How to lubricate the seal of plastic windows for the winter. We select silicone grease for seals

How to lubricate the rubber seal of plastic windows

Care Products Offered by the Chemical Industry As we said at the very beginning of this article, window installers sometimes offer such care products. They are usually included in PVC window care kits. The main disadvantage of such kits is their high cost. It usually starts with ten rubles. Silicone lubricants are much cheaper. The list of their names is quite large, and you can buy them in construction, automotive and hardware stores. When purchasing such a lubricant, you need to make sure that it is really designed for rubber. If the bottle does not have this mark, the product can cause great damage to the window gaskets.

Motorists are likely to want to use their widely used WD-40 fluid. And they will be right: the mineral oil, which forms the basis of this product, creates a protective film of waterproofing on the treated surfaces. The price of WD-40 is one third less than the cost of silicones. A spray can will be enough for a whole ten years, even if the seals are treated with this product regularly.

People's experience

Professional tools are, of course, good. However, human experience has shown that a rubber seal can be treated with a more affordable product. Such a remedy is glycerin known to all. Its disadvantages include a low level of water resistance. But in the case of seals, it does not play any role: these elements of the window structure are rarely exposed to prolonged exposure to moisture.

Glycerin is most likely a cosmetic product. Therefore, it may suggest using some kind of cosmetic cream. Don't ever do this! Additives, flavors and additives can be an exceptional punishment for rubber products. What not to use when lubricating window seals First of all, you should be aware that rubber seal will not withstand if it is treated with solvents or substances containing alkali or alcohol. Knowing the mistakes often made by users, we separately want to warn you against the use of the following substances: edible oils - it is absolutely impossible to treat the seals with them; petroleum jelly, which is not glycerin at all. Its application can cause the gum to crack (real men know this very well!); baby powder can dry out the seals. So, remember that the PVC window seal rubber needs maintenance. Only in this way is he able to serve for a long enough time, effectively coping with the task assigned to him. To care for it, you should always use those substances that are compatible with rubber products.

Silicone grease is not only a means for protecting and lubricating rubber surfaces, but also just a universal substance. With its help, you can significantly increase the service life of many decorative and sealing parts in your car.

Silicone rubber seal grease owes much to its chemical inertness. This property makes it versatile. By acting on the rubber, it does not soften or loosen, and the plastic does not dissolve from it. All its versatility lies in the ability to apply in various fields.

On contact with the surface of the rubber seals, the silicone forms a continuous polymer layer that provides excellent water repellency. Also, the product increases the sliding of rubber seals and protects them from a number of external influences.

Silicone operating temperatures range from -50 to +250 ° C. At the same time, the temperature practically does not affect the viscosity of the substance. In winter, motorists use silicone grease to protect rubber seals from freezing to the car body. In the summer period, it prevents rubber and plastic products from drying out, which makes them fragile.

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Silicone grease comes in several forms, each of which is used in a specific area. There are varieties for ease of use and application to different surfaces. Silicone rubber seal products are found in the market in the form of aerosol, liquid, gel, plastic compound, and paste. Each type has its own disadvantages and advantages.

For example, at first glance, aerosols seem to be the most convenient for a motorist to use: you just apply a spray to the surface, and that's it. In theory this would be the case, however, in practice the situation is different. When the product is sprayed onto rubber seals, the substance not only gets into the desired area, but also into the environment.

Due to the high pressure, the spray sprays silicone onto clothing, leather, fabric and leatherette interior, as well as glass and plastic surfaces. If you do not rub the grease immediately after application, grease stains will form.

The special properties of silicone allow the lubricant to be used in many applications. With their help, interior details, interior mats, and wheel disks are processed. This makes their appearance attractive and protects against moisture, corrosion and early pollution.

Lubrication in the form of a gel, paste, plastic substance and liquid is in some ways more convenient than aerosols. By applying these types of lubricant to a cloth or napkin, you can gently process the rubber seals without touching other surfaces. The problematic side of these silicone greases is when machining hard-to-reach places. It is practically impossible to treat locks, door hinges and other hidden areas using pastes, gels and greases.

Some manufacturers of aerosolized silicone products supplement the can with a thin tube. This is a very good solution to get to the most closed and inconvenient places in the car for processing.

Which is better

The basis of many silicone fluids for rubber seals of cars lies in the mixing of polymethylsilixane fluid and propellants and the addition of various types of polymer compounds. It is difficult to feel the special difference between these fluids. All of them show excellent results in water repellency and lubrication properties.

The main differences between such fluids are the presence or absence of a characteristic odor, convenience in processing rubber seals and application to other surfaces. Operating temperatures also vary slightly. Distinctive ranges: -30 to 200 ° C and -50 to +250 ° C. The solvents contained in the polymethylsilixane liquid evaporate quickly, which makes these substances dry very quickly.

Overview of lubricants

StepUp

A well-known American company producing car care products. It has good water-repellent properties and wear protection of rubber seals in doors, windows, trunk and bonnet covers. Available operating temperatures: -50 to +200 ° C. The aerosol cans are complemented by a convenient slim tube.

Eltrans

Produced by the domestic company "Eltrans-N". Eltrans aerosols are suitable for the protection of plastic rubber parts and seals in almost any temperature conditions. When applied to a surface, it forms a thin layer of glossy coating that enhances the appearance of parts. It differs in that an aromatic fragrance is added to the composition of the substance, which eliminates the characteristic odor of the liquid. The can is not equipped with a special thin tube.

BBF

Russian-made silicone product. The substance protects surfaces from corrosion and thermal effects. Possesses excellent water-repellent properties. When applied to the surfaces of parts, it covers them with a shiny film, giving rubber and plastic products their former color. The can is equipped with a very convenient spray in the form of a long spout. This allows you to deliver lubricant to the most distant and inconvenient places of the car.

Horses

Russian-made product. It protects rubber and plastic parts very well from frost and moisture. By polishing the surfaces, they acquire a glossy sheen. It is also good that the applied layer is very durable and practically does not wash off with water, both hot and cold. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the absence of a tube or spout for aerosols and the presence of a characteristic odor.

LiquiMoly

Silicon-Fett and Silicon-Spray products from a notable German company. LiquiMoly silicone fluids, like all products of this company, are of high quality. Thick gel lubricants are available in tubes and are very good at covering door hinges, hatches and rods. Sprays have great penetrating properties, which reliably protect the surfaces of rubber, metal and plastic products. The can is not equipped with a spout tube. Also does not have a particularly characteristic odor. Operates in a significant temperature range of -40 to +200 ° C.

MS-sport

The product of VMPAUTO is manufactured in St. Petersburg. Thanks to fluoroplastic, the substance is a good insulator and antifriction polymer. It is quite difficult to apply MC-sport gel, but due to its thick composition, the silicone layer has a very high strength and durability. Working with this product is practically odorless. Does not leave greasy marks on unwanted surfaces. A small drawback is that hard-to-reach places are difficult to handle.

Molykote

Dow Corning 200/1000 - Belgian aerosols. Like the previous mixtures, it has good water-repellent properties, perfectly protects against high and low temperatures. Very easy to apply to surfaces. In this regard, it is the leader in strength and durability of the layer among aerosol forms of liquid. It is not washed off with water, it reduces friction well with the elimination of squeaks in the mechanisms of locks, etc.

Modern lubricants help rubber seals last much longer and more efficiently. However, our construction market is now very extensive, so it is quite difficult to figure out what exactly you need. In this article, you will learn what it is for, how it is used, what advantages and disadvantages it has.

What is the substance?

The presented product is an artificial lubricant made from organic and inorganic materials. The basis for manufacturing is to which other components are added. For example, viscous pastes are produced with a thickener. If an aerosol is needed, propylene is added to the silicone oil.

It should be noted that the presented substance is chemically inert. That is, it does not interact with other elements, which can harm the workpiece. Silicone grease is used for rubber seals as a protective and anti-fraction layer. It has many benefits that you will look at later.

Areas of application of the material

Silicone rubber seal grease is used frequently. However, there are a small number of alternative materials that can provide the same effect. Consideration should be given to where exactly this material is applied. So, you can use a lubricant to:

• Lubrication of interior elements, the characteristics of which may deteriorate when exposed to external conditions.
• Protecting rubber seals from dust, frost, rain. Moreover, you can use the substance both in the house and in the car.
• Lubrication of locks and hinges in the door frame. At the same time, the mechanism is able to last much longer, it will not creak or jam.
• Processing of wood, leather, metal and other products.

Basically, silicone rubber seal grease can be used anywhere. Versatility is one of the advantages of the presented substance.

Material advantages

Now we need to consider why the lubricant is so popular with consumers. The fact is that it has many advantages:

1. Versatility. You can use this material in everyday life, in industry and in laboratory conditions.
2. Environmental Safety.
3. High quality and efficiency of the product.
4. Acceptable cost.
5. Large selection of lubricants.
6. The substance is not washed off with water, even hot.

Material specifications

Silicone Car Lubricant will help you preserve all rubber gaskets and seals, preventing them from drying out and delaying the time when these elements become unusable.

Naturally, this substance has some technical characteristics that will help you decide whether you need to use this or that type of product. So, manufacturers declare the following features of the lubricant:

• Inert to combustion. That is, you can use this tool to treat those mechanisms that can heat up during their work. However, you do not need to worry about the risk of fire. This feature allows the lubricant to be applied to vehicles.
• The substance can be used in a fairly wide temperature range: from -40 to +250 degrees.
• Chemical inertness.

You can read more detailed characteristics in the instructions for use of the presented product.

Functions of matter

Silicone grease (reviews about it are mostly positive) is used almost everywhere. The fact is that it perfectly performs the necessary functions:

1. Recovery. The lubricant helps the seals retain their elasticity. In addition, if these products begin to soften, then the substance can quickly restore their previous appearance and functionality.
2. Insulating.
3. Lubricating. Thanks to this substance, the seals will better adhere to the surface.
4. Protective. This feature ensures the durability of the seals. The fact is that the grease not only repels water well and prevents corrosion of metal parts. In addition, the substance prevents dust from entering the structure.

Varieties of funds

It must be said that the market for modern lubricants is very wide. Therefore, it is very difficult to choose one thing. In order to facilitate this process for yourself, you should decide on what types of funds are:

• Paste. It is a thick silicone grease that is very easy to use. However, its main disadvantage is that it cannot be used in hard-to-reach places.
• Gel.
• Liquid. This silicone-based lubricant can be used in complex machinery. However, its disadvantage is its spreading property.
• Aerosol. This type of substance is quite easy to use. However, it should be used for large surfaces. The fact is that the aerosol can simply fly in different directions, falling on clothes, hands, on those surfaces that do not need such a coating. And such a silicone grease, the price of which ranges from $ 5 to $ 20 and more, needs rubbing. Otherwise, you will have to deal with greasy stains on the treated surface.

Features of the choice of funds

In order not to waste money, you must definitely decide on which product is better to buy. To do this, you should be guided by some criteria. Among them are the following:

• Cost. Naturally, this is not the main, but a very important factor influencing the choice. It is advisable not to buy too cheap a product, as it may be of poor quality.
• Availability. This criterion is also considered important, since there should be a store in your community where you can quickly replenish your lubricant supplies.
• Quality. Here it is better not to take risks, but to purchase the product at certified points of sale. You should not pay attention to those stores that do not have a license to operate or do not have all the necessary documents for the goods.
• Product type. Here you already need to decide what exactly you need a lubricant for. If you need to protect your car, you can use a gaseous substance or gel. Naturally, the aerosol can be additionally equipped with a thin tube, which does not allow the agent to be strongly sprayed, and makes it possible to process hard-to-reach places.
• Specifications. You can read them in the store right on the packaging. They will also help you quickly decide what you need.
• Manufacturer. Here you should already look at the ratings of the manufacturers. The most popular brands of lubricants on the modern market are Eltrans, Bosny, Silicot, Verylube.

If you need silicone grease, the best of all will be determined only during operation.

Features of using the product in the car

I must say that the presented substance is very often used in cars. And not only for processing their external elements. For example, due to its chemical and thermal inertness, the grease can be used for seals installed in internal combustion engines. Moreover, the water-repellent function of the product does not allow metal elements to rust.

Useful for door seals and wipers. Due to the excellent qualities of the product, the rubber does not loosen, does not become softer, which allows it to serve for a long time, and reduces the cost of machine maintenance. Moreover, the substance can significantly update the appearance of the seals.

As for the wipers, the lubricant, due to its resistance to frost, can provide excellent sliding on glass, even in low temperatures. At the same time, the rubber does not freeze to the surface.

Features and Benefits of Grease

The presented material has a specific consistency. It must be said that thick silicone grease can be used to treat not only cars, but also underwater equipment. Due to its consistency, such a tool does not spray onto other surfaces, so its use is very convenient.

Due to its environmental and organic safety, such a substance can be used to treat medical or household appliances. The thick grease adheres perfectly to the surface, does not wash off with hot or cold water, and does not leave greasy stains. After processing, only a pleasant shine remains on the product. You can store the presented grease in a garage or closet. It also has the property of resistance to frost, so the temperature in the room is not significant.

Multipurpose grease: application features

Probably the best tool is one that can be used in several areas of life at once. This substance is a universal silicone grease. It has all the necessary qualities: ease of use; resistance to water, dust and low temperatures; lack of greasy marks on the treated surface. In addition, it extends the service life of mechanisms and products made of metal, plastic, rubber.

Such a lubricant is used almost everywhere:

• For processing and industrial machine tools.
• For the lubrication of electrical equipment that is exposed to heat.
• Working with door and car locks, hinges, seals.
• For processing plumbing equipment.
• For the lubrication of baby carriages, sports equipment, furniture, household appliances.

As you can see, the presented material can be applied in almost all spheres of human life.

Features of use

In principle, it is not difficult to apply the presented material. However, you need to prepare for this action in advance. For example, before applying a layer, the surface to be treated must be cleaned of dust and moisture. This should be done especially in winter. In addition, the surface must be degreased.

Then you can apply lubricant. This should be done carefully, with gloves and a protective mask (if you use an aerosol). In some cases, the grease will need to be evenly distributed. It dries quickly enough and leaves no residue.

Remember, if you need to use a substance such as silicone grease, it is easy to use. So you can safely purchase this tool, even if you have not dealt with it before. That's all. Good luck!

Almost every person in a house or apartment today has plastic windows. We buy them because advertisers assure us that they are almost eternal, but they are not. Few people know that the rubber seal needs to be lubricated from time to time, and as soon as they find out about this, the question immediately arises, how to lubricate the rubber bands on plastic windows? The information in this article will help you make the right choice when solving this issue.

Why is it necessary to lubricate the seals on plastic windows?

We call elastic band on window structures an elastic seal along the entire perimeter of the sash, as well as the skylight. It is used to ensure that the sashes fit snugly against the frame, as well as to prevent cool air from entering the apartment.

The gum has a huge load every day, which comes from squeezing as well as unclenching. Of course, no matter how effective and high-quality the seal is, it will wear out sooner or later. In order to reduce the wear rate of the seal, even at the production stage it is coated with a special protective compound, which forms an invisible film layer on the elastic band.

It is necessary to lubricate the rubber bands on plastic windows in order to renew the protective layer, as well as soften the seal and restore its elasticity.

Important! If the part is completely worn out and does not fulfill its main functions, it is recommended to replace the seal in the plastic windows.

How often do you need to change the grease in plastic windows:

1. It is recommended to change the lubricant of the hardware sealing rubber mechanism at least once a year.
2. In order to service the window system, choose either spring or autumn.
3. You can lubricate structural elements 2 times a year - in spring and autumn, to ensure a really high reliability of the entire system.

Important! The frequency with which it is necessary to change the lubricant most of all depends on the factors that make it unusable, for example: dirt, sand, smog, grease.

How to lubricate the gum of the sealant on plastic windows?

The main task of the lubricant for the rubber seal is to protect it from interaction with moisture and cold. A large number of funds can cope with this task.

Important! The basic rule here is that these products should not contain a single gram of alcohol, alkali or solvents. These substances destroy the structure of the rubber and also reduce the possible shelf life and service life of the seal.

So, how to lubricate the rubber bands on plastic windows?

Universal silicone greases

Technical silicone is one of the best and most affordable gasket and rubber care products. Silicone-based products are available in various forms: in the form of an emulsion, liquid and paste. These can be sprays, aerosols, pencils, and so on.

Important! It is most convenient to use a product that can be easily applied to the surface of a soft cloth, and then gently wipe the surface of the seal with it.

Silicone greases have the following benefits:

• relatively low viscosity;
• lays down on the surface in an even layer;
• protects the rubber seal from the harmful effects of moisture;
• slows down the wear period;
• silicone has no smell or color, which is why it can be used for seals of absolutely any color;
• the temperature resistance of silicone ranges from -50 C to + 230 C.

Lubricate all rubber profiles with silicone, never silicone grease, which is intended for metal surfaces. Their difference is very significant:

• a lubricant that is intended for metal forms an invisible film on the surface of the material;
• a special silicone compound penetrates into the material from which the seal is made.

Important! Silicone compounds preserve the properties of the seal itself at all seasons of the year, preventing its destruction from heat, cold, sunlight, and moisture.

Professional construction chemicals

It is most convenient to use WD-40 aerosol. It can be simply sprayed over the entire length of the rubber seal.

Kits, which are designed for comprehensive maintenance of PVC structures, are also an excellent option for lubricating elastic bands on plastic windows.

Important! It is quite difficult to find a professional product that is designed for seals. Typically, all compounds are made to serve rubber products in general. Basically, they can only be purchased as part of a set for servicing plastic windows, which also includes:

• means for washing PVC profiles;
• aerosol for parts made of metal.

Similar sets are available from companies: Edel Weiss, KBE and ROBITEX. The German company Fenosol was the pioneer in the manufacture of complex services, and we will talk about it, namely, about their tool, which is designed to service FENOFLEX rubber seals.

The manufacturer claims that FENOFLEX:

• retains the original elasticity of the rubber parts of the window;
• increases their wear resistance by 20-25%;
• increases the resistance of rubber to extremely low temperatures.
• all the elements that are in the composition are biodegradable, non-toxic, and most importantly - safe for humans.

It is due to the absence in production of absolutely any solvents, as well as alcohol, that the composition does not in any way affect the structure of plastic and rubber.

Non-professional means

Glycerin is a colorless, viscous liquid. It has a special application in cosmetology, as well as folk medicine. It is a waste product of fat saponification.

Important! Scientists chemists attribute glycerin to a number of alcohols, but unlike such substances of this series, it is in no way dangerous for PVC.

From glycerin the seal will become softer, more elastic, covered with an invisible layer of film, which provides long-term protection against adverse effects on the entire structure as a whole and extends the life of the window.

Important! A clear drawback of glycerin is a very strong instability to water - it dissolves in it. In other words, it has a very low level of waterproofing. For the same reason, you will have to use such a tool much more often than any product of professional construction chemistry for the care of PVC windows.

Also, to resolve the issue of how to lubricate the rubber bands on plastic windows, such a very affordable tool as petroleum jelly is also useful.

How to properly lubricate the rubber seal of a plastic window?

See where the rubber seals are located on your windows. As a rule, they are located on elements of the window structure, for example:

• around the entire perimeter of the frame;
• along the inner and also the outer perimeter of the glass unit;
• along the inner perimeter of the sash.

Regardless of the means you choose to lubricate the rubber bands on plastic windows, so.

In residential and work premises, plastic windows are not uncommon. In order for them to close tightly and not leak through, the structures are equipped with rubber seals, which can shrink during operation. To prevent this from happening, and they served for a long time, you need to know how to lubricate the rubber bands on plastic windows .

How often and with what to lubricate the sealing gum ?

Most often, after installation, the master lubricates all the gum on his own, but this does not always happen. The installer may forget to do this, and if you installed windows yourself, you could have missed this moment unknowingly. It is best to lubricate the seals immediately, sometimes the manufacturer does this, but not always. It will not be superfluous to repeat the procedure after 6-12 months: this will help protect the structural elements from external influences. The fact is that the protective substance is washed off over time by rain and detergents.

For proper window care, you need to know how to lubricate rubber bands on plastic windows . For this, manufacturers of plastic products produce special lubricants. In ordinary stores, they most often cannot be found; you need to contact manufacturers who can sell lubricant.

Why lubricate seals?

Elastic bands on the windows serve not only to keep the glass unit tighter, but also protect the room from drafts, the structure itself - from moisture, dust, and other debris. In the production of windows, special rubber is used, which is of high quality and durability, but any material requires proper care.

Seals can lose quality due to external influences. For example, they are exposed to ultraviolet radiation, high and low temperatures with frequent changes. Dryness in hot weather is harmful for rubber, moisture in frost negatively affects. In order to protect the material, a lubricant is applied. The physical effect on the material is also destructive. This includes pressing the frame against the sash. Rubber rests only if the window is completely open, which does not happen very often. Most often, the seal is in a tightly compressed state.

Even if they did not forget to process the seals from the factory, know how to lubricate the sealing gum on plastic windows , necessary, since the lubricant needs to be periodically renewed .

What is used to lubricate rubber bands?

Many window manufacturing companies offer special materials that can be used to lubricate elastic bands on plastic windows at home. . Such lubricants can be found from the manufacturers of plastic windows Fenosol, KBE Edel Weiss and others. But most often it is impossible to buy the material separately, and you have to purchase a set for the care of plastic windows. It comes out quite expensive.

Silicone grease is universal. Most often, it costs no more than $ 5, and you can buy it at any car dealership.

When buying, be sure to pay attention to the fact that the lubricant has a note that it is applicable specifically for rubber products. Similar materials are sold for plastic and are not suitable for rubber. The fact is that they contain chemical elements that can destroy rubber, make it more fragile and disable the seal.

Rubber grease

In addition, thinking about how to lubricate the rubber seals of plastic windows from goods for cars, you should pay attention to the WD-40 universal grease. This substance perfectly protects rubber surfaces, does not harm other elements of the window structure, protects for a long time and thoroughly, since it forms a protective layer. The same grease can be used to lubricate the moving parts of the fittings.

Lubrication on a napkin to reduce consumption

WD-40 helps to repel moisture, protects against corrosion, is absorbed into the material, filling microcracks and protecting it from negative effects. The protective crust will help to cope with the effects of ultraviolet radiation.

You can read how to adjust the plastic window at the link

Traditional methods used for seals

There are other substances that can be used to lubricate sealing gum in plastic windows. , for example glycerin. It is often used by professional craftsmen. However, this substance is not able to adequately protect against moisture and over time it is washed off from the seal either when washing windows or when it rains.

Pure glycerin

Advice: it is possible to use glycerin in its pure form, but it is not possible to use creams containing it or other substances, since the hand cream contains, in addition to glycerin, other substances that will be harmful to rubber.

Conclusion: when deciding how to lubricate the seals of plastic windows, you will proceed from the price, but it is worth remembering that the substances offered by window manufacturers are superior in quality to cheap counterparts. You should not save on trifles, since replacing rubber bands in a PVC window is impossible, and you will have to spend a lot of money and time to replace the seals.