How to insert a rubber seal into a plastic window: do-it-yourself sealing

A high-quality seal lasts for many years, but over time it still wears out due to temperature changes and friction. As a result, the seal is broken, causing the window to let in cold and noise. If condensation begins to form on or near the frame, this clearly indicates the need for replacement. In this article you can find instructions on how to insert a rubber seal into a plastic window, as well as tips on choosing a new material.

Signs of wear

The main way to seal plastic windows is to insert an elastic band. It is made of high-quality material that lasts for several years. But periodically it needs to be replaced with a new one, especially if signs of wear are noticeable:

• in winter, small drops began to form on the window profile;
• the seal itself has defects, including cracking;
• there is a noticeable blow from the windows, which can be checked by placing a lit lighter (the flame will fluctuate);
• in cold weather, an ice crust forms on the frame or below;
• You can hear noise from the street better;
• There is noticeable mold on adjacent surfaces.

How to choose a seal

The instructions on how to properly install the seal on plastic windows are not very complicated. But in order for the sealing to be maximum, it is important to choose the right material. It must exactly match the profile brand.You can clarify it in the contract for the purchase of windows or the provision of installation services, as well as on the structure itself:

• tape on fittings;
• at the end of the profile;
• on the front side of the profile;
• on the handle (may be engraved).

If this is not possible, it is recommended to cut off part of the seal and contact specialists to select exactly the same material. When choosing, you should take into account one of the most important indicators - composition:

1. Rubber is the most affordable, but can deteriorate from frost and temperature changes. Therefore, it is better to buy a quality product with special additives.
2. Synthetic rubber is much stronger and more durable, but may leave a yellowish mark on the frame. Therefore, it is better to choose one that contains peroxide.
3. Another option for installing a seal on a plastic window is to purchase thermoplastic elastomer rubber. It is used in regions with a relatively mild climate, since it can deteriorate in the cold.
4. The silicone seal is elastic, durable and withstands frost well. But it is more expensive than other types.

Step-by-step instruction

When learning how to glue window seals, you need to consider several points:

1. In most cases, the sash is removed, since otherwise it will be very difficult to install a new rubber band.
2. It is better to change both seals, because they should be identical in their properties. Otherwise, it will not be possible to achieve complete sealing.
3. The joint must be glued together, since over time the material will shrink slightly.

You can seal plastic windows for the winter yourself; for this you will need available tools:

• scissors or sharpened knife;
• degreasing solution;
• rags, rags;
• screwdriver with a thin working surface.

To figure out how to properly glue the seal to windows, proceed as follows:

1. Remove the sash.
2. On the upper frame they find the junction of fragments of the old seal. They dismantle it by prying it off with a screwdriver.
3. Clean from dust and, if necessary, treat with a degreaser. Place the new material exactly in the groove, also starting from the top frame (in the center).
4. Do the sealing of plastic windows with your own hands evenly so that the material does not stretch. When the entire perimeter is filled, the remains are cut off.
5. Now the elastic is placed on the frame in a similar way.
6. And they put the sash back.

As you can see, the replacement process itself is simple. It is only important to choose the right material and carefully remove the sash. But since you will have to remove it, it is better to work in the warm season. If you have no experience, it is better to turn to specialists.