Currently, plastic windows have gained well-deserved popularity among the average person. When installed according to GOST, correct operation and proper window care, they are able to please and protect the inhabitants of the home from noise and dust for decades.
However, sometimes not everything goes smoothly when using these PVC products. Having forgotten about proper maintenance, a person who has installed equipment even from well-known manufacturers sometimes faces the unpleasant consequences of his forgetfulness: moisture begins to seep into the room through the window opening, dust begins to penetrate, and the wind begins to blow.
The reason for this, in all likelihood, is that the seal installed in the window structure has become unusable. To correct the current situation, it is enough to replace this product. To do this, you don’t need to call a specialist; the average person is quite capable of replacing the window seals with his own hands.
What is a seal? Concept and purpose.
To make a replacement, you need to determine its location. To do this, you need to know what it is (see photo above). So, a window seal is a special rubber layer with a relief structure.
Its fixation is carried out in small grooves running inside the plastic structure. The sealing material is located around the perimeter of the entire window. With appropriate periodic care it should withstand Negative influence too high and low temperatures, do not let heat, cold, moisture inside the room, while simultaneously maintaining an optimal microclimate in the living space.
There are several types of similar materials used in modern window structures. The most common of them are rubber and rubber. The advantages of each are low sensitivity to temperature changes. On top of that, they are quite resistant to mechanical damage.
In addition to the two types of seals listed above, there are also polyethylene and polymer. The polyethylene seal comes with foam filling. Its features are weak recovery of shape after prolonged compression.
In the production of a polymer seal, a structure similar to the material from which the profiles of modern plastic windows are made is used. The advantage of the characteristics of a polymer seal is that its installation in a window structure ensures good tightness of the structure as a whole. Wherein this type sealing material may lose its original elasticity due to exposure to temperature changes and ultraviolet rays.
When is it necessary to replace the seal?
Window heat map. The blue color indicates the location of the window seal that has become unusable.
As mentioned above, the seal is designed to seal the plastic or plastic contour. His role in window design cannot be underestimated - it is responsible for ensuring sufficient sound insulation, protecting the room from specific odors trying to penetrate through the window opening and a number of other factors. It is not difficult for a person who spends a sufficient amount of time in an apartment to understand when it is necessary to change the seal to plastic windows. This may be evidenced by one or a number of combined factors listed below.
- signs of depressurization of the glass unit;
- formation of condensation on glass (especially in the corners). There is an article about eliminating this effect called “”;
- the formation of ice in winter, both on the glass and on the windowsill;
- excessive penetration of street noise or cold currents into the room;
- the appearance of fungus and mold on the seal;
- manifestation of signs of cracking of the material.
Selecting the type of sealing material.
If the profile is installed from famous manufacturer, regardless of whether the product is plastic or, purchasing a suitable seal will not be difficult. However, if mounted profile system less famous brands, then before you finally decide on the choice of the future sealing layer, you need to know the specifics associated with the interchangeability of certain window elements.
Most profiles from little-known companies copy the products of true industry leaders in the sale of window products:, etc. That's why individual elements, including sealing ones - interchangeable. For example, the less common brands Proplex, Vitrage, Novotex are aimed at one of the leaders in the window market - the KBE brand. REHAU brand seal can be successfully used in designs manufactured by Montblank or Brusbox.
Online stores, like regular ones, are sales-oriented building materials, sell this product both in large quantities and in quantities sufficient to repair one window. This flexible attitude towards the buyer allows the latter to easily select and order the required quantity of sealant. The main thing to know when ordering exact dimensions designs and add 20% to them for reserve.
An important point when independently ordering and purchasing window seals is the fact that the thickness of the new layer should not exceed the thickness of the old one, otherwise problems may arise during the installation and further operation of the window structure.
Also, when buying a seal to install it in a window with your own hands, you do not need to save money. , although its cost is not high, it does not make sense to use it in PVC windows - it is only suitable for sealing wooden windows sample from the times of the USSR. Modern plastic structures they need a special sealant manufactured in accordance with the requirements of GOST 30778-2001. So choose carefully suitable material before you begin installing it yourself.
How to increase the service life of the seal?
Rather than spending extra money on a purchase and effort on installing a seal on a window, it’s better to anticipate this in advance. possible problem. To prevent premature wear, the sealing product requires periodic maintenance:
- At least twice a year it is necessary to take care of the windows - wash and wipe them. This also applies to the seal.
- Depending on climatic conditions, to prevent it from cracking, periodically apply either glycerin, sold in every pharmacy, or a solution containing silicone to the seal.
- better not to use detergents with a high fat content in order to exclude the possibility of penetration of a fatty substance into the structure of the seal.
- When conducting repair work, or work with a high content of dust in the air, It's better to keep the window closed. This will prevent small particles of dirt and dust from settling on the seal.
Replacing the sealing cord yourself.
If you have to replace the gasket yourself, you will need the following tools and materials:
- Scissors.
- New suitable seal.
- Silicone glue.
- Glue gun.
Important!
To carry out a high-quality replacement, it is necessary to lay a solid sealing material around the entire perimeter of the window, without adding length to its individual components.
Knowing this, you can begin replacing the old seal on the selected window. In order to perform all the necessary operations correctly and in the required sequence, you must follow the following algorithm of actions:
- Using scissors, or stationery knife pry off the edge of the seal that needs replacement. With a little effort, you need to remove it from the special recesses in the window frame.
- Wipe loose grooves soft cloth without lint - this way the cord will be better fixed in the cleaned grooves.
- To fix the new seal, you need to coat the corner parts of the frame with pre-prepared silicone glue.
- With extreme care, insert the new material to be installed into the appropriate recesses. The harness should run around the entire perimeter of the window.
- The excess is trimmed with scissors.
- The connecting joint of the two ends of the seal is carefully glued in the corner of the window frame.
Replacing the seal in plastic PVC windows necessary if you begin to feel a draft in the room.
Window gum – special material, which ensures the tightness of the connection of the sashes to the frames. With active use, the seal is subject to mechanical damage and rapid wear.
Also, the window seal, regardless of whether it is rubber, silicone or rubber, loses over time
elasticity, as a rule, needs to be replaced after 7 - 10 years of use of windows.
Advantages of replacing plastic window seals by professionals
Our company offers services for replacing window seals. Our specialists have great experience maintenance work window systems, which guarantees a high-quality approach to completing the task.
Many consumers believe that they can replace rubber bands on PVC windows on their own, without special skills. This opinion is wrong.
5 reasons to order a replacement seal from our company:
- Visit of a specialist in Moscow FOR FREE
- The craftsmen have all types of seals in stock, replacement is carried out immediately ON THE SAME DAY
- Adjusting fittings and lubricating windows FOR FREE
- We provide DISCOUNTS, by volume, pensioners, persons in preferential categories
- All replacement work is provided GUARANTEE
Our specialists will select the right required type seal: petal or tubular, rubber, silicone or rubber and will be replaced correctly.
The price for work performed by our company will be adequate to the quality of the work performed. The cost of materials will be lower than an individual purchase by the customer, because it is based on wholesale prices.
How can I find out the cost of replacing a rubber seal?
To call a specialist in Moscow, you can call us by phone, or you can leave a request on the website. A specialist will arrive on the same day, this service is provided free of charge.
Will be held necessary measurements, estimation of work volumes. Based on this, the cost of replacement will be calculated. This process does not require the use of a tool, the operation of which is accompanied by noise, and therefore can be performed at any convenient time.
Seasonal discount: when ordering a replacement seal
You get a 20% discount + FREE adjustment
Visit of a specialist FREE OF CHARGE 8 499 755 73 60
Replacing the seal in plastic windows is the only way to eliminate heat leaks at the junction of the sash and the frame.
Our company's employees first produce external inspection and select the required brand of rubber seal.
When performing operations on PVC profiles, only original components from the corresponding manufacturer are used. During installation, no devices are used to speed up the work, the use of which can damage the rubber. The process is carried out for both external and internal contour at the same time, this is the only way to guarantee quality.
From the outside, this operation does not look too complicated; some people try to do it themselves. However, there are a lot of subtleties here and therefore such attempts often lead to even greater drafts through unprofessional installed elements. Replacement is usually done on their own in order to save money; consumers buy cheap components, which only aggravates the problem.
Materials are sold wholesale in large quantities up to 500 m. They are intended for enterprises that produce windows and doors, or companies involved in their installation, maintenance, and repair. IN retail trade Their price is quite high and the client cannot receive any benefits from replacing them independently.
All PVC double-glazed windows: Veka, KBE, Rehau, as well as other manufacturers, have their own systems with their own tolerances. The use of non-original seals only leads to worsening general characteristics designs. This is easy to understand from the following example:
It would seem that if you install a thicker rubber band, this will eliminate the flow of cold air from outside.
But at the same time, the load on the locking elements greatly increases, which often leads to adjustment violations and even system breakdowns.
Our craftsmen work in Moscow , Moscow Region, Kotelniki, Zhulebino, Novokosino, Reutov, Dolgoprudny, Korolev, Krasnogorsk, Odintsovo, Mytishchi, Lyubertsy, Pavshino, Aprelevka, Moskovsky City, Balashikha, Zelenograd, Khimki, Vidnoye, Vnukovo, Kommunarka, Shcherbinka, Butovo, at prices below market prices. For such categories as pensioners, we provide significant discounts.
Replacing the seal on plastic windows with your own hands is done in most cases without problems. This is a simple procedure that anyone can handle. Next, we will consider all the features of this operation.
The sealing of the glass unit depends on the seal. You can understand that it has failed if the following factors begin to appear:
- The window began to freeze - ice appeared inside.
- Condensation appears on the glass. This is due to the fact that the doors began to close poorly.
- The tires are worn out. This happens because the operating period is too long.
- There was a draft in the room. It appears as a result of depressurization.
If at least one of these factors appears, the rubber bands on the plastic windows should be replaced immediately.
What varieties are there?
Many people wonder which window seal is best? To answer this question, you should know all its varieties. They differ not only external signs, but also the materials from which they are made. The most popular options are:
- Rubber (produced by vulcanization of rubber with the addition of sulfur). In the recent past, the most popular variety. Possessing affordable price, such an element is capable of sealing all joints
- EPDM (from various polymer compounds). Operational period- 20 years. It is characterized by high resistance to atmospheric factors (does not crack even at very low temperatures).
- Silicone. Can last up to 40 years. Used for both residential and industrial premises. The main advantage is absolute environmental friendliness. Does not lose its properties even with sudden temperature changes. Resistant to UV rays, oxygen and ozone.
- TPE (thermoplastic elastomers). Created as a result of improvement of its silicone “brother”. Has improved performance characteristics. This is the most popular category right now.
- PVC. Such an element will last no more than 3 years due to its modest technical characteristics. However, it can only be used in warm rooms. The only advantage is the very low price.
Maintenance rules that will increase the service life
Timely lubrication of the window seal prolongs its life several times. Despite the fact that this element is made of very high quality and durable materials, it still wears out over time. To ensure this happens as late as possible, special lubricants are used to protect the element from the harmful effects of external factors.
How to lubricate the seals? There are several options that differ in cost and effectiveness:
- Glycerin is the most cheap option. This colorless liquid is sold in pharmacies and costs around 20 rubles. It's great for lubrication PVC surfaces, covering them invisible protective film. A significant drawback is that glycerin dissolves in water, so there are no waterproofing properties.
- Petrolatum. This is a universal lubricant that covers the surface with a transparent layer. However, it can only be used for rubber models. Vaseline softens them, making them more pliable. It is absolutely hydrophobic, so the material will be perfectly protected from moisture. The only negative is the small operating temperature range from −25 to +28 degrees. In most regions of our country, the climate is harsher, so Vaseline will not last long.
- WD-40. The most popular lubricant in the world, used in all areas. It is based on mineral oil, protecting the surface from moisture. The presence of carbohydrates in the composition reduces viscosity. WD-40 is sold in spray cans, so it is convenient to use.
Interesting: WD-40 was developed to protect cases spaceships from corrosion and other external factors.
We make the replacement correctly and without consequences
- Having purchased the tape that suits you, we stock up on special glue. You will also need rubber scissors.
- Remove the worn out tape. This is not difficult to do - with a slight effort it is pulled out of the grooves.
- Next we clean original surface. It is necessary to completely get rid of dust and dirt to ensure maximum adhesion of the glue. Ideally, degrease the surface. To do this, we use alcohol, White Spirit, solvent or other similar substances.
- Then evenly coat the perimeter of the frame with glue. Then we insert the new seal completely. If you have never done this before, we recommend that you first practice doing it without glue, as many people have problems at this stage. Do not pull the tape or compress it too much - it must be in a free state.
- Having laid the tape correctly, cut off the excess. We additionally coat the joint area.
Perform this procedure regularly to ensure a good indoor microclimate.
Master of Architecture, graduated from Samara State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering. 11 years of experience in design and construction.
Very often, after several years of operation of plastic windows, a draft appears from under the sash, which cannot be eliminated by normal adjustment of the system. There may be several reasons, but usually it is wear of the rubber seals. How to eliminate such a negative phenomenon? The answer is simple - the seal will need to be replaced.
Reasons for replacing seals
The tightness of a plastic window depends on many factors: from the quality of the frame itself to the tightness of the glass unit. But every factor is important, including the degree of pressing of the sash, which is ensured by the presence of sealing rubber bands. If they are worn out, the following negative phenomena may appear:
Of course, it may be that the whole reason lies in the system setup, and easy adjustment plastic windows will correct the whole situation. But, if all options have been tried and there is no result, then the seal will definitely need to be replaced.
How to check the closing tightness
What methods can you use to check the tightness of a plastic window sash? The simplest one is to use a thermal imager. The device will show where the coldest points in the system are.
Easy to find with a thermal imager problem areas window However, you can check this using simple methods:
- Light a match or candle near the window. If the light fluctuates, it means the seal is broken.
- IN open window lay down a sheet of paper. They lock the door and try to remove the stash. This cannot be done with a securely locked system. Otherwise, the degree of compression is insufficient and the seal needs to be replaced.
- If the sealing is very poor, a draft can be felt even with your hand leaning against the window.
Types of window seals
Most often there are several types of sealing elements, which differ from each other in the material of manufacture.
Rubber types
The most widely used type of such element is rubber. The material is very flexible and resistant to various types loads Rubber seals have only one drawback - they are sensitive to temperature changes.
Rubber seal can last up to 30 years The main advantages are durability proper care(about 30 years), ensuring tightness and breathability.
Silicone varieties
Seals made of silicone are more durable compared to rubber counterparts (up to 40 years of operation). Lightweight and durable material, which can withstand many loads and impacts, including sudden temperature changes and ultraviolet radiation.
Silicone seals are resistant to temperature changes Polymer (EPDM) types
These types of seals on plastic windows are made from several polymer compounds. The main advantage is resistance to very low temperatures. Warranty service life – up to 20 years.
Polymer seal is resistant to low temperatures Thermoplastic elastomer (TEP) varieties
Seals are made from polymer compounds that have the ability to expand at elevated temperatures. In more moderate weather conditions The seals resemble rubber. However, too cold conditions lead to failure (cracking).
TEP seal is capable of expanding when the temperature rises PVC and foam types
The use of such a seal on plastic windows is acceptable only in a heated room. PVC is very sensitive to frost and cracks quite quickly.
Foam rubber – lightweight material and has excellent properties for thermal insulation, but it is very fragile. The service life of these types of seals is within 3 years.
The foam seal must be replaced every 3 years When choosing one type or another, it is worth considering that warranty periods will be maintained with proper care (leaf adjustment, cleaning and lubrication). If you neglect it, the period of use will be shortened significantly.
How do you know what type of sealant is installed in your windows? The best way out of the situation is to contact an installer. If this is not possible, you can simply cut off a sample and purchase the same one in the store. Also, to purchase, you need to measure how many meters of material you will need to purchase.
Seal replacement technology
So, after purchasing the sealing elements, they begin to replace them immediately. The process itself is divided into two stages: preparation and installation itself.
Preparatory work
Initially, you need to prepare the place before installing a new seal.
To make it easier 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, you need to knock out the pin from the top canopy. Open the window, holding the sash (it will start to fall out). By lifting it, it is removed from the frame.
At the first stage, the old seal is dismantled - First, dismantle the old one sealing element. This can be done using a narrow spatula, which is used to pry up the material.
- Secondly, the entire surface is thoroughly cleaned of dust, dirt and remnants of the old seal.
After wiping the surfaces dry, proceed to installing a new sealing element.
Seal installation
Installation instructions will depend on the type of rubber band fastening. There are self-adhesive types of seals that do not require the purchase of additional fastening compounds.
Self-adhesive types are mounted as follows.
The window sash is laid on a flat surface. Remove the protective tape from the seal. Installation is done with a protrusion designed for fastening into a groove running along the perimeter of the sash and frame. Press the tape lightly. After this, the sash is returned to its place.
To install the seal, you must use special glue When starting to glue the seal yourself, it is advisable to consult the seller about the type of glue used for this work. You can use types of compounds such as “Cyanoplast” or “88” superglue. But it is advisable to clarify whether the compounds will harm the seal and window frame. They should also have excellent moisture resistance.
Installation of the seal begins with applying glue to the groove where installation will be carried out. Then insert the elastic bands, pressing them lightly.
Under no circumstances should you tighten the seal too much; it will quickly break due to temperature deformations!
The sealing element on the window frame is also replaced in the same way.
How to extend the life of the seal
Despite what some experts may say, a plastic window does not work on the “set it and forget it” principle; it requires constant maintenance, otherwise its parts will quickly fail. To do this, you need to periodically clean and lubricate all elements, including sealing rubber bands.
The seal is lubricated periodically silicone grease How lubricant for the sealant, you can purchase special compounds, or you can get by with more simple options, such as petroleum jelly or glycerin. Both of these products are sold in pharmacies and are very cheap.
Do not use products like WD-40 - this is not a lubricant, but a rust remover. It can very quickly render silicone and other types of sealants unusable!
To lubricate the rubber bands of the window, you can use non-aggressive silicone lubricants, sold in spray form, just like windows.
To treat the seal it is necessary to use non-aggressive silicone compounds To extend service life, you also need to regularly change the window settings according to the season (winter/summer) twice a year.. This is done by turning the eccentrics at the end of the window (marker inward for summer, outward for winter). This way the degree of pressing of the valves is tightened or weakened, which will allow the seal to “rest” in the summer.
Changing the seal significantly extends the service life of the entire window and will allow you to avoid consequences such as freezing, condensation and their derivatives: rot and mold in the openings.
Sealant on plastic windows serves for many years. Does it need care? What should I lubricate it with? And is it necessary to change the seal on plastic windows at all? Where can I buy it and how much does it cost? Read more about this.
Why change the seal on plastic windows?
First, let's talk about how people come up with the idea of replacing the window seal.
First. It starts to blow somewhere. A person turns to the Internet and oh my God, he finds a solution - change the seal.
Second. Clients call a plastic window repair specialist, and he, instead of the simplest one, begins to replace fittings and seals.
Third. Recently, many small window repair companies have sprung up, whose managers call people and offer their services. Moreover, calling a specialist is free. As a result, we get the following. The technician, having examined the windows, comes to the conclusion that the seal needs to be replaced, motivating this replacement by the fact that the new seal is better than the old one.
So, I believe that replacing the seal on plastic windows should be done in extreme cases. As a rule, problems with blowing are solved by other actions. Well, that's up to the client. If it goes comprehensive renovation windows with replacement of double-glazed windows and fittings, with adjustment, with replacement assembly seam, with the alteration of the slopes, then it makes sense to replace the seal.
Caring for seals on plastic windows
What in general can happen to the seal over time?
It can dry out, shrink and take on a flattened shape. All this happens because improper care or more precisely due to the lack of care for the seal on plastic windows. Therefore, it is customary to lubricate the seal twice a year with either silicone grease or a grease stick from a special kit for caring for plastic windows. By the way, it also includes lubricant for hardware and white milk for rubbing out scratches.
Silicone lubricant is sold in automotive stores, and a care kit can be purchased in the same place where components for plastic windows are available. More details
Replacing the seal on plastic windows
If you still decide to replace the seal, this can be done in two ways:
- On one's own
- By using
At self-replacement you need to know some important points.
The seal changes both on the sash and on the frame. For convenience, it is better to remove the sash by removing the pin from the top hinge. But you don’t have to take it off. When removing the old seal, remember how it stood.
When inserting a new seal, you need to make sure that it is not stretched, but rather is slightly compressed. This point is especially important in the corners.
Also, in the corners, it is better to glue the sealant to the plastic with super glue. The ends of the seal are also glued together. The new seal should not be lubricated. It's already lubricated.
On the sash, in order to insert the seal under the top hinge, this hinge must be removed.
How much does a sealant for plastic windows cost and where can I buy it?
It is known that there are several types of seals. They differ in shape depending on PVC profile. Therefore, before looking for the right seal, you need to know the name of the profile of your window. It must be said that there are universal seals that fit most popular profiles.
The seal also differs in color. As a rule it is black. But, in Lately gain popularity grey colour. But, it is more expensive.
Where to buy sealant for plastic windows? The easiest way to purchase is to contact the same company where the windows were purchased or any window company. But, in window companies The seal will be more expensive than in online stores, but they will cut off as many meters as you need.
Therefore, you can search on the Internet. Here are a few stores:
- inookno.ru
The cost of sealant for plastic windows is approximately 20 rubles per meter. And lastly, a video, really not very good good quality. But the man in this video knows what he's talking about. See for yourself.