How to lubricate gum on plastic windows?

Almost everyone in the house or apartment today has plastic windows. We buy them because advertisers assure us that they are almost eternal, but this is not so. Few people know that it is necessary to lubricate a rubber sealant from time to time, and as soon as they find out about it, the question immediately arises: how to lubricate the rubber bands on plastic windows? The information in this article will help you make the right choice when resolving this issue.

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Why is it necessary to lubricate seals on plastic windows?

Elasticity on window structures we call an elastic sealant around the entire perimeter of the sash, as well as the light opening. It is used to ensure that the flaps fit snugly against the frame, as well as to prevent cool air from entering the apartment.

The gum has a huge load every day, which comes from squeezing, as well as unclenching. Of course, no matter how efficient and high-quality the sealant is, it will wear out sooner or later. In order to reduce the wear rate of the seal, even at the production stage it is covered with a special protective compound, which forms an invisible film layer on the elastic.

It is necessary to lubricate the elastic bands on the plastic windows in order to renew the protective layer, as well as soften the seal and restore its elasticity.

Important! If the part is completely worn out and does not fulfill its basic functions, it is recommended to replace the seal in plastic windows.

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How often do you need to change the grease in plastic windows:

1. It is recommended to replace the lubrication of the mechanism of the sealing rubber of the fittings at least once a year.
2. In order to service the window system, choose either spring or autumn.
3. You can lubricate the structural elements 2 times a year - in spring and autumn, to ensure a truly high reliability of the entire system.

Important! The frequency with which it is necessary to change the lubricant most depends on the factors that render it unusable, for example: dirt, sand, smog, grease.

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How to lubricate rubber bands on plastic windows?

The main objective of lubrication for a rubber seal is to protect it from interaction with moisture and cold. A large amount of funds can cope with this task.

Important! The basic rule here is that in the composition of these products should not be a single gram of alcohol, alkali or solvents. These substances destroy the structure of rubber, and also reduce the possible shelf life and operation of the seal.

So, how to lubricate the gum on plastic windows?

Universal silicone grease

Technical silicone is one of the best as well as affordable care products for gaskets and rubber. Silicone-based products are available in various forms: in the form of an emulsion, liquid, and paste. It can be sprays, aerosols, pencils and so on.

Important! It is most convenient to use a tool that can be easily applied to the surface of a soft cloth, and then gently wipe the surface of the seal with it.

Silicone greases have the following advantages:

• relatively low viscosity;
• lays on the surface in an even layer;
• protects the rubber seal from the harmful effects of moisture;
• slows down the wear period;
• silicone has no smell or color, which is why it can be used for sealants of absolutely any color;
• silicone heat resistance ranges from - 50 C to + 230 C.

Lubricate all rubber profiles with silicone compound, in no case with silicone grease, which is designed for metal surfaces. Their difference is very significant:

• the grease, which is intended for metal, forms an invisible film on the surface of the material;
• a special silicone compound penetrates the material of which the sealant is made.

Important! Silicone compounds retain the properties of the seal itself at all times of the year, preventing its destruction from heat, cold, sunlight, and moisture.

Professional Building Chemistry

It is most convenient to use WD-40 aerosol. It can simply be sprayed over the entire length of the rubber seal.

Kits that are designed for comprehensive maintenance of PVC structures are also an excellent option to grease the gum on plastic windows.

Important! It is not easy enough to find a professional tool that is designed for gaskets. As a rule, all compounds are made to serve rubber products in general. Basically, they can only be purchased as part of a set for servicing plastic windows, which also includes:

• means for washing PVC profiles;
• aerosol for parts made of metal.

Similar kits are available from firms: Edel Weiss, KBE and ROBITEX. The German company Fenosol was the pioneer in the manufacture of comprehensive services and we will talk about it, namely about their tool, which is intended for the maintenance of FENOFLEX rubber seals.

The manufacturer claims that FENOFLEX:

• maintains the original elasticity of rubber window parts;
• increases their wear resistance by 20-25%;
• increases the resistance of rubber to extremely low temperatures.
• all the elements that are in the composition are biodegradable, non-toxic, and most importantly, safe for humans.

Due to the absence in production of absolutely any solvents, as well as alcohol, the composition in no way affects the structure of plastic and rubber.

Unprofessional means

Glycerin is a colorless, viscous liquid. It has special applications in cosmetology, as well as traditional medicine. It is a waste product of saponification of fats.

Important! Scientists chemists attribute glycerin to a number of alcohols, but unlike such substances of this series, it is in no way dangerous to PVC.

From glycerol, the sealant will become softer, more flexible, covered with an invisible film layer, which provides long-term protection against adverse effects on the entire structure as a whole and prolongs the life of the window.

Important! A clear disadvantage of glycerin is a very strong instability to water - it dissolves in it. In other words, it has a very low level of waterproofing. For the same reason, it will be necessary to use such a tool much more often than any product of professional construction chemistry for caring for PVC windows.

Also, to solve the issue of how to lubricate gum on plastic windows, such a very affordable remedy as petroleum jelly is also useful.

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How to lubricate the rubber seal of a plastic window?

See where the rubber seals are located on your windows. As a rule, they are on the structural elements of the window, for example:

• around the perimeter of the frame;
• along the inner as well as the outer perimeter of the glass;
• along the inner perimeter of the sash.

Regardless of the tool you choose, to grease the gum on the plastic windows, like this:

1. To begin, wipe the rubber seal with a soft cloth or a sponge that you previously moisten in soapy water.
2. Wipe dry.
3. Lubricate between seal plates, if any.
4. Next, apply on the entire outer surface of the gum.
5. If you prefer viscous and creamy products, for example: silicone grease, petroleum jelly, stock up with a soft brush. With it, you can evenly distribute the product, or do it with your hands.
6. In the event that you use liquid products such as glycerin, you can not do without a cotton pad. It takes 5-10 minutes to lubricate the entire seal.
7. You can close the shutter right there.

Important! Never allow oils or fats to get on the sealant. Because of them, the sealant material may begin to swell.

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We sincerely hope that our recommendations, as well as tips, will be useful to you and save your windows from any damage, respectively - they will extend their shelf life.