therefore, we take as a rule the dismantling of the opening part.

Leaving a piece of tape behind the top hinge is unacceptable without replacing it. It is always thinner than the new sealing rubber. That's why there is a blowout in the corner.

• Change both sealing circuits. The thickness of the new and old gaskets is always different. Trying to save money can end up costing more. They end up with one contour adhering to the frame, while the second is a few millimeters away from it. This prevents the complete airtightness of the edge—condensation forms between the profiles and winter ice.
• Glue the rubber at the joint—the new sealant shrinks and decreases in size during shrinkage. A gap will eventually appear at the top of it, not glued. Attempts to squeeze the tape and lay it with a reserve are rarely successful. When the overlap is less than necessary, a gap appears. If it is more extensive, an "accordion" appears.

Changing the sealing contour is more accessible when the moving part of the frame is in a horizontal position. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare the working surface before removing it. It is crucial to put the edge on the outer profile, not the glazing unit. In some cases, the handle must be removed beforehand. The work is carried out with the window closed in the following sequence:

1. Remove the decorative cover of the upper hinge.
2. Use a thick screwdriver or pliers to pry up the locking pin and pull it down. If access from below is limited, first press on the protruding part of the rod from above.
3. Pull the sash and remove it from the hinge.
4. Lift the window, taking off the bottom pin.
5. Lay it on the prepared surface with the seal upward.
6. Take the hinge above the sash and pull it toward you to open the "scissors."

Window glazing is very heavy. If you have to remove a wide frame or do this work for the first time, be sure to invite a partner.

For clarity, we will demonstrate the process of removal and installation in the video:

Replacing the sealing rubber on a plastic window

The junction of the rubber is at the top. From there, it is most convenient to remove the old sealing tape. If the edges are glued to the frame, with a knife or scissors, we pick up the seal in any place and pull it out of the groove all around the perimeter.

Contamination left on the profile can interfere with the sealing. Remove all dirt with a rag or sponge with a soap solution. The remaining adhesive is removed mechanically with a utility knife or scissors.

The new door seal begins to be inserted from the top, bypassing the entire perimeter. The shape of its leg is symmetrical, which allows you to insert the stud in the groove of either side. Remember how the old seal was installed so as not to make a mistake. When properly installed, its broad side should pass precisely along the outer edge of the fixed part of the profile. It is essential to avoid excessive stretching of the rubber elements in the corners.

After passing the entire perimeter, cut the tape butt joints. Next, we remove both of its edges from the groove, drop a universal adhesive "Moment" on the foot, and put it back.

The principle of the work remains the same, but there are a few differences:

• For ease of disassembly, start removing the rubber from the corner.
• It is preferable to use frame tape. All manufacturers recommend it.
• The rubber should be oriented broadside inward.

TPE and VMQ type seals change from corner to corner. This means that they must be cut, not bent. At the same time, glue each joint with "MoMent."

For greater clarity, we will demonstrate the replacement process on video:

How to take care of the seals of plastic windows

Timely preventive measures prolong the life of the products as a whole. At the same time, there are no blowouts at the seams. Maintenance is best performed twice a year: in spring and fall. Usually, hostesses combine these operations with glass washing.

We carefully wipe the rubberized elements in the spring with a rag or sponge soaked in warm soapy water. Pay special attention to the underside. This is where the most dirt collects. After all, even a tiny dust accumulation breaks the seal's airtightness. After the removal of land, the surface becomes softer and more elastic.

In the autumn, all elements are rewashed. Clean rubber surfaces are treated with unique silicone grease. It additionally protects the material from temperature changes and the scorching sun. Thanks to a film of oil's formation, the tape does not freeze to the plastic in winter, and the frame opens easily. Rubber ruptures due to icing are excluded.

Instead of special silicone grease, some housewives use hand cream. As a result, the moisturizing components in their composition become a worthy substitute for technical oils.

Now you know how to replace the sealing rubber on a plastic window and adequately care for it. This helps maintain a comfortable microclimate in the house and prolongs the life of the window unit.

The rubber window seal is an integral part of plastic windows. However, over time, due to the effects of natural factors (water, sunlight, nitrogen), the sealing rubber of any PVC window becomes unusable. It loses its elasticity and dries out. As a consequence, the insulating properties of the plastic window deteriorate. This usually happens in the fifth year of the life of the plastic window.

- condensation disappears. When the seal is worn, the sash does not fit tightly against the window, which causes temperature differences and condensation;

- replacing the seal prevents the window from freezing. Frost forms when the seal is entirely or partially worn out;

- Eliminates blowing and draughts. Replacement of obsolete seals immediately returns the window's thermal insulation properties.

You can easily change the gaskets with your hands to restore the insulating properties, following the instructions provided.

They are replacing the sealant in the frame.

First, remove the old material.

Scrape off the remaining glue and sealant and grind away the freed surface. Finally, wash the frames and give them time to dry.

Then determine what type of window sealant you had before and its size. To do this, measure the window and use these dimensions to cut the rubber seal into one piece.

The ends must be cut at 45 degrees.

If none of the samples fit, take any with the right size feet.

Start inserting the new window seal from the top of the frame.

Try not to stretch the material. On the contrary, please squeeze it a little. Pay special attention to the insertion of the sealant in the corners.

For best results, it is advisable to smear the corners with glue. When you are close to completion, cut the sealant gum to get a small margin.

Changing the window gum on the sash

Turn the handle to the open position. Thus we leave the sash closed. Next, remove the overlay from the top hinge.

Using improvised materials, pull out the pin until it can disengage the hinge parts.

Tilt and lift the sash to remove it from the bottom hinge.

For ease of operation, get rid of the top hinge for a while.

Further replacement of the gasket is the same as on the frame.

A common problem when replacing is soldering in the corners. Separate the soldered places with your own hands is difficult. Therefore, use the following technique. First, remove what you can by hand.

Then, using a drill, clean up the groove.

Remove the remains of debris.

Calmly insert the sealant as usual.

With patience, the actual performance of heat resistance and the sound insulation of plastic windows will rise to the proper level.