Old window seals: what to check and when to replace them - Alberta Construction Magazine (2024)

Window seals, over time, can lose their effectiveness. We may not think about it, but they are the ones that prevent drafts and humidity from entering the house.

If you notice that your windows are no longer insulating as they once were or you feel the cold seeping in even with your windows closed, it might be time to take action. But how do you know when the gaskets need to be changed? And above all, how do you replace them correctly?

Let’s look together at the signs not to underestimate and the steps to solve the problem.

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When is it time to replace gaskets?

Window seals wear out over time, and even if we don’t notice it at first, the signs become evident.

It’s not just drafts coming into your home: there are other signs that might indicate it’s time to take action. For example, if you start to notice signs of damp or even mold around your window frames, it’s likely that water is seeping in due to damaged or age-hardened seals.

Or have you ever found that your windows were harder to open or close? It could be that the seals have hardened or warped. Another important sign is an increase in heating or air conditioning bills: if the frames no longer insulate well, energy is lost more easily.

Replacing gaskets on time can help you improve the comfort of your home and save energy.

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How to replace window seals?

Replacing window seals may seem complicated, but with a little care you can easily do it yourself. The first thing to do is remove the old seals. You will need a cutter or a spatula: use them delicately to avoid scratching the frame.

Once removed, remember to clean the surface well to eliminate dust and glue residue. This step is essential because, if the surface is not clean, the new gaskets may not adhere well.

At this point, it is important to choose the right seals. Make sure they are the same size as the old ones, both in length and thickness. Self-adhesive seals are certainly the easiest to apply, but if you want a more robust insulation, you could consider the interlocking ones. After applying them, try closing the window or door to make sure that everything slides as it should. If you do not feel any drafts and the closing is smooth, you have done a good job.

The new seals will guarantee you better thermal and acoustic insulation, as well as keeping unwanted drafts away.

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Why should you replace window seals?

Replacing window seals may seem like a small task, but it can have a significant impact. If the seals are damaged, cold air in the winter or hot air in the summer can easily enter your home, forcing your heating or air conditioning to work harder.

This means higher bills and less comfort. By changing them, however, you can better maintain the internal temperature and save on energy costs.

Another important point is noise. If you live in a busy or noisy area, new gaskets can help reduce the sound coming into your home, making you feel more at ease. And then, let’s not forget dust and humidity: gaskets in good condition prevent them from entering your home, thus protecting your fixtures and prolonging their life over time. In short, it’s a small job that can really make a difference in the long run.

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How often should you check gaskets?

Checking window seals is not something we often think about, but doing it every now and then can prevent bigger problems. The ideal is to take a look at least once a year, preferably before the cold weather arrives. This way you can check for drafts or if the seal has hardened or deteriorated.

If you start to feel the draft even with the windows closed or notice moisture near the frames, it’s time to intervene.

Don’t wait until the problem becomes bigger. Damaged seals can let in moisture, which could damage the wood or cause mold to grow. If you live in an area that is subject to extreme weather, such as the seaside or mountains, checking the seals even twice a year can help keep your windows in good condition for longer.