How to Identify Old Glazing Gaskets
The Importance of a Good Seal
Glazing seal integrity plays an important role in the energy efficiency and long-term performance of residential and commercial windows. All window seals degrade with time, leaving homeowners and building managers with drafts, leaks, and compromised sightlines.
Common Problems with Old Window Glazing
Even quality glazing seals will exhibit signs of deterioration after years or decades of exposure to environmental factors. The most common issues you may encounter are:
Shrinkage
Long-term UV exposure and temperature fluctuations can cause some materials, like EPDM or PVC, to shrink. This can allow gaps to form in the seal, reducing the window’s insulation and allowing moisture in.
Change in Hardness
A noticeable change in the hardness of a seal is another good way to assess the integrity. If once-flexible seals start feeling rigid or brittle, they can no longer perform as intended and will need to be replaced, as they can cause glazing lites to loosen over time.
Discoloration
Some seals in residential and commercial settings will lose their original color over time. White seals might begin to yellow, and darker seals may fade or streak. The extent of the change depends on the materials used to produce the seal. While color deterioration is cosmetic, it can be indicative of underlying degradation.
Crumbling and Material Degradation
Materials like wedge gaskets or older glazing beads can degrade and crumble over time due to exposure to heat, ozone, and environmental pollutants. Crumbling seals can be recognized by the chalky residues they leave on the surrounding window components and will compromise the window’s structure. This is a common issue with PVC seals.
Reverse Engineering Glazing Gaskets
Replacing worn window glazing gaskets can be a challenge, especially in cases when the original manufacturer’s profile is no longer known or available. Thankfully, reverse engineering offers an effective solution. At Reed Rubber Products, the process begins with obtaining a sample of the old seal, even if it’s damaged. “When we get a sample in from a customer, we take an ultra-thin slice of the profile and use a machine to plot it as a polyline that we can manipulate in 2D CAD software,” explains Eric Woodshank, a senior engineer at Reed Rubber Products. “The machine uses a glass platform with a light source to track the shadow of the part, similar to an optical comparator. It maps the difference between light and shadow with extreme precision, point by point.”
This process saves customers time and resources. “Instead of scouring for a print or measuring with calipers, customers can send us a sample and get an accurate quote and sketch quickly,” Eric notes. Our approach at Reed is rooted in decades of experience. “What differentiates us is our engineering team,” Eric adds. “We’ve been around for over a century and have expertise on nearly every seal you can think of. We share that knowledge to ensure the part works perfectly in its application.”
Reverse engineering at Reed Rubber not only allows us to create a near-perfect recreation of the original seal, it also allows us to enhance performance of the original profile with modern materials and manufacturing techniques. It’s a reliable way to breathe new life into outdated components while ensuring a precise fit and finish.
Reed Rubber Products Online Store
Another great resource for sourcing glazing seals is the Reed Rubber online store. The Store includes over 50 glazing seal profiles for some of the most common systems used over the years. Whether you’re an architect, manufacturer, builder, or glazier, our online store offers:
- Dimensional Drawings: Browse exact profiles to find the perfect match for your window needs.
- Downloadable CAD Files: Streamline your design and ensure precision with our easy-to-download CAD resources.
- Free Samples: Test before you buy. We’ll send you a sample so you can confirm compatibility before placing an order.
When it comes to identifying and replacing old glazing seals, Reed Rubber Products has the expertise and tools you need. From improving energy efficiency to restoring the aesthetic appeal of your windows, upgrading your seals is an investment in quality and longevity.
Visit our online store: Reed Rubber Online Store.