When people talk about window seals on replacement windows, they usually think about three essential things. First, there’s the silicone seal, which is the filling that goes around the window frame. The second part is the weatherstripping, and finally, the seal goes around the insulated glass unit (IGU), which is made up of two or more panes.
All of these parts are very important because they seal the windows. Should any of them break down or stop working as they should, it could cause problems like water leaks or seepage. If your home’s window screens of your replacement windows become damaged, below are effective ways to fix the issue.
On this page
1. The Types Of Window Seals
To make a watertight seal around window frames, silicone caulking or sealers are often a good choice. Putting a liquid solution on top, pressing it down, and leaving it to dry makes this process effective.
After it dries, the silicone sealant is an essential barrier, removing rain and air. This window seal is critical to keeping the area safe and weatherproof.
When it comes to weatherstripping, it is usually put on parts of windows that can be opened and closed that might have gaps when the window is shut.
Weatherstripping is a barrier that keeps air leaks and moisture from getting into these holes. Foam or tube vinyl/rubber are the most common materials for weatherstripping in windows. These make suitable barriers against drafts and water getting in.
The last part is the cover of the Insulated Glass Unit (IGU), which can also be called sealed glass units, sealed window units, or insulated glass panels.
Modern double- or triple-glazed replacement windows all use IGUs. The only difference is the number of glass sheets they have. For instance, double-glazed windows have two parallel sheets, and triple-glazed windows have three.
Most of the time, technicians use fog between the panes of an IGU to find broken seals.
2. Silicone Caulk Sealing
If you have a silicone sealer, a utility knife or putty knife, and a soft cloth, you should be able to fix a broken window seal on a window frame by yourself to save on window replacement cost. Please follow these steps to restore a broken window seal properly.
First, carefully cut away the broken caulking around the window frame with the putty knife. After removing the old caulking, clean the area carefully with a soft cloth to ensure no dirt or dust is left behind. Cut a small piece off the tip of the silicone sealant tool to get a better application edge.
Fill in the gap on the window frame with the silicone glue. Use only the amount needed to do the job. Run your finger over the silicone sealant applied gently to ensure it is lightly pressed into the frame.
This will give the finish a smooth, even look. If you see any holes or other flaws in the silicone sealant, add more silicone to those spots and smooth them out with your fingers.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how long to let the silicone sealer dry before using it again. After that, remember to wash your hands to remove any silicone sealant still on your fingers.
3. Sealing Damaged Weatherstripping
Foam-type weatherstripping is a valuable and flexible way to keep the weather out of your replacement windows.
You will need a soft cloth, foam weatherstripping, and a tape measure to do this job. First, take off the weatherstripping that is already on your window. This will give you a clean, clear surface to work on.
Use a tape measure to carefully and accurately measure your window’s size to ensure it fits perfectly. Take the measurements you made for your window and cut the foam weatherstripping to fit.
Use a soft cloth to carefully clean the area where you want to put the new weatherstripping in place before you put it on.
Foam weatherstripping has an adhesive back that you should peel off and stick firmly along the window frame. After installing the weatherstripping, close your window to make sure it works correctly and that the weatherstripping seals it well when it’s closed.
Following these steps, you can easily change weatherstripping worn or flat with foam-type weatherstripping. This will keep your window’s seal solid and energy-efficient.
