Properties of window seals
Basically, the functionality of a window depends on the quality of the window seals. In the past, seals were made from APTK / EPDM (synthetic rubber).The properties of this material resulted from an admixture of soot particles during the manufacture of window seals. As a result, these black seals often became brittle, their shape changed considerably and they no longer functioned as window seals.
This explains the black streaks in the cloth when cleaning the windows. These window seals made of APTK / EPDM are an elastomer, i.e. chemically reacted and cannot be recycled.
Today, window seals are made from thermoplastic elastomers - TPE. These can be welded, recycled and have a long service life in terms of form and function.
Silicone window seals are rarely used in the manufacture of windows for cost reasons (they cannot be welded). The advantages of silicone seals are their resistance to weather influences such as strong sunlight, ozone, light, atmospheric pollution and ageing. They remain elastic, colourfast and dimensionally stable in the long term. They also retain their shape when compressed or bent and therefore seal all surfaces perfectly. Silicone window seals are maintenance-free, have excellent temperature resistance and a very long service life. Silicone seals are therefore ideal for retrofitting defective window seals.