How do I know if a window is not sealing well? Which sealing strip should I buy, silicone, rubber, foam… How is the strip properly installed? Should I buy a self-adhesive strip for windows? How long do window strips last? When should I call a carpenter?
The weakest point in the insulation of any building is the windows. They significantly affect the annual energy consumption for heating. Poor quality windows can completely negate the installation of high-quality wall insulation. Moreover, improving the energy efficiency of windows doesn’t always mean replacing them. Often, their efficiency can be drastically improved by simply replacing the sealing strips.
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Considering that windows typically last for decades, it’s important to periodically maintain them, especially since sealing strips generally last from seven to ten years. Sealing strips are made from soft materials, are frequently exposed to wear and temperature changes, so it’s logical they last shorter than the windows themselves.
How Do I Know if the Sealing Strips on My Windows Need Replacing?
Of course, no one replaces window seals preventively after seven years, so the question is – how to know if windows are not sealing well enough. If the sealing strips are in poor condition, it can be determined by visual inspection if the strips are cracked, peeled, missing…
Also, during winter, it’s easy to check if a window seals well by placing the back of your hand against the joints on the windows. If you feel cold air, it’s a clear sign that the window is not sealing well and that you are losing a significant amount of energy and money annually because of it.
What Kind of Sealing Strip Do I Need?
One of the common questions is – what kind of strip should I buy? Ideally, you should buy an identical profile of the strip that was already on the window. In this case, the replacement will be the simplest, and it is also the best guarantee that the work will be successful.
Avoid buying foam rubber strips. This material is good because it’s softer, making it easier to install and more tolerant of errors. Even if you install a thicker strip than necessary, it is soft, so the window will still close. However, such sealing strips are porous, wear out, and have a very limited lifespan. Installing them makes sense only on windows that are rarely opened.
Before installing, it’s necessary to remove the old strips and carefully clean all grooves where the strip will be placed to ensure the new strip can adhere properly.
How to Properly Install a Window Sealing Strip
- Remove the protective film over the adhesive film at one end of the strip.
- Place the strip in the groove, gradually removing 15 to 20 centimeters of the protective film and placing the sealing strip in position.
- Do not try to remove the entire protective film from the adhesive film before placing the strip, as this procedure is more complicated.
- Also, do not stretch the strip too much during installation, as this can cause it to peel off or crack later.
- Pay the most attention to trimming the corners. The joint of two strips at a 90-degree angle in the corner of the window requires precise cutting so that the strips are completely joined without overlapping, eliminating gaps where cold air can pass through. Therefore, it is recommended to cut the strip a inch longer before sticking, and then trim it finely with sharp scissors or a scalpel when the strip is already in place.
What About Really Old Wooden Windows?
Everything mentioned here generally applies to quality wooden or new aluminum or PVC windows. For older wooden windows, the procedure is a bit more complicated. Often, older rubber sealing strips are found on them, making it difficult to find an adequate replacement. If a more massive strip is used, the window may not close.
Older windows often don’t have grooves where the strip is placed, so they need to be made. These tasks usually exceed the “do it yourself” capabilities of most people, as they require tools, knowledge, and experience.
In such cases, it is recommended to hire a professional carpenter who will assess whether your old wooden windows can be given a new life. Often, besides replacing the strips, hinge repairs are necessary, and all these requirements can be met if the windows themselves, i.e., the wood, are in good condition.