For a window manufacturer, installer or professional, gaskets are an integral part of the windows. They may not be something to get too excited about, but they are vital.
Virtually every type of timber, PVCu, aluminium or steel window comprises gaskets. A typical bifolding door, entrance door or window contains several gaskets and weatherstrips. These perform some essential functions.
- Glazing gaskets enable the product to be glazed (and de-glazed).
- Glazing gaskets keep a window or a door secure.
- Glazing gaskets and weatherstrips keep a window or a door weather resistant and sealed.
Types of Gaskets Available for windows and doors.
For a typical door and window, there are many different types of gaskets used.
Flipper Gaskets.
These are flexible gaskets with a moving part that is used for preventing air leakage.
Bubble Gaskets.
You will typically find a bubble gasket where a window has an opening vent. The bubble gasket is placed on the inside perimeter of the section and compresses when the window is closed.
E Gaskets.
Also called a retained gasket, the retained gasket is usually applied at the manufacturing stage in special recesses that it slides into. Glass generally rests against an E-Gasket on all four sides.
Wedge Gaskets.
The wedge gasket is one of the last processes to be carried out when glazing a window. Wedge gaskets are placed inside at the back of the sealed unit. They help to keep the glazing bead in place, locked against the profile. Often without the removal of the (internal) wedge gasket, it is virtually impossible to de-glaze a window.
Wedge gaskets are available in a range of standard sizes including tear-off wedge gaskets. These are gaskets with a loose gasket flap that can be torn off to change the overall thickness of the gasket as needed.
U Channel Gaskets.
Older patio doors and some current systems still rely on a U-Channel Gasket. This is a gasket that is used on ‘wrap-around’ systems. Wrap-around glazing systems are patio doors, partitions and other products where the product is assembled around the glass.
Specifications and Materials used on glazing gaskets.
Glazing gaskets are manufactured from materials such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber), TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber) and PVC (Polyvinyl chloride).
These materials offer good strength, are pliable with reduced shrinkage properties, UV resistance and resistance to ageing.
(Images courtesy of Reddiplex Group. Schuco.co.uk and Kawneer.com/uk)
