Compactor for plastic windows: types, characteristics and features of the replacement

Many are familiar with the problem of the lack of heat and sound insulation of plastic windows designs. Most often, it occurs due to wear of the gasket material. Compactor for plastic windows can be made of different materials and have different forms, but in any case it should be changed regularly. Just because your windows are permanently maintain high performance.

Why seals for windows

Gaskets for windows made of natural rubber, and other materials, and perform the following functions:

• protection against external noise - buy window seals for plastic windows is particularly recommended for those who live in a noisy area. If the windows of your home are located on busy routes are, kindergarten yard or other places, noise which prevents you, the installation of rubber, silicone or rubber seals easy to solve this the problem;

• dust protection - a large part of the particles penetrating into the house from outside through slits in the windows. Setting seals significantly increase the level of cleanliness in your home and eliminate the need to frequently wash windowsills and the space near the window;
• maintaining the temperature in the house - in poor insulation of windows of the house very quickly leaves the heat in the summer, even with air conditioning does not protect from the heat. This leads to high power consumption. Seals in the windows will stay in the house much more comfortable will help to keep warm in winter and cool in summer, but also help to save money on utilities;
• protection against humidity - the moisture from rain or snow infiltrates into the house is through the windows. Even small gap may eventually lead to a constant humidity. Rubber, rubber or silicone does not pass water, so your home will always be warm and fuzzy;
• more comfortable operation of the double-glazed windows - shutters with strips of elastic material is best to open and close, do not clap and do not creak;
• the extension of the service life of windows - no matter what windows installed in your home, wood or plastic, the use of pads allow them to last a lot longer protect them from the damaging effects of moisture, temperature extremes and mechanical deformations. Thus, setting the seal, you provide your windows a long life.

Useful advice!Even if you have purchased a box with built rubber gaskets in a profile, they will still need to be replaced after a certain time after the start of operation. With the high quality of windows it is held approximately once every 5 years.

When you need a replacement of the seal in a plastic box

Signs that the window needs replacing seal, there may be several. Among them are the following:

• clear signs of depressurization - there were constant drafts, heat does not stay in the room for a long time;
• condensation - appearance on the glass and insulating glass angles of water drops;

The seal should be replaced when it began to crack

• on the window sill and the window appears the ice, which is very negative impact on the indoor climate;

• windows are no longer protected from the noise - hear all the sounds from the street, with the wind and there is a characteristic hum;
• windows there fungus and mold - this indicates tightness of glass, the accumulation of moisture in it;
• set the seal begins to crack - it means that he has already far exceeded its service life.

If you notice any of the above symptoms, then it means that you should buy for seal plastic window to replace the failed, and install it. Otherwise, the window will cease to perform its protective function.

It is also necessary to understand that the window sealing affects several distinct factors:

• quality seal. It all depends on the material from which it is made. Qualitative cushioning material must endure repeated compression and stretching in the process of opening and closing windows, to withstand regular changes in temperature and other negative factors;

• connection type seal with the window. Performance Specifications The latter depends on the manner in which the sealing material is attached. This may be gluing, soldering, and other options;

• quality replacement. Even the highest quality seals for windows wooden and plastic type lose most of their properties, if they are not installed properly. Tutor installation is relatively easy, but if you have absolutely no the necessary skills and tools, it will be better to seek help from an experienced specialists.

Useful advice!If you decide to change the gasket at the window in the home, it is worth pre-acquainted with numerous instructions and instructional videos on the Internet.

Types of seals for windows: silicone, rubber, and thermoplastic rubber

As already mentioned, very important when choosing a gasket at the window is the material from which it is made. There are several options, each of which has its own characteristics of operation, advantages and disadvantages.

Synthetic rubber based on ethylene-propylene-based

EPDM - is ethylene-propylene or synthetic rubber. This material is characterized by high quality, reliability, durability and, in turn, are of different types. EPDM types are distinguished by the fact, what chemical processes occur while it is curing. If the curing agent acts sulfur, such a rubber called sulfur. This type is not suitable for use in combination with PVC windows white color, since sulfur can chemically react with the insulating profile, leaving a yellow traces.

Second option - a piroksidny EPDM, wherein as a curing agent act organic peroxide. It is more expensive than the previous type, but boasts higher rates of reliability and durability. Both types of EPDM seals are characterized by the following advantages:

• large temperature range of use - from -60 to 120 degrees Celsius;
• high resistance to temperature;
• virtually not sensitive to direct sunlight and ultraviolet radiation;
• a high level of resistance to mechanical deformation;
• long service life - 10-20 years, subject to regular maintenance.

The disadvantages of this type of seal for windows, which can be bought in any specialty store, are also available:

• it can only be fixed with glue, it is impossible to weld;
• if you need color seals for plastic windows, the price of 1 m will be higher than for the same material, but black;
• if you choose the gasket on the basis of sulfur, it is possible that it has a bad smell.

EPDM seal is a good choice, thanks to its high resistance to various adverse effects.

Especially thermoplastic seals

TPE or termoelastopolimer most often found in the finished insulating glass units. He is a modified PVC and is characterized by high rate of springiness. TPE is designed for use in a mild climate, as pretty does not react to low temperatures. This spacers fixed property in a new type termoelastopolimerov - mixed TPE. They differ in that they are composed of rubber and polyethylene, so they can boast more resistant to low temperatures and generally higher performance characteristics.

The advantages of PVC seal for windows, which you can buy as simply as EPDM, are the following:

• absolutely safe for human health, as are made from environmentally friendly materials;
• It can be welded, and not to put on the glue;
• non-flammable, ie it can be installed in areas with high risk of fire;
• It is much cheaper than EPDM;
• characterized by high levels of springiness;
• there are many options for colors.

Disadvantages of this type also have:

• loses its properties at too high or too low temperatures, in the first case is softened in the second - completely loses its elasticity;
• quickly breaks down when regular mechanical influences, easily deformed;
• not a high level of elasticity.

Related article:

Adjust the plastic windows independently: video tutorials

"Winter-summer" mode. Setting the pressure mechanism. Adjusting the loop. Repair of plastic windows.

Seal of TPE is recommended to install, if you live in a warm climate and do not actively operate the window. Otherwise, he quickly goes down and you have to change the gasket at the windows again.

Useful advice!If you do decide to give preference TPE seal, then choose advanced options manufactured based on polymer blends, as they have higher performance characteristics.

Silicone seals for plastic windows: the pros and cons

Silicone sealants are not very popular because of its high cost. The performance characteristics of this embodiment are at a high level, and it is based on silicone rubber, which contains methyl. The main advantage of this type - a high level of resistance to high and low temperatures. In addition, there are the following advantages:

• very soft material that does not lose its properties at temperatures ranging from -60 to 100 degrees Celsius;
• It brings great temperature differences, not only, but also other negative factors such as constant exposure to moisture;
• resistant to aggressive chemical environments;
• Ozone is not afraid of radiation;
• durability is different.

Disadvantages of silicone sealant in the following:

• susceptible to mechanical stress, quickly torn and deformed;
• high price.

This last point is the most significant drawback of the seal silicone-based, so it is not popular among the customers.

Features rubber seal for windows

Rubber gasket made of a conventional vulcanized rubber, is a good alternative to the above materials. Advantages and disadvantages of her the same as any other rubber products. The material provides a high level of tightness of windows and relatively inexpensive, but may lose its performance with changes in temperature, or ssohnutsya crack and suffer from severe mechanical effects.

Quality rubber seal is largely dependent on the manufacturer. The composition of this type can be used various fillers that increase or, conversely, lowering the material properties.

The unequivocal answer to the question of what to seal plastic window is better - does not exist. Very popular silicone, due to its natural resistance to negative factors, but EPDM is cheaper, at the same time also boasts high performance characteristics. TPE is well suited for use in the mild climate and the natural rubber will save you. For example, silicone gasket costs about 55 rubles per meter, buy EPDM seals for windows can be 30 rubles, and TPE -. 35 rubles.

Useful advice!When choosing the gasket, pay attention to the country of origin. As a rule, characterized by high quality gaskets produced in Finland and Turkey.

Seal Options on the type of installation

In addition to the material from which they are made, seals for windows differ in the way in which they are mounted. There exist the following types:

1. Adhesive sealants for windows - provided with a special adhesive layer and is best suited for self-installation.
2. Pads that are mounted on the glue - different from previous ones in that they have finished the adhesive layer.
3. Slot - used mainly to improve the performance of the windows are wooden.

When choosing a self-adhesive gaskets great attention it should be paid to their expiration date. Overdue seal can come unstuck very quickly or not at all adhere. In addition, it should be soft enough to be glued evenly even on not very smooth surface, which may be true in the case of wooden windows. Very popular seals for wooden windows Roto.

If you install the self-adhesive seal, the window surface thoroughly pre must be cleaned dirt and dust, degreased with acetone, and glue it must be at zero temperature, but no higher than 40 degrees Celsius.

When installing grooved sealing window sash must be removed from its hinges, and the groove in which is done with the help of the cutter.

Marking of plastic, rubber and silicone seals for plastic windows

Despite the fact that you can find a huge number of varieties in specialized stores seals on the windows, in fact, only three basic types, and they are marked with the following notation:

• KBE;
• rehau;
• Veka.

All other types of - a kind, created on the basis of the above, and differ from them minor modifications and features.

Rehau type seals can be found in two typical single teeth slightly curved shape. Barb, which is closer to the middle of the lining, a little longer than the other. KBE has the exact tooth unmodified embodiment, and is characterized by having modified ribs, which extends from the opposite edge. Veka pads are different from previous ones in that the tooth is at a right angle to the ground, while in the previous models, it is clearly bent.

Useful advice!When choosing your desired marking is best to pay attention to what the gasket is already being used in your glass unit, or any manufacturer recommends that you use.

Replacement of the seal in a plastic box with his hands

The first step is to determine the order in which one side of the window seal needs to be replaced. Most often, the gasket comes into disrepair on a frame that can be easily seen in the warmer months - on windowsill constantly dust settles. In winter, leaky seals can be monitored by regular drafts.

Before the change the gasket, adjust the window fittings. This is done as follows:

1. Take a special key to turn the head and marker, mark the initial position of each of the heads, so that if not twist it can be returned to its original position.
2. Use a wrench, screwdrivers or pliers scroll the head in the desired direction. Due to the large number of heads on the frame (6 or more), it is possible to achieve the elimination of drafts even without replacing the seal in plastic boxes. The price of such a procedure would also be much lower.

Remove seal hairline cracks in the plastic window can be using silicone grease. This will protect the product from premature drying, protect from frost and moisture, as well as a whole significantly extend its service life. Apply lubrication is necessary, using the normal tissue or cloth, and to do so be sure to at zero temperature.

If, however, without changing the pads can not do, before embarking on this process, it is recommended to take a picture frame. This is done so that you can check with a photograph equipped with a new seal.

To remove the seal from the frame, sash windows must be removed. To do this, simply pull the decorative caps that cover the hinge, and then beat them with a chisel and hammer. Remember that the flaps are removed from its hinges in the closed position, and that the valve itself has a considerable weight.

After that, the frame is removed from the seal, and the recess in which it was wiped with a dry cloth. The new section of the seal is better to cut a few centimeters longer than the old one, since the rubber in the process of installation and operation contracts. If you need a more reliable thermal and sound insulation, the ends of the strip are glued together using a sealant.

The next step - is to replace the rubber gasket for the plastic windows in the hinge region, for this purpose were taken sash. It is also necessary to take slightly greater length of material than the connector under it. After replacing the flap can be set in place. To do this, she is raised a few centimeters above the sill and put on the bottom hinge. the upper hinge axle is driven gently with a hammer.

Remember that in most modern insulating glass gasket is installed on the external and internal contours. In some models, there is a third circuit, which serves to protect against the occurrence of condensation, and also for better insulation from noise. If you have a window with three sealing profiles, you need to change them all at once.

Check the reliability of the seal set

Immediately after you install a new gasket, it is necessary to check whether everything has been done correctly. To do this, check the following items:

• how easy is it opens and closes the flap;
• Whether drafts are gone;
• Is the seal remains in the grooves of the opening and closing windows.

If the answer to all these questions is yes, then you should immediately treat the gasket with silicone grease applied to the tissue. It increases the lifetime of the product and increases its performance.

Useful advice!It is not recommended to use a lubricant for the processing of the seal in the cold season. This is best done twice a year - in spring and autumn.

Well if you do not have time, energy, skills, tools, or banal desire to mounting pads on their own, then it can be done, using the services of experienced professionals who will carry out the replacement of the seal on the plastic window. The price of this work is small - about 1,000 rubles, it depends on the type and size of the window, the complexity of work and other factors.

Installing and replacing the seal in wooden boxes

Improve the performance of windows made of wood, a little harder than plastic. Especially a lot of problems arise when it comes to insulation of old wooden windows, however, and this problem is solved. First we need to determine the reason why wooden window loses its performance:

1. The frame and sash made of raw untreated wood, which is very quickly deformed, because of which, in turn, keep leaking windows.
2. The window is made of solid wood bars. In this case, the weakest structure will place increased humidity, which inevitably deform the frame.
3. Window insulated only by bead, without the use of modern rubber seals.

Correct wooden windows should be made of laminated wood, which is allowed to dry in a special way and has passed the vacuum impregnation. Such a tree firmly withstands temperature extremes and humidity, and made of it a window will last 40-60 years.

Insulated glass windows as well as plastic and - with the help of modern sealing materials. Wood is better to choose options of rubber or PVC, the latter an excellent job with the cold, and the first is advantageous to use, if you live in a warm climate. Attached seals using silicone sealant, adhesive options for wooden frames should be avoided as they may come off during the cold season.

The best option for insulation of the window frame - a tubular profile. Despite the fact that it is designed for plastic windows, buy sealing rubber band of this type can be and wood, and its operational characteristics are characterized by high wear resistance and durability. The service life of the tubular member, with proper care, 5-6 years, while it looks aesthetically pleasing and easy to assemble.

The following materials can be used for thermal insulation of a wooden window:

1. Felt belt with PVC coating that is mounted on the lower part of the sash and provides protection from drafts.
2. Spongy gasket which is mounted in the same way as the previous embodiment and is also effective to cope with heat loss.
3. The usual polystyrene - is good because it has a relatively low cost, but quickly fails.
4. Foam seal with a special coating. Insulate windows better than foam, but can not boast a long service life.
5. Metallic gasket - strip stainless steel or bronze, are used to close gaps between the window frame and the frame. To make effective use of these bands is necessary that the inner surface of the box was completely flat.
6. Building scotch tape - the most simple and cheap, however, and the most uncomfortable option. Adhesive tape may peel off from the flow of cold air, and sash windows with open insulation is simply impossible.

Useful advice!If possible, use to insulate wooden windows tubular gaskets made of silicone or rubber. They are more expensive than tape or foam, but last much longer and will provide protection from the cold and the noise from the street.

How to install the seal in wooden box

If you need high-quality insulation and insulation wooden windows, the work should be done in the following order:

1. Future site installation spacers are thoroughly cleaned from paint, dust and dirt. It is strongly recommended to degrease the surface before proceeding with the installation of the seal. This can be done with alcohol or solvent.
2. Studied and measured gap between the doors and the frame. This is done in order to determine the thickness of the seal, which will not interfere with closing the window.
3. If the thickness of the gap is not enough, then the groove under the seal is made with their own hands. If the required distance between the doors is present, then you can proceed to the installation gasket.
4. The edges of the pad can be fixed with the help of small nails for more effective seal.

The result of this work will be the window that will be featured to protect your home from noise penetration, dust and cold air. The main thing is to remember that if your wooden window served for more than a dozen years, it may be easier and cheaper to buy instead of it new, and not engage in attempts at restoration of the old.

sealants price for plastic windows from the popular manufacturers

In today's market of construction materials, there are several popular companies, specializing in the manufacture of sealants for windows.

Rehau Sealers

Origin of well-known manufacturers of gaskets - a German company Rehau. Its products are made of ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM) or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Rehau Products has the following advantages:

• It provides a high quality seal clamp around the perimeter of the glazing unit regardless of the configuration and size of the window;
• It boasts a wide range of temperatures, which can be operated at - -55 to 60 degrees Celsius;
• It has high performance characteristics - resistant to mechanical shocks, temperature changes, UV radiation and elevated humidity;
• product life of several decades.

Buy retail seals for plastic windows from Rehau company can be as low as 15 rubles per meter. The cost of the product depends on the material from which it is made, and characteristics of the configuration. In this case, color options may be more expensive than black.

Veka window seals

Another very popular manufacturer of seals for windows - a company Veka, who also hails from Germany. Sealers from Veka exist on the market for more than four decades, which testifies to their high quality and demand among buyers.

The company produces rubber seals for the window of the vestibule, and glass, and among the company's product advantages are the following:

• High durability and resistance to deformation;
• well maintained temperature extremes, humidity, frost and other adverse effects;
• provide a high level of heat and sound insulation.

Useful advice!If you installed in the house windows from the company VekaThen to improve their performance it is recommended to use seals from the same company, as the windows configuration is very poorly suited for thermal insulation using alternative options.

Meter seal of company Veka costs about 20-25 rubles. The cost depends on the model of the product and its purpose. For example, the gasket for windows is more expensive than the pad to the porch.

The company's products KBE

KBE - firm for the production of insulating glass and accessories for them, founded in Germany in 1980. The company products are in many countries is considered a benchmark of quality in the field of translucent structures and is popular for over 30 years among buyers. The peculiarity of the seals for windows from KBE is that they are tightly rolled into the window slot, so if you wondering how to replace the seal on the plastic window of KBE, then, for this you need a knife or scissors. A wheel in the new gasket is recommended using a dedicated tool.

Variants of the gasket from the KBE are made of high quality rubber and are perfectly suited to enhance the performance of windows of any material. Product life of up to 10 years, and the cost per meter of seal - from 15 rubles.

domestic counterparts

If you do not want to spend money on expensive European products, you can take advantage of cheaper Russian-made seals. Companies such as "Obninskgazpolimer" or "Standard Pro" offer their products at an affordable price, and its quality is not enough in what concedes to foreign analogues. However, it should be noted that the shape of PVC seals for windows some domestic models may not be suitable for foreign-glazed windows.

Useful advice!If your house is equipped with branded plastic windows from a reputable manufacturer, then it is better not to save, and set the seals from the same company as the window.

Compactor for plastic windows: care pad

Regardless of the gasket of any material or from any manufacturer you use to extend the life of its operation needs some special care. This includes the following items:

• Cleaning - the product should be regularly cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge soaked in LOC specialized solution. Frequency of washing depends on the material from which the seal is made. For example, for the product made of silicone is required less frequently than for gaskets made of other materials - about once a season. Another option flushing seals for windows - using special set of "Edelweiss", which includes all the necessary tools and resources.

• Grease - it is best to use solutions that are basically silicon. glycerin-based formulations do you use at your own risk, because some models may be difficult to react to it. Strongly recommended for use as a lubricant jelly and butter, oil or engine oil, as they can significantly reduce product life.
• Removing dirt and dust from beneath the petals seals - this should be done with a soft object, as when using a knife or screwdriver, there is a high risk of damage to the material, thereby reducing its performance and significantly shorten the service.

Clean the gaskets do not get too often. The optimal frequency - this time in 1-2 years, if you do not live in a highly polluted area. And if you are afraid to damage the seal as a result of careless cleaning, it features a large number of companies that can do that for a relatively low cost.

Asked where to buy seals for plastic windows, there are several. You can do this in the construction market, in a specialty store or ordered online. In any case, before you buy you need to determine the type and configuration of the product and the material from which it is made. Also, great attention should be paid to the manufacturer, and if you have modern windows are installed from the famous brand, it is recommended to use pads to enhance their performance from that same company.

As for the design of gaskets, then everything depends on the color of windows, as well as your imagination. Typically, the product is selected in the color shade of glass, but you can be original, set the color model, and thus create an original design. It should be remembered that the color patterns of seals usually worse recover shape after deformation than their black counterparts.

Useful advice!When choosing a seal for plastic and wooden windows, buy a product with a margin on the length, because in the process of installation errors are inevitable, in which the length of the pads will be permanently reduced.

Seals made of modern materials for your windows - a reliable protection from cold, heat, dust and noise. Buy them can be easily in the shop, in the market or over the Internet, and self-installation will not take much time if you have minimal skills in this area.