Choosing a seal for plastic windows – which one is better?

Selecting the appropriate seal during plastic window installation is essential to guarantee longevity and energy efficiency. A tight seal reduces noise, moisture, and drafts in your home, improving comfort and lowering energy costs. But how can you choose the best seal for your plastic windows when there are so many options available?

The various kinds of plastic window seals and their advantages will be discussed in this article. Every material, including silicone and EPDM rubber, has advantages and disadvantages. Making an informed choice that fits your unique requirements and climate conditions will be made easier if you are aware of these distinctions.

To make sure your seals last as long as possible, we’ll also offer some helpful installation and maintenance advice. This guide will give you the knowledge to select and maintain the best seals for your plastic windows, ensuring a cozy and energy-efficient home, whether you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast or intend to hire a professional.

How to choose the right one?

You must first comprehend the various kinds of seals in order to know what options are available to you. They are as follows:

• made of rubber or caoutchouc;
• silicone;
• with EPDM marking;
• made of thermoplastic elastomer;
• polyethylene with filler.

The caoutchouc or rubber variety is thought to be the most prevalent. You should consider its hardness before choosing it. These items are only available in black and are composed of vulcanized rubber.

This material has a few drawbacks, including the tendency to develop cracks over time and dry out in response to temperature variations. However, rubber models are less expensive and consistently seal the window.

The most dependable and long-lasting options are silicone ones. You should consider the manufacturer’s recommended service life when choosing them. It is typically at least forty years. The material is resistant to ozone, UV light, and temperature fluctuations. Its high price is one of its drawbacks.

Temperature variations have no effect on the window-protecting qualities of EPDM seals. You should be aware of the variations in degrees if you choose to buy just this option. A product that can endure temperatures between -60 and +120 degrees will be good. These goods can withstand mechanical harm as well.

Thermoplastic elastomer models are the ones that are shipped to the customer with the plastic double-glazed window they ordered. The material, though widely used, is not very resilient to temperature fluctuations and can crack when exposed to frost. It is therefore important to understand the seal’s operating temperature range when selecting one of these.

You can also purchase elastic bands filled with polyethylene. The product contains foam rubber that serves as a sealant, which is how they differ from each other. This model is rarely used and is already regarded as outdated.

You should be aware of how to fasten the seal to the window before selecting one. They can be either non-self-adhesive or self-adhesive. The first ones are simpler to install in the frame because their bases already have an adhesive layer, but the glue’s quality isn’t up to par.

The best seal in terms of price, quality, and manufacturing material is found in goods bearing the EPDM mark.It is advised to go with it if the windows are installed in an area with harsh winters and scorching summers.

Selecting the appropriate seal for plastic windows is essential to guaranteeing longevity, noise reduction, and energy efficiency. In order to help you make an informed choice, this article will walk you through the best options available and compare materials such as rubber, silicone, and EPDM. We’ll weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each kind, taking cost, ease of installation, and durability into account. By the time you’re done, you’ll know exactly which seal best fits your needs, making it easier for you to keep your home efficient and comfortable.

The best models on the market: rating

To help you make an informed decision, you can look at the top manufacturers’ ratings for various product categories.

EPDM

First of all, seals marked with EPDM:

Rehau and KBE models are required to have markings running the length of them, indicating their uniqueness.

The KBE model is much thicker than those made by other companies.

Silicone

When discussing silicone products, it is important to take note of the following manufacturers:

1. GASSKET – a Russian manufacturer offering custom -made products for any profile.
2. Asremokno – produced in gray, suitable for any profile.
3. TESA – has an adhesive layer on one side, closes gaps up to 3 mm.

Rubber

Among the rubber models and options, the following stand out:

1. Rehau.
2. Veka.
3. Schlegel. This is a German company that has been manufacturing rubber bands since 1880. All products comply with European Union standards, as well as Russian Federation standards. But such models are priced above average.

Thermoplastic

It is also important to highlight products made of thermoplastics. The manufacturers are as follows:

• Anchor. A Russian company distinguished by a large assortment and low cost of products.
• Ultima. Also a Russian manufacturer with reasonable prices and a wide range of models.
• Monblanc. It is considered the leader of this list, as the products can withstand both ultraviolet radiation and temperature changes.

What determines the price of a part for PVC structures?

The manufacturer determines the price of a rubber seal for a plastic window; if these are foreign businesses, the price will be higher. Moreover, the cost of silicone options varies based on the manufacturing material used. The product’s thickness and square footage have an impact on the total cost as well.

Prices per meter

Prior to selecting a product, you should educate yourself about the models’ approximate prices:

1. Silicone products will cost an average of 70 rubles per linear meter.
2. Rubber and caoutchouc will have approximately the same cost – from 700 rubles for 10 meters of material.
3. Thermoplastic products will cost from 300 rubles per linear meter.

For your plastic windows to function well and last a long time, the seal you choose is essential. With so many choices, it’s critical to take your home’s and the climate’s unique requirements into account. A well-selected seal can greatly increase insulation, lessen noise, stop drafts, and improve overall comfort and energy efficiency in your home.

Rubber seals made of EPDM are a common option because of their resilience to weathering and longevity. They remain flexible over time and function well in high temperatures. TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) seals are more affordable and provide good performance in addition to being simpler to install. Another great choice is silicone seals, which are more expensive but have better longevity and weather resistance.

Think about how simple it will be to install and maintain the seal you choose. While some seals can be installed by professionals, others can be applied by homeowners with ease. Maintaining your seals with cleanings and sporadic replacements will help them stay functional for a longer period of time. You can improve the comfort and efficiency of your home by selecting the best seal for your plastic windows by considering these factors.

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