Proper maintenance is necessary to ensure the longevity and functionality of your plastic windows, and this includes taking good care of the rubber seals. For optimum performance, these seals must be maintained because they are vital in protecting your windows from noise and the elements.
The correct lubricant products must be used in order to maintain rubber seals on plastic windows. Not all lubricants work well; some can wear down the rubber or draw dirt in, which could eventually reduce the seal’s effectiveness.
Choosing wisely can be aided by reviewing various products made especially for rubber seals. In order to preserve the integrity of the seal, these products are usually designed to condition the rubber, keeping it supple and preventing it from drying out or cracking.
You can increase the longevity of your plastic windows and guarantee that they will continue to offer dependable insulation and noise reduction for many years to come by learning how to lubricate rubber seals on plastic windows correctly and choosing the appropriate products.
- Is it possible to lubricate window seals??
- What is it for?
- Frequency of the procedure
- What lubricants are suitable?
- Professional products
- Silicone
- WD-40
- Traditional methods
- Lubrication tools
- Step-by-step process instructions
- Possible mistakes
- Average price for material
- Video on the topic
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- Window lubrication, universal SDM, lubricant for PVC windows, #lubricant for plastic window fittings
- Replacing the seal on plastic windows
Is it possible to lubricate window seals??
Even though window seal manufacturers give their products a long service life, in order for them to function as intended, they must undergo periodic maintenance, which entails cleaning the product of dust and debris and then lubricating its surfaces with specialized solutions, at least twice a year. The seal’s quality parameters are improved by applying lubricant to its surface, which makes it softer and more flexible.
A continuous thin copolymer layer forms on the seal’s surface upon lubricant treatment, shielding it from the effects of atmospheric water and other harmful external factors. The following qualities of the lubricant are necessary for it to carry out protective functions:
- Available as a viscous translucent liquid, gel or spray.
- High adhesion, the lubricant must interact firmly with the seal of the type for which it is intended.
- They do not contribute to chemical deformation of the structure of the material, and do not have the slightest other negative effect on it.
- Bioinertness, the material cannot be a breeding ground for bacteria and microorganisms.
- Highest dielectric and antistatic characteristics, the layer must not be electrically conductive.
- Must have high hydrophobicity, displacing water from the connecting seams, thereby protecting the metal parts of the frame and fittings from corrosion processes.
- High elasticity.
- Stability, not susceptible to oxidation.
- Good anti-friction qualities.
- Environmental Safety.
- Longest evaporation time.
- Fire resistance.
- Resistance to salty, acidic and alkaline solutions.
- Ability to work in the temperature range from -40°С to +50°С.
The seal gets covered in street dust every time the PVC doors are opened. The degree of clogging grows over time and eventually loses its elasticity, making the opening and closing procedure challenging.
Long-term inaction will cause an abrasive effect on the surface, which will cause irreversible damage and the element’s functionality to be lost. The rubber product will need to be replaced if it is completely worn out and can no longer shield the PVC window. Such a seal is unrepairable.
What is it for?
During sealing, cleaning and lubrication help prevent the seal from failing too soon. Manufacturers of these rubber window products use the thinnest film of protection to extend its service life. It needs to be regularly lubricated with specific solutions as part of maintenance.
The owner of the PVC window is responsible for applying lubricant to rubber products on a regular basis as directed by the manufacturer.
You can tell when the window seal needs to be lubricated by looking for external signs:
- the occurrence of extraneous sounds during operation of the PVC sash;
- the presence of dust on the surface of the product;
- decreased ductility and sticking of rubber seals to the frame;
- difficulty opening the sash;
- important structural components are worn out due to increased pollution from street dust;
- jamming of the locking mechanism;
- violation of sealing;
- appearance of gaps.
If rubber window products are not lubricated for three to four years, the user will have to replace pivots and other major mechanical parts of the PVC window, which will be far more expensive than lubricating the seals.
It is especially crucial to complete this process prior to the beginning of the heating season to ensure that there are no issues with opening the sash during the winter. Cracks appear during this time of year because of the sub-zero temperatures that cause the seal’s elasticity to diminish and its structure to become rigid.
Lubricant, made specifically for window seals, softens and keeps them from freezing. As a result, the user needs to consider whether the lubricant can function at below-freezing temperatures when selecting the type.
A unique silicone lubricant made of polymers and containing hydrocarbons is the most suitable. It enhances sealing, heat, and protection, and prevents rubber seals from freezing to the frame and cracking, all of which contribute to the preservation of heat in rooms.
Frequency of the procedure
Window seals have to be made with high levels of elasticity and protection, per GOST specifications. As a result, all PVC window manufacturers lubricate the seals at the factory to ensure quality. This level of care is essentially sufficient for two years, after which you will need to replace it and repeat the process on a regular basis.
Two times a year is typically included in the standard lubrication cycle. Prior to summer, to shield goods from the effects of intense heat and UV radiation; and in the fall, prior to the arrival of winter frosts. This allows for increased wear resistance of the window structure and ensures long-term protection.
Based on the actual load on the seals, the lubrication frequency is actually set. In this instance, sand and moisture, abrasives and chemicals, as well as grease and dust deposits, are thought to be the most detrimental elements. The owners of such windows will need to lubricate the seals more frequently if they are situated close to roads or industrial facilities.
It is necessary to perform lubrication ahead of schedule if the owner of a PVC window observes negative signs in the behavior of the seals between the maintenance procedures specified by the standards.
What lubricants are suitable?
The buyer must receive comprehensive instructions from the PVC window manufacturer regarding the proper seal lubrication technique and approved materials. Should you choose to install the seals yourself, you will have to decide on the kind of lubricant.
Both the processing season and the sealant material have a direct impact. There is a wide enough selection of superior professional lubricants in the trading network, including:
- Bosny;
- Eltrans;
- Silicot;
- Verylube.
Additionally, the user has the option to treat the seal’s surfaces with commonplace, homemade alternatives.
When choosing a lubricant, you should consider the following crucial factors:
- The cost should not be cheap, this indicates its poor quality.
- Quality is confirmed by certificates, so it is better to take certified material.
- Composition option: liquid, gel or aerosol. They are chosen depending on the place of treatment; if it is difficult to reach, then it is better to take an aerosol format of lubricant, and if not, then a gel.
- Pay attention to the technical characteristics, the material should have a temperature range corresponding to the climate, the window installation area, and also approach the chemical composition of the material of the seal.
Professional products
Sincere PVC window system producers like KBE, FENOFLEX, Fenosol, Edel Weiss, and Robitex cared for their customers and offered specialized professional kits that included seal lubricant and cleaning supplies.
These expert lubricants preserve rubber products’ elasticity, reduce wear by 25%, and strengthen their resistance to extreme low and high temperatures.
These compositions have the following benefits:
- complete chemical consistency with the texture of plastic and rubber;
- environmental and biological safety, which allows them to be used in residential premises.
The kit’s relatively high price—more than 500 rubles—comes with a 50 ml lubricant tube that should last two to three years on a single window. This is a drawback.
Silicone
Users who have installed PVC window systems from different manufacturers are advised by experts to use silicone lubricants that are universal.
Advantages of silicone grease with multiple uses for PVC window seals:
- optimal viscosity, due to which it is applied to the surface evenly;
- protection of the seal from moisture and freezing;
- delays wear and tear;
- colorless and odorless, therefore suitable for seals of different colors;
- fire hazardous inertness;
- chemical inertness;
- environmental protection;
- difficult to dissolve in water, even hot;
- high temperature resistance – from – 50 to + 220 C;
- large selection, low cost and convenient packaging, with a volume sufficient for processing for 2-3 years.
It is important to distinguish silicone lubricant for metal parts from silicone lubricant for insulation, as the latter can totally ruin the insulation’s structure.
The drawbacks of silicone grease Some users of window seals include:
- High cost, although this is more manifested when purchasing sets of brand brands.
- Users complain that if such lubricant is accidentally spilled, it is impossible to wash off the silicone from the surface. And this is true, since it belongs to insoluble compounds, which, in general, is one of its main advantages. Therefore, you need to work with it very carefully, avoiding spills.
WD-40
WD-40 lubricant is currently the most widely used building material for window seals in the Russian market. This material has a well-known history; it was created as a space rocket lining’s protective anti-corrosion material and subsequently discovered numerous applications in daily life. Mineral oil, which forms the base of WD-40, is combined with different hydrocarbons to lower the viscosity of the original composition and a waterproofing film to cover the surface. This lubricant modification is available in gel and aerosol formulations through the retail chain. Because aerosol is simple to apply to the seal’s surface, users prefer it.
WD-40 lubricant has the following advantages for window seals:
- Highest insight performance;
- creating a protective film to prevent moisture penetration;
- increasing the period of use of window seals.
It is important to exercise caution when handling WD-40 and avoid letting it come into contact with human mucous membranes. Additionally, it is not advisable to use WD-40 in conjunction with polystyrene or polycarbonate as these materials can be completely destroyed by the substance.
Traditional methods
Glycerin and cosmetic petroleum jelly are the most widely used home remedies for lubricating window seals.
Although glycerin is classified as an alcohol by chemists, it is completely safe for PVC, in contrast to other alcohols.
Benefits of using petroleum jelly and glycerin, two common home remedies, as lubricants for window seals:
- softens the seal material, making it more elastic;
- creates a protective film;
- low cost;
- availability on the market;
- low T of hardening;
- the highest hygroscopic properties.
Its rapid solubility, which makes it water soluble and necessitates more frequent application than silicone grease, along with its low frost resistance (down to 25 C) and low heat resistance (up to + 27 C) are among its drawbacks.
In this post, we’ll discuss a vital topic for homeowners: how to take care of rubber seals on plastic windows so they last longer. We examine different products and techniques made expressly to lubricate these seals, examining how simple they are to use and how well they work to stop wear and tear. Readers will obtain useful tips for maintaining the longevity and functionality of their plastic windows, ensuring that they continue to be weather-resistant and energy-efficient over time. This can be achieved by comprehending the significance of routine maintenance.
Lubrication tools
A clean rag and a can of lubricant will suffice for the actual lubricant application process; no tool is needed. However, this work is done as part of getting the PVC window ready for the summer or winter, which also involves cleaning and adjusting the window elements and performing preventive maintenance on the window fixtures.
Consequently, in order to prepare for this kind of intricate work, you will need to buy the following supplies and equipment:
- electric screwdriver with attachments;
- screwdriver with bits;
- main window hex key;
- hammer with rubber tip;
- clean rags;
- lubricant suitable for the type of seal.
Step-by-step process instructions
Usually in the middle of spring or fall, pick a warm, dry day to perform lubrication work on PVC window seals. After opening the window sash, locate the seal by measuring the internal perimeter of the sash, the external and internal perimeters of the double-glazed window, and the perimeter of the frame.
The process is fairly straightforward and looks like this, regardless of the type of lubricant selected:
- Clean the surface of the seal with a clean, damp cloth soaked in soapy water.
- After cleaning, dry with a dry rag, wipe the surface of the seal.
- Lubricate the rubber product around the entire perimeter on all sides.
- Glycerin and Vaseline are applied carefully with a brush.
- Liquid lubricants are applied with a cotton pad.
- Wait until the composition has completely dried and thus created a dense protective film, after which they begin to check and adjust the window fittings.
- Close the window.
Possible mistakes
Even though lubricating the seal is a fairly simple process, many PVC window owners make critical errors that result in the premature failure of the seal and the destruction of crucial structural window mechanisms. You can forget about PVC windows being energy-efficient because a window like this will also start to freeze and create drafts in the room.
The most frequent errors made by users are failing to read the PVC window operating instructions and failing to use the sealant lubricant recommended by the manufacturer for the particular window design.
Potential errors that technicians might make when lubricating the PVC window seal include:
- Instead of silicone grease for the seal, silicone grease for metal products is applied, as a result, the structure of the rubber product is damaged;
- The surface of the seal has not been cleaned;
- lubricant is applied to a wet surface;
- the application of lubricant was carried out poorly, the PVC surfaces of the frame and sash were damaged;
- The window unit has not been adjusted after performing technological procedures.
Average price for material
The brand, kind of composition (liquid, gel, or aerosol), and trade markup of the manufacturer all affect how much lubricant compositions for window seals cost.
The average cost of window seal lubricants in the Russian retail chain is:
- WD-40, quick-drying, 200 ml – 366 RUR.
- Grass Silicon silicone, aerosol, 400 ml – 250 RUR.
- BiBip BB-325 professional, aerosol, 520 ml — 210 rub.
- SILICOT, universal silicone, gel, 30 g – 300 rub.
- LIQUI MOLY Pro-Line Silicone-Spray, colorless silicone aerosol, 0.4 l — 779 rub.
- Goodyear GY000701, silicone, aerosol, 400 ml – 370 rub.
- ASTROhim, silicone, aerosol, 520 ml – 250 rub.
- FILL INN FL025 silicone, aerosol, 335 ml – 250 RUR.
- PMS-100, silicone, oil, 100 ml – 250 rub.
- REXANT 09-3921, silicone, oil, 100 ml — 1200 rub.
- Laurel Ln1543, silicone, aerosol, 400 ml – 770 rub.
- FELIX, silicone, aerosol, 400 ml – 250 rub.
Maintaining your plastic windows properly is essential to ensuring their longevity and efficiency, particularly when it comes to lubricating the rubber seals. These seals are essential for protecting your house from weather, noise, and drafts. They may deteriorate or lose their effectiveness with time, which could result in energy loss and reduced comfort levels indoors.
Selecting the appropriate lubricant is crucial. Rubber seals are frequently advised to use silicone-based products because of their non-corrosive qualities and capacity to repel dust and debris. These characteristics ensure that the seals continue to function at their best over time by preserving their integrity and flexibility.
A tiny bit of lubricant goes a long way when applying it. Make sure you give the seals a thorough cleaning with a mild soap solution and let them air dry. Use the silicone lubricant sparingly, paying special attention to the rubber areas. Grease and products with petroleum derivatives should be avoided as they will eventually deteriorate the rubber.
Maintaining the effectiveness of your window seals requires routine maintenance. Periodically inspect them for indications of wear or damage, particularly following severe weather. You can prolong the life of your plastic windows and maintain comfort and energy efficiency in your house by implementing easy maintenance chores into your daily schedule.