A window, an element without which a room looks unpleasant, dark and claustrophobic, is made up of components such as a frame, panes, sashes, handles and seals, depending on the model. However, there are parts of the window that are constantly subjected to stress and eventually lose their functionality – they need to be replaced.
Window seals – a weak point
Up to thirty percent of heat can escape through leaky windows. This is a waste that can have a significant impact on your household budget.
The condition and cleanliness of all window seals should be checked regularly, at least once a year, to avoid unnecessary losses. Opening and closing windows and locking them affects the structural elements. The seals wear out the fastest and can bend and deform after prolonged use.
The basis for replacing the seals will be a statement of where in the window the cold air from outside is entering. If you are not sure, a thermal imaging camera test will help, costing around 250 PLN for 70 square metre flats.
Seals are an element that can be easily replaced on your own. It is worth choosing those made of polyurethane foam or EPDM seals. This part is cheap and protects the window for a long time, even for years. It is important that the seals are glued to clean, grease-free frames. It is worth noting that they must not hinder the movement of the window sash. Information on how to choose a seal can be found in the warranty card or contract with the company that installed the windows.
Window fittings
During window installation, the window is adjusted on the fittings. The metal components expand and contract due to changing temperatures, causing the sash to move slightly away from the frame, which is significant for the comfort of use. This is a problem that should be solved by a specialist.
Sometimes, the window pane breaks, for example, due to a mechanical impact. The window loses its properties and there is a risk that it will completely shatter. In this case, a professional will quickly solve the problem by replacing the broken element. However, if there has been no mechanical impact, the broken glass may indicate distortion of the frame, fittings or other elements that have affected the tension of the glass in the frame and caused it to break.
What affects the wear and tear of window components?
Professional window installation is important when it comes to the mechanical wear and tear of windows – incorrect installation leads to incorrect movement of the window elements, which wear out faster and require replacement sooner, and this entails new costs – which exceed the costs of correct installation. If you don’t want to keep having to renovate your windows, invest in professionals who will take care of it for you. The renovation work will also have a negative impact on the window elements, which can become dusty, stained with paint and so on.
Cheaper products will wear out much faster and lose their properties, which can lead to an early replacement and thus to excessive costs. Sometimes it is worth investing a little more money to enjoy the comfort for a long time.
Worn parts lead to leaks, and uncontrolled entry of cold air into the interior causes losses in the cost-effectiveness of heating – and it is not at all an additional ventilation! Controlling the wear and tear of windows will reduce the cost of obtaining a warm room and allow for good air exchange.
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