Error when replacing the sealant: how to break the window

People often come to me with problems that arose from a seemingly harmless wish to "save money" or "do better". One of the most common mistakes is using an unsuitable seal — specifically a seal meant for fitting under the glass unit (in the bead), which gets put into the rebate (between the sash and the frame). What does this threaten? Let's look at a real example.

What happened

The window's owner decided to fix a draught himself and bought the first seal he came across in a shop. It turned out to be a glass-unit seal (thicker and stiffer, designed to hold the glass). It was fitted into the groove around the sash, where a special, softer rebate seal should go. The result: because of the wrong profile and stiffness, the door began to close with enormous effort. A critical load was placed on all the hardware elements.

What it led to

Over time the hardware wore out and started to break. The handle began turning stiffly, the pressure was disrupted, and the standard seal couldn't do its job — so the draught not only didn't disappear but got worse.

Why you can't fit just any seal

PVC window seals come in different types and profiles. What's suitable for holding the glass unit is completely unsuitable for sealing the rebate. They have a different shape, stiffness and, most importantly, purpose. The wrong seal:

• creates excessive pressure on the hardware, leading to its rapid wear and breakage;
• disrupts the closing mechanism;
• can deform the sash itself.

What to do to avoid this situation

The best advice is to leave the seal replacement to a professional. I know exactly which type of seal suits your profile (REHAU, VEKA, KBE and others) and fit it correctly, without any risk to the hardware. If you do decide to replace it yourself, be sure to:

• Remove the old seal and show it to the seller in a specialist shop.
• Select strictly by profile.
• Don't buy "universal" tapes — they rarely fit perfectly.
• After fitting, check how easily the window closes. If there's resistance, you've chosen the wrong one.

Order a correct seal replacement in Minsk

Don't risk your hardware over the wrong rubber. Call — I'll select and fit the right seal for your profile, with a warranty.

📞 Phone: +375 (29) 135-50-50 · 🌐 rpo.by · Brand: Spravnae Akenca