Black rubber leaching from seals in double glazing

Primrose

We have double glazing which is 25 years old. The outer glass panes are sealed in with what are now old- fashioned black rubber gasket seals which leach their colour and drip black stains down onto the white PVC window frames and window ledges.

Does anybody have any experience of how to coat the rubber seals with some kind of waterproofing /weatherproofing which will seal in the black colouring and prevent it from further leaching? I am thinking of some kind of clear varnish but don't know whether it would react with and damage the rubber seals. Thanks.

missprice

I think the rubber may be perished.
You could try to get new seals/gaskets but it may or may not be cost effective.

New double glazing is not that expensive any more.

Please note this is simply my opinion. A picture may help.

vansboy

Depending on whether the seal is perished, or just really dirty, try a good scrub with washing up liquid and sponge or cloths - they will get black quickly of course, then rub with dry cloth.

Then spray WD40 on another dry cloth and rub well into the clean seal.

If they are perished, possibly a google for 'window doctors' or 'double glazing repairs' close to you, would be able to replace them.

VB