What are Double Glazing Window Seals and Why Are They Important?

Double glazing is one of the most popular window types in the UK, and for a good reason. Double glazing helps insulate your home or business and reduces outside noise. But to ensure that your double glazing performs at its best, it’s essential to have a functioning uPVC window seal on all of your windows.

Every window seal plays an important role in preventing air and water from passing through the windows on your property. When double glazing seals are working correctly, they create an airtight barrier that keeps the cold air out and the warm air in, making your property feel more comfortable throughout the year.

Identifying whether your double glazing uPVC window seal is damaged is crucial to keeping your property comfortable and energy-efficient, so it’s important that homeowners and businesses recognise why window seals are important and how to replace them when the time comes.

What are Double Glazing Window Seals?

Double glazing is an excellent investment for any property owner looking to improve their home’s insulation and energy efficiency. However, it’s not just the two panes of glass that make double glazing so effective. The seals that fit between the window frame and the glass panes play a crucial role in the window’s performance. These seals are typically made from materials such as rubber, silicone, PVC, or EPDM, and they create an airtight barrier that prevents air and water from passing through the window. A uPVC window seal is one of the most common types of window seal available.

A uPVC window seal can come in different shapes and sizes, depending on the window’s design, but all seals serve the same purpose. They keep the interior of your property warm in the winter and cool in the summer, which helps reduce energy bills and carbon emissions. Additionally, window seals help reduce noise pollution, making your home or business a more peaceful place.

Without a functioning uPVC window seal on your window, your double glazing’s insulation properties can be significantly reduced. Air leaks can allow heat to escape, causing your property to feel colder and increasing your energy bills. Moreover, drafty windows can also allow water to penetrate, causing damp and mould issues that can lead to more significant problems in the future.

What are the Problems with Broken Double Glazing Window Seals?

Broken or damaged double glazing window seals can cause several problems, including increased energy bills, condensation, and drafts. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s essential to have your uPVC window seal checked by a professional:

• Condensation – One of the most noticeable signs of broken window seals is the presence of misted glass. When seals fail, moisture-laden air can enter through the gaps and come into contact with the cold glass. This can cause condensation on the inside of the window, damaging the window frame and leading to mould growth.
• Drafts – Drafts are a common problem caused by broken or worn window seals. When seals fail, they can allow air to pass through the window, causing a draft. This can lead to uncomfortable living conditions and result in higher energy bills as you try to keep your home warm.
• Increased energy bills – One of the primary benefits of double glazing is its ability to reduce energy bills by preventing heat loss. However, if seals are broken, this energy-saving benefit is lost, and your bills can increase. When seals fail, they allow air to pass through the window, making it harder to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. This means that you will need to use more energy to keep your home warm, resulting in higher energy bills.
• Water leaks – Broken seals can also lead to water leaks. When water is allowed to pass through the seals, it can cause damage to the window frame and surrounding walls. This can lead to emergency glazing repairs and may damage your property.
• Noise pollution – Double glazing is known for its ability to reduce noise pollution, making your home or business a more comfortable and peaceful place to be. However, if the seals are broken, they can allow noise to pass through, reducing the effectiveness of your double glazing.

Replacing Window Seals

If you have a broken or damaged double glazing uPVC window seal, it’s essential to have it replaced as soon as possible. Replacing window seals is a relatively straightforward process and can be done by a professional. The process involves removing the old seals and fitting new ones in their place.

While replacing window seals may seem like a simple task, it’s important to hire a professional glazier to ensure that the job is done correctly. Improper installation can lead to more significant problems, such as air and water leaks, which can cause damage to the surrounding window frames and walls.

At Montrose Glass, we provide both commercial glazing and domestic glazing for various properties. Our team of highly skilled glaziers has years of experience in repairing and replacing window seals. We understand the importance of quality workmanship and take pride in delivering a high standard of service to our clients.

Sealing a Drafty Window

If you have a drafty window and are waiting to have the seals replaced, there are several steps you can take to reduce drafts and keep your home warm. To try sealing a drafty window, you can use one of these techniques while you wait for a professional:

• Use draft excluders – Draft excluders can be placed at the bottom of the window to prevent drafts from entering your home. They are an inexpensive and effective solution to a drafty window.
• Seal gaps – Use a sealant to fill any gaps around the window frame. This can be an effective short-term solution to prevent drafts.
• Cover windows – If you have single-glazed windows, covering them with plastic film can provide an extra layer of insulation and help prevent drafts.

Window seals are an essential component of your double glazing system. They help insulate your home or business, reduce outside noise, and prevent heat loss. Broken seals can cause several problems, including drafts, increased energy bills, and condensation. If you have broken seals, they must be replaced as soon as possible.

At Montrose Glass, we provide top-quality commercial and domestic glazing services, and our team of highly skilled glaziers are available to assist you with your double glazing repairs at any time. Contact us today to talk about repairing or replacing your uPVC window seal!