Window Gasket replaceable?

[Greg_0ry1]

Hello,
I am wondering if my window gaskets are replaceable? As they are mostly broken it seems to be impossible to get them out or they are not suppose to come out.

Any advise would be appreciated

Thanks

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[Greg_0ry1]

One additional question:
In case the gasket is not fully removable, would it be an issue to remove it as much as possible and then work with white silicone? I really don't want to replace the entire window as there is no cold, it just looks awful.

 

[crank39]

They look like the old Zenith Staybrite windows, very few used white gaskets like yours. The gasket you have is what I term 'Firtree' gasket others call it clip in gasket and E gasket, if you google E gasket you will notice it has an arrow head type point to it, this clips into a groove in the pvc profile which is why its difficult to remove without taking the glass out, if it wasn't so brittle you would probably be able to dislocate it at one end end pull it out but then you'd have to replace it with a 'wedge' gasket as they'd be no way to clip in a new gasket without removing the glass, the glass is probably also held in with security clips under the bead because the firtree gasket doesn't lend itself very well to keeping the beads locked in and tight, removing the 4 beads but leaving the glass in place (assuming it has security clips still holding it in the frame) will release the pressure on the gasket

 

[Greg_0ry1]

They look like the old Zenith Staybrite windows, very few used white gaskets like yours. The gasket you have is what I term 'Firtree' gasket others call it clip in gasket and E gasket, if you google E gasket you will notice it has an arrow head type point to it, this clips into a groove in the pvc profile which is why its difficult to remove without taking the glass out, if it wasn't so brittle you would probably be able to dislocate it at one end end pull it out but then you'd have to replace it with a 'wedge' gasket as they'd be no way to clip in a new gasket without removing the glass, the glass is probably also held in with security clips under the bead because the firtree gasket doesn't lend itself very well to keeping the beads locked in and tight, removing the 4 beads but leaving the glass in place (assuming it has security clips still holding it in the frame) will release the pressure on the gasket

I have checked them out online and believe I will have trouble to get them out entirely in the current condition, I guess the options are limited for me.

1. Asking for a quote so that somebody can do it for me whereby the question is if I am not better off to replace the entire window with a modern one.
2. Getting the gasket out as best as possible and use a sort of liquid gasket like some form of silicone for a year or two longer and replace them then.

 

[opps]

I wonder if it might be possible to cut away enough to be able to use an MS polymer such as Stixall or CT1 as a glazing agent.

 

[Greg_0ry1]

MS polymer

I wonder if it might be possible to cut away enough to be able to use an MS polymer such as Stixall or CT1 as a glazing agent.

That is exactly what I was wondering, it doesn't has to be forever just for one or two years until I will replace them entirely.

 

[crank39]

That is exactly what I was wondering, it doesn't has to be forever just for one or two years until I will replace them entirely.

If you want to replace your windows because of a gasket then obviously thats your choice but gaskets can be changed leaving the window perfectly serviceable, depends what all round condition they are in, if they are the windows that I mentioned then they could be at least 20 years old maybe 25?

For a 'just for now' temp repair cutting the gasket back flat against the pvc and sealing with say a black silicone to replicate a gasket would be fine, no need for a posh silicone, just a low modulus neutral cure or LMN silicone will be fine

 

[crank39]

I wonder if it might be possible to cut away enough to be able to use an MS polymer such as Stixall or CT1 as a glazing agent.

The trouble with polymer type silicones is they are very thick and don't gun very easily thus very easy to get blobs

 

[Greg_0ry1]

If you want to replace your windows because of a gasket then obviously thats your choice but gaskets can be changed leaving the window perfectly serviceable, depends what all round condition they are in, if they are the windows that I mentioned then they could be at least 20 years old maybe 25?

For a 'just for now' temp repair cutting the gasket back flat against the pvc and sealing with say a black silicone to replicate a gasket would be fine, no need for a posh silicone, just a low modulus neutral cure or LMN silicone will be fine

You know what, I will just give it a go and cut back the gasket. I will use a LMN silicone as suggested....can't be worth then right now

Thanks

 

[opps]

The trouble with polymer type silicones is they are very thick and don't gun very easily thus very easy to get blobs

Fair call. In my head I was mindful of the fact that MS polymers can be over painted but in this case there won't be any painting. Mind you, one advantage is that they are less see through when used thinly.

 

[Greg_0ry1]

Done and dusted, will wait until tomorrow and see how it turned out but it looks like a success already given that this is a temp. solution.

 

[Greg_0ry1]

It doesn’t look too bad even I am quite bad with silicone.

 

[Greg_0ry1]

Thanks both of you for helping out, much appreciated.

 

[opps]

Well done.

 

[crank39]

Good job