A detail you never see from outside - yet it decides whether your window starts letting air through after a few years.
When choosing windows, attention usually goes to the profile, the glazing and the design. But there is one detail you will not see from the outside that directly affects whether your window starts letting through more air than it should after a couple of years - the sealing contour.
The sealing contour is a strip of rubber or a special material that sits between the window frame and the sash (the moving part you open). It creates a tight fit when the window is closed and keeps out wind, cold and moisture.
Simpler windows have only one sealing strip. Better windows have several sealing lines - for example one at the outer edge, one in the middle and one at the inner edge. That means:
If one strip wears out over time, the others still provide protection.
Every additional strip reduces heat loss.
More sealing layers mean less noise from outside.
The sealing contour usually cannot be judged from a photo or a quick look in a showroom. It is worth to:
Sealing is one of those details that naturally wears out over time - it is exposed to sun, cold and moisture. A multi-layer contour means the window keeps its performance longer even when one sealing strip starts losing elasticity. That directly affects how long your windows serve you without draughts or moisture problems.
In practice, quality windows have at least two sealing strips, and the warmest solutions have three. What matters is not only the number of strips but also the material quality and how precisely they run around the whole contour.
Yes, in most profile systems the sealing strips are replaceable. It is relatively cheap maintenance that can restore the window's airtightness if the rest of the window is in good condition.
Typical signs are a noticeable draught along the sash edges, condensation on the frame, more noise from outside, and sealing rubber that has become hard, cracked or permanently compressed.
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Want to be sure the windows you chose have a quality sealing contour? We will explain the technical details and help you pick a solution that really lasts.
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