We warm ourselves for the winter: a seal for plastic windows

Tags:Balcony and loggia, Living room and bedroom, Children's room, Kitchen, With your own hands

If the plastic windows after a few years of high-quality operation began to "see through", then the reason may be in the wear of the seal. Therefore, various fittings and rubber bands require special attention and care. Often, to eliminate the penetration of moisture and cold, it is necessary to replace the seal for plastic windows... So, let's look at what types of seals are and how to replace it so as not to disrupt the normal air circulation in the room.

Sealing materials are available in various configurations

Why do you need a seal for plastic windows

Double-glazed windows for windows are a sealed and energy-efficient element of the functional arrangement of the premises. In the places where the sashes fit to the frame, a special sealing rubber is used. This element protects the room from dust, noise and cold air penetration from the street.

During installation, it is important to ensure a snug fit of the material

Elastic bands for plastic windows look like cords made of elastic materials. When deformed, such material is compressed. Changing the thickness of the cord decreases the tightness of the flaps.

Window seals perform the following functions:

protect against noise coming from outside;
prevent dust from entering. Installing gaskets will improve the overall level of cleanliness in the rooms;
contributes to high-quality thermal insulation.Seals allow you to keep warm and even reduce heating costs;
provide protection from moisture. Rubber material does not allow water to pass through;
comfortable operating conditions for window structures and increased service life.

The seal takes up a certain place in the frame structure

Note! Even windows with built-in gaskets will need replacing over time. It is recommended to reinstall after 5 ÷ 6 years of operation.

When you need to replace the seal in a plastic window

Now let's figure out how to find out that the seal on plastic windows needs to be replaced. In fact, it is not always necessary to carry out repairs after 5 ÷ 7 years of service of rubber gaskets. With proper care, insulating gaskets can last for more than 10 years.

If you need to replace the old seal, you can easily remove it

You can determine the need for replacement by the following criteria:

the appearance of microcracks on the surface of the seal;
thinning of the elastic band and flattening;
drafts in the room;
the occurrence of street noise;
condensation on the profile;
freezing of windows along the perimeter of the sashes.

Elastic material for PVC

Reasons for replacing seals

Sealing gums can deteriorate under the influence of certain external factors: dust, dirt, moisture and direct sunlight. Without proper care, the material gradually loses its elasticity and can disintegrate and crumble. Because of this, the window begins to let in dust, see through and get dirty. The cause of problems with the seal may also be in the incorrect adjustment of the sash pressure.

How to check tightness of closing

Now let's find out how to check the tightness of the shutters. Most often for these purposes is used thermal imagerallowing you to find cold places.

The following methods will also help:

light a match or candle by the window. If the light begins to fluctuate, then this indicates a violation of the tightness;
open the window and put down a piece of paper. Close the flap and pull out the tab. With a tight structure, this will not work;
with very poor sealing, the draft will be felt even with a propped hand.

In case of insufficient density, the flaps can be adjusted

Types of seals by material, advantages and disadvantages

Consider different options for seals wooden windows and for plastic.

Silicone window seals

The expensive options include silicone products. The material is made of silicone rubber with the addition of metal. It is characterized by resistance to temperature shocks. The following advantages are also worth noting:

soft structure that does not lose its properties with temperature changes;
resistance to moisture and aggressive chemical environments;
long service life;
no danger of ozone radiation.

Self-adhesive silicone material option

There are also certain disadvantages:

significant cost;
susceptibility to mechanical stress.

Rubber

There are also synthetic or ethylene - propylene types of rubber. The material is durable and reliable.

Rubber seals have the following advantages:

increased resistance to temperature extremes;
high level of strength to mechanical deformation;
long service life;
not sensitive to sunlight.

Rubber seal

It is worth noting the disadvantages:

a sulphurous padding may give off an unpleasant odor;
the material is attached only with glue.

Rubber

Rubber seals are made of vulcanized rubber. Here are the pros of the material:

a budget option;
increased level of tightness.

Traditional rubber seals

Minuses:

may lose performance during temperature changes, dry out or crack;
deteriorate due to mechanical stress.

Note! When choosing a material, you should choose products from Turkish or Finnish companies.

Thermoplastic

Gaskets made from this material are often already present in the finished insulating glass units. The thermoplastic liner has an excellent springy. The composition of the material present polyethylene and rubber. It is worth to highlight some advantages of this option:

material sealed, not just the glue;
increased rate springing;
non-flammable;
safe for health.

The thermoplastic article sectional

Cons material:

It comes into disrepair under constant mechanical stress;
It has high elasticity.

Polyurethane

When depressurization is possible to replace the seal on polyurethane. This option is suitable for aluminum or other glazing. The seal will increase the degree of sound insulation.

Of the benefits worth noting:

reinforced adhesive layer;
low cost;
good sound proofing;
safety surface during removal.

polyurethane material

Sealant for PVC windows

This material is made of a modified polymer. The seal has a low cost.

Benefits:

during assembly can be welded;
resistance to fire;
environmental Safety;
a variety of colors;
an increased level of springiness.

You can choose any material shape

Minuses:

dependence on the ambient temperature;
at low temperature loses its elasticity;
deformed at regular mechanical loads.

EPDM and TPE-seals

EPDM or ethylene-propylene rubber is a high quality material. One of the main advantages of this material - resistance to the influence of ozone. With proper care this material can last more than 15 years.

EPDM made of EPDM material. This pad with the tubular profile. The seal is placed between the sash and the frame.

TPE (TPE) retains all the characteristics in all weather conditions. Material remarkably brings freezing temperatures and adheres to the profile. The gasket is not subjected to deformation under loads.

EPDM sealing material

Types of seals on the type of installation

Seals are also classified depending on the installation options. It is worth noting the following varieties:

self-adhesive seal for windows equipped with an adhesive layer that allows you to install the product yourself;
seals, are mounted on the adhesive layer are not finished;
Slot used for windows made of wood and used to increase the operating characteristics.

Self-adhesive tape

When choosing a self-adhesive products, it is necessary to pay attention to the expiration date. Since overdue materials quickly come unstuck from the surfaces.

Marking of plastic, rubber and silicone seals for plastic windows

There are three main types of markings:

KBE - the teeth are in a modified (presence of a stiffener) and unmodified design;
Rehau different single teeth slightly curved shape;
Veka - the tooth is at right angles to the base.

Options sealing tapes

Replacement of the seal in a plastic box with his hands

The procedure for replacing the seals on plastic windows with their hands consist of two stages: preparation and installation.Before installing, you need to prepare the place. You must first remove the sash. To do this, remove the protective hinge covers, and with the upper canopy knocked pin.

Installation of the new material

Preparatory works include:

the dismantling of the old gasket using a narrow spatula;
the surface is cleaned of dirt, dust and old material residues.

Installation depends on the types of rubber bands fastening. As the installation is done correctly, you can see in the table.

Photo	Description of work
	To replace the gasket seal is required, instant adhesive, which should be based on the gel. And also you need to prepare a rag, an ear stick, a stationery knife, scissors and wire cutters.
	First you need to dismantle the old seal. It is recommended to remove the tape from the corner area.
	The entire seal is then easily removed.
	Then you need to remove the rubber gasket from under the hinge. To do this, the sash must be opened at an angle. You need to open it by 10 mm and pull on the bottom edge.
	Residual material can be removed with a knife. You need to walk along the contour with a rag to clean the surface. Dirt in the groove can be removed with an ear stick.
	One end of the new seal should be inserted between the sash and the hinge.
	We stretch the piece to the middle of the sash.
	Press down on the sealing material. In this case, the lock must be located in the groove.
	We stretch the seal around the entire perimeter. At the junction, the rubber must be glued.
	The ends should be aligned to form a right angle. The excess needs to be cut off.
	Glue is distributed to the two ends of the tape, but not on the blades, but on the section of the lock.
	The ends are inserted into the groove and pulled together. The elements need to be pressed for a few seconds.

There are various options for replacing the sealing material. If you do not know how to change the seal on plastic windows, then some of the methods can be seen in the video below:

Installation and replacement of the seal in wooden windows

For windows in wooden frames, the following seal options are used:

The silicone gasket is an elastic material used in food and medical applications. This material is of two types. Liquid silicone is spread over the surface using a special gun. Rubber silicone is made in the form of flat strips;
self-adhesive sealant is a tape of various configurations.

Installing the sealing strip in the wood groove

When choosing a material, you should not choose thick gaskets, since windows or doors may not close.

Most popular rubber seal manufacturers

Various productsdrivers offer seals for plastic windows. The price also depends on this factor.

Rehau

One of the first manufacturers of gasketsok the company has become Rehau... It offers products in thermoplastic elastomer and EPDM.

Products from this manufacturer have the following advantages:

can be used with a wide range of temperatures;
tight pressure along the entire perimeter of the glass unit;
resistance to mechanical stress, ultraviolet radiation and high humidity;
the material can last for many years.

The cost of production depends on the features of the configuration and the material of manufacture.

Rehau products

Veka

The products of the German manufacturer are popularI Vekawhich has been on the market for over forty years. The company offers sealing material for stbark and for the window porch.

It is worth highlighting the following product advantages:

resistance to deformation and durability;
resistance to humidity, severe frost and temperature fluctuations;
increased level of noise insulation and thermal insulation.

Rubber sealing tape

KBE

This company produces double-glazed windows and accessories for them. The advantage of the product is that the gaskets fit tightly into the groove. It is necessary to roll in the product using a special tool.Products are made from high quality rubber. Seals are ideal for improving the performance of windows made of different materials.

Universal gray material

Russian manufacturers

You can purchase more budget options from domestic manufacturers. Suitable products of good quality are offered by companies such as "Standard Prof" and Obninskgazpolimer.

Important! When choosing such products, it should be borne in mind that seals of Russian companies may not fit foreign-made double-glazed windows.

If you have installed double-glazed windows from a well-known manufacturer, then you should not save money, but it is better to purchase accessories for plastic windows from the same company.

Domestic sealant for window profile

Care of the seal gasket - basic rules

Regardless of the choice of the gasket option, it is recommended to observe certain maintenance to improve the operational life. Here's what to do:

flushing... Sealing products should be wiped with a sponge or cloth dampened with LOC or Edelweiss. Silicone seals need to be cleaned much less frequently than other options;
grease... It is recommended to use solutions containing silicone. Vaseline or any oil is not suitable for lubrication;
removing dirt... It is necessary to clean the dirt from under the seals. This can only be done with a soft object, as the use of a screwdriver or knife will reduce the operating time.

Clearing profile elements

Care for fittings and gaskets requires the use of special sprays.

Note! Cleaning should be done no more than twice a year. You can also take advantage of the proposals for cleansing from various specialized companies.

Related article:

How to regulate plastic windows yourself? In a separate publication you can find detailed instructions on adjusting windows in different situations.

How to choose and buy at retail seals for plastic windows: prices

Choosing suitable andproducts, it is recommended to calculate the total cost of replacing the seal in plastic windows. FROMThe cost of some product options is shown in the table.

Products	Features:	Average price, rub.
Schlegel q lon	PVC profile. Black color.	60
Self-adhesive sealant 8mm * 4mm * 18m	Material - polyethylene foam.	60
Seal "SibrTech" Basic	Self-adhesive tape based on polyethylene.	37
Seal for Veka Elementis profile	Black color. Suitable for frame and insulating glass.	4315 over 400 meters
Seal Rehau	Suitable for frame and sash. Black colour.	8202 for 500 meters

Review of Vluan, Yekaterinburg: Seal Polisan S for windows and doors heat and noise insulation self-adhesive - Wonderful noise insulation seal.
Advantages: Excellent double-sided self-adhesive foam strips.
Disadvantages: Ten meters is not enough for me.
Self-adhesive "Polisan S" Reliable heat and sound insulation seal. I have problems in my house - there is a big crack along the floor and the floorboards are moving away from the wall blocks ...
More details on otzovik: http://otzovik.com/review_1619852.html

Ursulusa review: Seal for windows and doors Aviora - High quality seal, but with features.
Advantages: good quality material
Disadvantages: not always reliably protects from wind if fastened as recommended by the manufacturer
In a sense, we were lucky - plastic windows and glazing of the balcony were made in the house several years ago during a general large-scale renovation. They looked very good, so we didn't change them during the renovation in our apartment. But as it turns out, free is rarely good ...
More details on otzovik: http://otzovik.com/review_4218806.html

Finally

We hope that our review is useful to you, and you can do it yourselfbut to do the repair of plastic windows with the replacement of the seal. Compliance with the installation rules dependssieves structural strength and tight fit of the gasket. Well, if you have any questions or you have comments or additions, then you are welcome in the comments. Good luck!

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