When do you need to replace a window seal?

The answers to the question of whether it is often necessary to change the window seal are very different. Even in a professional environment, the whole range of opinions is found — from "never" to "once every 4 years or more often".

The optimal solution will be an individual approach to each case. This is the only way to assess the condition of the seal and decide whether it needs to be changed.

How long will the seal last?

The main task of the sealer is to ensure a tight fit of the frame to the sash when closing the window. Therefore, a sealer is made of elastic materials — they must hermetically close the gap between the parts and quickly restore the shape when removing the load. The service life depends on the material:

• WDS profile systems use TRE seals, which retain elasticity for 30-40 years.
• Seals made of rubber or natural rubber serve for up to 30 years.
• Silicone contours last up to 40 years (but they have one disadvantage — they often tear).
• Even the simplest and most affordable EPDM retains elasticity for 20 years.

Important! These are the maximum values for ideal conditions. In practice, the period of elasticity preservation is reduced due to temperature fluctuations, lack of care and prolonged stay in a compressed state.

Diagnostics: when is it time to change the sealing circuit?

It will not be possible to make an exact replacement schedule — so the seals need to be inspected periodically. Here are the signs that indicate that the contour is not coping with its tasks and needs to be replaced:

• Increased rigidity and fragility as a result of reduced elasticity.
• Deformation is the appearance of creases or creases that are not eliminated after the load disappears.
• Punctures, cuts, tears, other mechanical damage.
• Cracks that appear as a result of drying out.

If any of these signs are detected, it is necessary to raise the issue of replacing the seal. However, it is not always possible to find a defect — especially if we are talking about deformation or a decrease in elasticity. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the indirect signs of wear:

• Drafts that occur due to low clamping efficiency.
• The penetration of extraneous sounds.
• Condensation formation along the perimeter of the window.
• The appearance of frost or ice.
• Fluid leakage from under the sash.

If these signs are detected, it is worth contacting a master for the repair and adjustment of PVC structures. First, he will diagnose and identify the cause of the malfunction. Secondly, if necessary, he will adjust the fittings. Finally, the wizard will help you make a decision about replacing the seal, and if necessary, install a new circuit.

Prolong the service life of the seal

Replacing the seal on the window is a simple task, and the cost of such a procedure is low. But if there is an opportunity to avoid replacement, why not use it? Moreover, it is not difficult to extend the service life of the seal:

• Avoid creases and deformations, especially on contours with large-width petals. If, when closing the sash, the seal is deformed and stays in a compressed state for a long time, then a draft may appear at this place.
• Do not overdo it with the clamp — this also leads to deformation of the seal. Too strong pressure practically does not improve thermal insulation, but the sealing contours suffer. Therefore, even in the cold season, periodically open the windows — both for ventilation and to restore the shape of the seals.
• Clean the seal regularly (at least twice a year) and lubricate it with a means to preserve elasticity. Suitable products from the window care kit or neutral silicone-based lubricants.

A good clamp, which provides noise and thermal insulation, is impossible without a serviceable elastic seal. And you can keep the sealing circuit in working condition by following our recommendations.

You can order a high-quality professional installation of metal-plastic windows by following the link