Because you needed new windows, you hired a technician to get your old windows replaced. But to your dismay, you begin to notice something odd. Your windows are allowing cold air and making the interiors drafty. Wondering why? Well, it is because your windows weren’t installed properly.
Windows are one of the most critical architectural components of your home or office. Besides facilitating proper ventilation and adding visual appeal to your property, they also serve several other purposes, such as making your home or office energy-efficient, weather-resistant, and soundproof. Hence, as important as it is to have the right type of windows installed, it is equally important to ensure that there are no loopholes in the installation process – all of which depend significantly on the applicant of the window sealant.
What Happens if Windows Aren’t Installed Properly?
If your window panes don’t work smoothly or if there is a gap between the frame and the wall, then it means that your windows weren’t installed properly. Condensation on your windows is the most obvious indicator of this, as it means that moisture is getting inside the window. This would lead to the interiors becoming chilly as your windows would not be able to block cold air. Leaks in the windows will also impact the energy-efficiency of your house. Due to this, you will be using more of your artificial cooling and heating systems, subsequently leading to a spike in your energy bills. Leaky windows will inevitably lead to puffy walls, peeling of paint, rotting wood, and further damage to your property.
One of the ways that you can ensure that your windows are efficient is to make sure that the sealant is applied correctly during the process of window installation. Before getting into the correct application of sealant that AIS Windows believes in, let us first get to know a little about sealants –
What is a Sealant?
A sealant is a substance that is used to block fluids from passing through the surface or joints. It could very well be described as a type of mechanical seal. Sealants could be of many types, such as flexible, rigid, temporary, or permanent. They can also be used for simple smoothing or filling purposes. Sealants do not fall under the category of adhesives, but some of them are known to have adhesive qualities. These kinds of sealants are called adhesive-sealant or structural-sealant. Where adhesives are used to bond things together, sealants are used for purposes of air and waterproofing.
Why Do We Need Sealants?
Sealants have several properties that help them perform multiple functions at once. Given below are some of them –
Waterproofing
Sealants in windows are responsible for keeping condensation on the window panes at bay. They keep the moisture out or in (whenever required) depending on the object that they are being used for.
Insulation
When applied to windows, sealants provide thermal as well as acoustic insulation.
Dust-Resistance
Window Sealants prevent dust from invading your spaces, and some even serve as fire barriers.
Correct Application of Sealant
Sealants can work most effectively only when they are applied correctly. To ensure proper application, AIS Windows follows the tried-and-trusted 5 steps to sealant application –
Clean
The first of the five steps to sealant application is the cleaning method. The substrate is wiped with a clean, white, dust, or lint-free cloth dampened with an approved cleaning agent. To prevent contamination, the cleaning cloth should never be left in the solvent vessel. After wiping with the cleaning agent, take a second cloth that is dry and clean and wipe the surface again. This is done to remove the residual loosened dirt or oil. If two or more than two hours have passed since the time when the substrate was cleaned and the sealant was applied, then it’s imperative to clean the substrate again.
Prime
Some silicone sealants do not require any primer. But if the primer is deemed necessary, then it should be applied carefully with a brush or a cloth. The reason primer is applied to the bonding surface is that it takes less time for the silicone sealant to cure securely to the substrate. It is essential to take care that if you are using a brush to apply the primer, then no bristles should be deposited from the brush on the substrate, and if you are using a cloth, then it should be clean and white. Before the sealant is applied, the primer-applied surface must be completely dry. If the sealant is applied to the surface while still fresh from the applied primer, then the sealant will be unable to adhere correctly to the substrate. This will further prove to be a hindrance, as the sealant would be unable to perform the way it is expected to.
Pack
Before the sealant is applied, masking tape is supposed to be used to protect the window frame and the wall. The sealant is then applied with a backer rod. The backer rods are used to control the depth of the sealant bead that is applied to the sealant joints. The backer rod helps to maintain the sealant bead depth. It also prevents three-sided adhesion. The crucial part of this step is to ensure that the correct joint-backing or bond-breaking is implemented so that the sealant can perform well when it is exposed to joint movement.
Shoot
The fourth step of our five steps to sealant application consists of shooting or gunning the sealant through a nozzle into the sealant joint. While shooting the sealant, the joint should be filled from the back to the front so that air will not get trapped in the sealant bead. If air gets trapped in the sealant, then the sealant joint won’t be able to perform. Another thing that should be given full attention during the sealant application process is to ensure that there is complete contact between the sealant and the joint bonding surfaces of the substrate. If the sealant is not entirely in contact with the sealant joint, it will be ineffective at preventing moisture leaks and can also fail when exposed to wear and tear. The technician must exert force to make sure that the sealant goes into the joint completely.
Tool
To get an efficient sealant joint, tooling is required. Tooling is the process of applying consistent pressure to the sealant. The force applied to the sealant ensures that the sealant is filled adequately into the joint and has complete contact with the backing material. The pressure should be controlled, as too much pressure can displace the joint-backing material.
The proper application of a sealant is required to get efficient-performing windows. Looking for experts who can provide these efficient solutions? Look no further than AIS Windows. As a subsidiary of Asahi India Glass Limited – India’s leading glass manufacturer, we at AIS Windows offer a wide variety of window solutions for residential and commercial spaces. We don’t just put windows and doors together for you, but we engineer them to tell your story. We ensure that we craft our products with the utmost precision so that they add value to your property. Our tried-and-true five steps to sealant applications ensure that your windows are installed efficiently and securely. So, if you’re on the lookout for premium-quality window solutions, whether they are for your homes or offices, simply contact us.
What are you waiting for? Get in touch with AIS Windows to get an expert consultation right away!
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