Replacing rubber seal in UPVC window frame

saxonrosecliff

Following today's "lovely" weather I've found out I've got a problem with a bedroom window. The wind was howling through. I've identified the problem as being the opening window so I am assuming the rubber seal that the window closes onto needs replacing (it is very squashed and mis-shaped in one corner). Is this something that I can do myself, i.e. easy or should I get an expert in? If it is a DIY job what exactly do I need to buy?

Thanks for reading.

thebull

seal usually just pushes into a grove in the plastic frame so should just pull out .
try removing and then re replace seal with squashed bit in a different position than before , this alone might cure your problem if not you can buy a replacement length of seal i got some of ebay .

saxonrosecliff

Thank you - that's saved me some money. There seems to be lots of different shapes on Ebay so would I be right in thinking that I have to have the same shape?

iamcornholio

It's called a gasket, and you will need to match the specific profile of what is there now, as there are many different profiles for various types of frames.

It is relatively easy to DIY

As above, you could try refitting, or swapping the gasket from a window which is in a less exposed position

saxonrosecliff

Thank you for your help both of you - its much appreciated.

phead

I have a link bookmarked that may help:

Gaskets

I cannot tell you you how good/bad that particular supplier is.

CheekyLittleMonkey

Sorry to hi-jack this thread but I have the same problem with lots of my windows and I'm wondering what to do and where to turn to? This is a new build property so still covered by my NHBC warranty which is valid for 10yrs, although I'm not sure if this problem falls under it. Would I be responsible for it or the builders (still on site building the last phase - Persimmon Homes). If I am responsible what kind of tradesman do I need in to fix the problems and is it likely to be costly. I have an 18th month old baby and with all these very strong winds its very very noticeable. I had noticed once or twice before but just put it down to 'oh the winds getting up outside' but since I went round and tested several windows & french doors, most of them are pretty much letting the wind in (in some parts). I also have a husband who is useless at DIY so getting him to do it is a no-no, in all likelihood he'd botch it up worse!

iamcornholio

This might be covered only in the first two years of the Buildmark Warranty.

A plastic window fitter or carpenter could do the work, or look for one of the little "Window doctor" type one man bands which are quite common

Its no more than £50 (two hours) worth of work

greenface

firstly have a little think and dont be pulling any gaskets out just yet (you wont get them back in) . Most gaskets are co extruded (fitted when making the length of profile) they do not come out. The most common reason for having a windy gap is not where the gasket is flat but the other side where it isnt flat. If you look at the rolling barrel "mushroom looking thing) on the sash as it closes into the window it will have a allen key setting in the middle. Try balancing the off set cams to make both sides close equally. Check your hinges are not rocking or loose and check your sash doesnt need blocking as it may have dropped (toe & heel) These are the most common issues with draught through sashes. There are a few people telling you wrong advice without knowing your windows /age and style. Rarely can you take a gasket out from a sash unless its over 15 years old and externally glazed or a very cheap frame .

ormus

also there maybe nothing wrong with the frame gasket/s,
it may just need the window hinges/locks adjusting.

cattie

CheekyLittleMonkey wrote: »

Sorry to hi-jack this thread but I have the same problem with lots of my windows and I'm wondering what to do and where to turn to? This is a new build property so still covered by my NHBC warranty which is valid for 10yrs, although I'm not sure if this problem falls under it. Would I be responsible for it or the builders (still on site building the last phase - Persimmon Homes). If I am responsible what kind of tradesman do I need in to fix the problems and is it likely to be costly. I have an 18th month old baby and with all these very strong winds its very very noticeable. I had noticed once or twice before but just put it down to 'oh the winds getting up outside' but since I went round and tested several windows & french doors, most of them are pretty much letting the wind in (in some parts). I also have a husband who is useless at DIY so getting him to do it is a no-no, in all likelihood he'd botch it up worse!

It might not be that the seal has gone on your windows at all. As it's a newish house, it could be that they were never fitted and set in properly in the first place.

When I had double glazing installed, the weather was good and everything seemed fine. However, a few months down the line and the weather changed. I started to feel draughts coming in through my living room and bedroom windows, so called the installation company about it. It turned out the original installer hadn't done his job properly and hadn't set the windows in properly. The guy who came out to put things right checked all of the windows that had been done and found another one I hadn't noticed that needed to be put right.

So if I were you, I'd be asking the builders to send somebody in to double check. Plus your windows must be guaranteed under FENSA? Look out your paperwork.