Which seal for plastic windows is better: selection instructions, review of the best materials

More and more owners are installing plastic (PVC) windows in their houses and apartments. After all, this is a new direction that will provide security. Such windows are easy to maintain, durable and look beautiful.

PVC windows do not need insulation, because the structure is equipped with a seal that does not allow wind and cold air to penetrate. It is this element, like a seal, that will be discussed further.

Why is a sealant needed?

This window fittings effectively protect the apartment from wind, dirt, noise and other phenomena.

Such windows retain heat, which will allow you to not spend a lot on heating. The seal also protects the plastic from wear.

The seal is responsible for high-quality tightness. The fittings not only prevent the entry of cold air, but also protect the windows from condensation. Which prolongs the service life, because moisture can destroy any material, it’s a matter of time.

Advantages of modern PVC window seals:

1. The fittings extend the service life of windows. Silicone is especially good in this regard.
2. The seal is resistant to sudden temperature changes and can withstand a range from -50 to +60 degrees.
3. It is practically not deformed, which allows it to maintain tightness for a long time.
4. 100% safe, does not emit harmful vapors or substances.
5. Large assortment where you can choose any color.

Types of seals

In recent years, ethylene propylene rubber material has been considered the highest quality. It is durable, with an average service life of up to 15 years, and is resistant to adverse environmental influences. This seal is suitable for any climate, it can be used in absolutely any climate.

Manufacturers produce 2 types of such seals: without sulfur content, and with its addition. The element that contains sulfur begins to acquire a yellow tint over time, and it costs less. If this window fitting does not contain sulfur in its composition, then yellowing will not occur, but the price of the seal is several times higher than the previous option.

Silicone seal (VMQ), average price for 10 meters is 420 rubles.

This is a high quality material, but not popular because the cost is too high.

The seal is water-repellent and cannot absorb moisture at all. The material is also able to withstand temperature changes from +95 to -50 degrees. Can be used in any climate, as silicone is wear-resistant and quite durable. If you ensure high-quality operation, then this seal can last 35 years.

There is only one drawback - it is not able to withstand mechanical stress.

Modified plastic (TPE), cost per linear meter is 20 rubles.

The material is similar to the material of the window structures themselves. The seal is springy, which allows you to effectively protect the house from unnecessary wind.

This window fittings are only suitable for southern climates, because constant cold eliminates any elasticity of the element. The seal is able to withstand temperature changes from - 40 degrees to + 70. The price is quite affordable, but you need to take into account the fact that the resistance to mechanical loads is also low.

The seal is made of vulcanized rubber. Manufacturers supply this seal only in black. The fittings are durable, will last up to 20 years, and the seal is also of high quality.

Before purchasing this window fittings, you should definitely pay attention to the manufacturer and what quality the product is. This will help to avoid any problems during operation.

Manufacturing companies

Now there are many companies that manufacture seals, but it’s worth figuring out which companies are of high quality.

• REHAU. An excellent option, the company produces high quality PVC windows. The range of accessories is very large. Rehau uses only high quality rubber from which the two-lobe seal is made. This design ensures high-quality tightness, and the seal also softens the operation of the sash when opening the windows.
• Veka. This is a popular company in the Russian Federation. They offer good quality products at an affordable price.
• KBE. They produce windows and window fittings that are proven to be durable and of high quality.
• Welless. They use only durable materials that do not lose their positive characteristics throughout the entire operation.
• Novotec. Not everyone knows the company. But in recent years, popularity has been growing. The assortment is large, and the quality is also high.

Each seal costs differently. High-quality window elements will cost from 30 rubles. for 1 linear meter, if the part is silicone, then the price can rise to 55 rubles per linear meter. It is better to choose European options, as the quality will be better than their Chinese counterparts.

If you cannot decide on the color: whether to take a black seal or a colored one, then black is better. Because it is natural light for rubber. Colored versions contain added dyes, many of which degrade the quality of the material.

Bottom line

If you doubt your abilities, or don’t have the time or tools to work with plastic or wooden structures, it’s better to hire a specialist. The average cost of the service is 1000 rubles. There is no need to save on windows; think before replacing the window seals yourself.

Voted over 397 times, average rating 4.8

Comments

Unfortunately, there are no comments or reviews yet, but you can leave your...

Add a comment Cancel reply

We recommend reading

Insulation Using tape for windows: why it can blow, technology for sealing cracks The microclimate in the room includes several parameters, such as ...

Insulation How to choose the right type of seal for wooden windows? Wooden windows with opening sashes make it possible...

Insulation Rules for insulating loggias with panoramic glazing: pros and cons Modern houses have loggias or balconies with panoramic glazing. ...

Insulation Methods of attaching energy-saving films to windows: types of material, pros and cons If the thermal insulation characteristics of double-glazed windows have deteriorated or ...

Step-by-step work

Before work, the sash is removed - this will allow all the work to be carried out efficiently. Initially, the old cord is removed, and the freed space is thoroughly cleaned of debris, dust and any dirt. The working area is degreased with a special product. The corner of the frame is glued only with glue intended for this purpose.

Please note that the material must be made from one piece; do not cut the cord. This only applies to extreme cases. The cord should fit easily into the groove, without any additional physical stress. It is worth checking that the seal is turned only in the required direction.

If there is an unused piece left, it should be cut off, and the junction of the cord is glued with glue. This will ensure a tight seal. The sash can be placed at your workplace.

Varieties

There are several types of silicone contours. Their main difference is the installation method.

Adhesive mounted

In this case, the installation of the silicone gasket occurs with the preliminary application of an adhesive layer to the window profile. The tubular contour does not have its own adhesive coating.

Advantages of this type of seal:

• Possibility of installation on profiles of different configurations;
• ease of connecting the ends of the circuit.

The downside is the additional costs of purchasing high-quality glue.

Profile

Such a contour is also called figured or grooved. Its shape fully matches the configuration of the window profile on which it is installed.
Attaches along the perimeter of the sashes. For most plastic systems, manufacturers produce their own original seal and do not recommend replacing it with any other.

Even complete visual similarity does not guarantee high-quality window sealing.

Important. If the contour turns out to be slightly thicker than the original one, the result will be rapid wear of the fittings. If it is thinner, the airflow will increase.

pros:

1. If the configuration matches exactly and is installed correctly, the seal is pressed tightly into the groove of the profile system. It stays in place for a long time and provides a high-quality seal.
2. Can be used for window systems made of different materials (wood).

Disadvantage - you should use only original types for a specific profile system.

Self-adhesive tape

A similar type is produced and sold in the form of tape wound into reels or a ring.

On one side of the tape there is a sticky layer. The seal is laid along the grooves of the profile. The silicone self-adhesive contour can be easily separated into two narrow strips. Plus - convenient transportation.

Minuses:

1. The need to control the shelf life of the material, otherwise the contour may not stick.
2. Carry out work only at above-zero temperatures.
3. Mandatory preliminary cleaning and degreasing of the profile.

Another type of silicone insulation can be noted.

Heat resistant

This option is intended for rooms with high humidity and temperature. Excellent for window structures located in bathhouses, saunas, and bathrooms.

pros:

• withstands temperatures up to +300°C;
• Provides very tight pressing of window parts.

Note. The downside is the cost of the product.

Replacement price

Not everyone will decide to replace the seal, so the only option is to hire a specialist. But how much will his work cost? Everything will depend only on the complexity. The average price for replacement ranges from 120 to 140 rubles per linear meter. This, of course, is several times higher than independent work, but you will be sure that everything is done efficiently and without errors.

After replacement, do not forget about proper care, as this will extend the service life of the seal. How is this done? The cord is regularly cleaned of debris and lubricated. It is better to do this twice a year - before the onset of winter and in the spring. There are several options for lubricating the part. For example, silicone spray or glycerin. Oils, especially vegetable oils, should absolutely not be used. Lubricant can be purchased at any auto store. The substance will help the seal to withstand extreme cold, so that there is no ice, and the material itself is resistant to mechanical stress.

The silicone seal is very easy to maintain; it is enough to wipe it once a year with a damp cloth. Other materials require more careful care. Yes, it is care that will ensure longevity. If a conventional seal lasts 5 years, then with proper use it will last many times longer.

It is better to immediately choose high-quality material. Firstly, it will provide comfort and warmth during the cold season. And secondly, you won’t have to replace it in just a few years.

Description and functions

The seal is a layer that is fixed in special recesses of the window profile. It is attached to the sash and frame (frame seal). When the window is closed, these parts come into contact, creating a reliable barrier to the penetration of foreign particles and noise into the room.

There are two types of product, their purpose depends on the installation location :

1. On the sash and on the frame. This option is designed to fix window elements.
2. Between the glass and the glazing bead, as well as between the sash and the glass. This fastening serves to fix the glass unit in the frame.

Important! The quality of insulation of a window structure depends on the seal, namely, on its characteristics and type of installation.

Main functions of silicone product:

1. Protection of the premises from noise . This characteristic allows you to make your stay comfortable even near a highway.

2. 
   Dust protection . The silicone product has a good seal, so it does not allow even the smallest particles to penetrate from the street.

3. Moisture protection . Good water resistance prevents rain or snow from entering the rooms.
4. High-quality thermal insulation . The silicone gasket maintains a comfortable temperature at any time of the year.
5. Comfortable maintenance of the structure . With a gasket, the movement of the valves is much smoother, and closing or opening occurs almost silently.
6. Increased service life . With high-quality protection from adverse factors, the service life of the window structure becomes longer.

If you install a sealing gasket on the outer and inner sides, the protective properties of the product will increase.

How to choose seals for metal-plastic windows

Recent years have been different in that almost everyone is installing such windows. Because they have proven themselves to be of high quality construction that can retain heat, protect from noise, dust, dirt and wind. And the sealant, which is simply necessary for PVC construction, helps with this. This is a consumable item that requires care and regular replacement. In order for plastic windows to be durable, it is worth considering the specifics of choosing and replacing an element such as a seal.

Characteristics

As stated above, the seal protects not only from cold, noise and moisture, but also from the ingress of small debris. Also, this window fittings can prevent the formation of condensation, which worsens the original properties of the material. You should always make sure that the seal is intact and elastic. There are basic properties that all seals must have:

• The initial strength of the parts must correspond to the quality of the vulcanized rubber.
• High-quality fittings must withstand temperature changes from -50 to +35 degrees.
• Resistance to various deformations.
• 100% environmentally friendly and safe.
• Large assortment of colors.
• Innovative seals are made from thermoplastic elastomers.

Advantages and disadvantages

Silicone seal has the following advantages :

• environmental neutrality;
• increased resistance to ultraviolet and oxygen;
• ability to withstand strong impacts and compression;
• resistance to low temperatures and temperature changes;
• elasticity;
• flexibility;
• resistance to aggressive chemicals;
• biological inertia;
• strength;
• moisture resistance;
• after being in a compressed state for a long time, it quickly returns to its original shape;
• long service life.

Minuses:

• high price;
• mechanical strength is lower than that of other types.

Note. Silicone sealant does not take first place in the product rating due to its increased cost.

Types of seals

These window fittings differ in material:

• Rubber.
• Silicone.
• Thermoplastic elements.
• Plastic.

Silicone parts are considered to be of the highest quality, resistant to sudden temperature changes, and water-repellent. Used both in residential and non-living areas. Resistant to UV rays.

Rubber parts are made from rubber with the addition of sulfur. During operation, ultraviolet rays act. The material is durable, service life reaches 25 years. The sealing is excellent.

There are many positive reviews for plastic seals. Doesn't last long, only 3 years. Used only for residential premises that are well heated.

What does the structure consist of?

Despite the variety of brands, each of which describes the product in its own way, the PVC profile window system consists of the same components. Externally, the design looks simple: a plastic frame, transparent windows, neat handles.

PVC window design

All the beauty is hidden inside - if you look at the section of the panel, you will see a cellular structure made of plastic partitions, a metal frame, grooves for sealing rubber, and the glass unit itself consists of several layers.

Let's take a closer look at all the components of the design:

1. Profile
2. Double-glazed window
3. Accessories

Frame

Internal cellular structure

This is a plastic box inside which all the mechanisms are located. It consists of a frame (fixed part) and a sash (moving part). It comes in different shapes: round, square, rectangular, with beveled corners.

Inside the profile there is a durable metal frame. Reinforcement gives the structure rigidity and stability. It can be closed or U-shaped (the first is preferable).

The profile itself has thick walls, and inside it is filled with jumpers that form honeycombs or cells. They form air chambers, which perform a thermal insulation function. The more cameras in a row, the warmer the window will be.

Please note that if a manager recommends, for example, a five-chamber double-glazed window, he means the number of cameras in the profile.

There are grooves in the plastic into which the seal is inserted: it presses the double-glazed window and prevents blowing, wind, rain, and dust from entering. Made from synthetic or vulcanized rubber. There are seals made of elastic thermoplastic.

Double-glazed window

Single chamber glass block

These are glass layers that are connected to each other. Between them there is a frame with an air gap, and heat-reflecting coating is applied to one of the glasses. In winter, it helps to retain heat inside the room, and in summer it does not allow intense heat from the street to pass through.

The package can be single-chamber or double-chamber. The first consists of two glasses and one air cavity, the second of three glasses and two air pockets. For residential premises, it is recommended to purchase double-glazed windows - they are more airtight and warmer.

Self-installation

Before replacing outdated ones, the material itself is removed, the groove is cleaned of dirt and debris. Next, to ensure reliable fixation, the frame is treated with adhesive in several places. After the seal is securely installed, the resulting joint must be treated with glue.

The preservation of heat in an apartment directly depends on the absence or presence of small cracks in PVC windows. To avoid gaps, special gaskets are used, which are installed at the junction of movable and immovable parts of the structure.

You can buy window seals everywhere: both in stores and online stores. But first you need to study all the characteristics:

• Rubber. This is a popular look. If the color is black, then it contains carbon black, which makes the material more reliable and durable. The average service life is 8-9 years. It all also depends on the manufacturer.
• Silicone. The material is able to withstand temperature changes from +90 to -35, without losing its good initial characteristics. The material is durable and does not collapse. Due to the high price it is rarely used.
• EPDM. They do not deform and retain their shape for a long time. Durable material, lasts up to 20 years. The most popular type.

The sealant is made from the following substances:

• PVC. The material is inexpensive and production is quite simple. Therefore it is used quite often. The disadvantages include poor elasticity, ductility and poor thermal stability.
• Thermoplastic rubber. The material is flexible and springy, but at minimum temperatures the elasticity decreases. There are modern forms of this rubber, which are more heat-resistant and shape-resistant.

Consumer properties of profiles that you need to pay attention to

Which profile to choose for PVC windows so that it is warm, quiet, airtight, inaccessible to burglary and, at the same time, not to contact scammers? The main characteristics will help with this.

System width

The first indicator you should pay attention to is the width of the profile structure. It depends on it how warm and cozy it will be in an apartment or wooden house

For consumers who are encountering plastic windows for the first time, it is difficult to understand how the width of the frame and sash affect the comfort in the room. Let's try to explain.

A double-glazed window is installed in the window sash, which consists of several glasses fixed around the perimeter with a PVC profile frame. The air pockets between the glasses are called chambers. In standard windows, there is simply air in them; in the “Premium” segment, inert gas is pumped into the chambers to improve all the characteristics of the double-glazed window.

From school physics lessons we know that air is a poor conductor of heat, and glass with an air pocket is a poor conductor of sound. Therefore, the more cameras in a double-glazed window and, consequently, the number of glasses, the more comfortable it is to stay in the room. Window manufacturers mainly offer the classic version of the profile width - 58 mm, which allows the installation of single-chamber windows. For two cameras a minimum of 70mm is required.

For regions of the Far North with their extreme temperatures, windows with three or even four chambers are offered. But this requires an appropriate profile width: 90 mm for 3 chambers, 110-120 mm for 4. This type of product belongs to the “Premium” class. Due to their heavy weight, such windows are not recommended for installation on balconies and loggias.

Profile width.

Number of profile cameras

The window design has two units with cameras. One is a double-glazed window, which is discussed above. The second is the profile itself. The profile is hollow. To create structural strength, fasten fittings and increase the level of heat and sound insulation, there are partitions inside the profile. The hollow volumes created by them are called chambers. The more there are, the better the performance of the window. The location of the jumpers is calculated mathematically - each of them performs a specific function.

On sale you can find 3-chamber profiles (this is the minimum possible number of cameras) and 7-chamber profiles. The most popular ones are 5-chamber ones. They offer the best combination of price and quality.

It is difficult to check the quality of the samples offered by the company by the installer, but you can pay attention to the little things that will say a lot:

The company logo, date and place of manufacture applied to the protective tape will with a 90% probability confirm the origin of the product;

• The surface texture will also help: for high-quality windows, the surface of the plastic should be perfectly smooth. Graininess indicates the Chinese origin of the product or Russian handicraft production;
• The applied paint should be uniform in color and without streaks.