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With the rapid development of the construction industry, quality requirements for components used in plastic and aluminum structures are constantly increasing. This applies to seals for plastic windows, aluminum facades, curtain walls, and other aluminum profile systems.
Seals can be made from various materials, and the specific material determines the seal’s performance in operation.
You can identify the seal material yourself using the following methods:
EPDM Rubber Seal
- When you cut the profile and rub it on a white sheet of paper or another light surface, it leaves a black mark. This occurs due to the carbon black content in EPDM, which gradually bleeds out and leaves dark stains on adjacent surfaces.
- EPDM seals can be recognized by their strong rubber odor and by the black marks they leave on your hands.
- When exposed to a flame (e.g., from a match or lighter), the seal continues to burn after being removed from the flame. As it burns, it becomes brittle and crumbles — a clear sign of EPDM.
- If the seal can be easily stretched by hand to 70–100% of its original length and quickly returns to its initial shape, it is made from high-quality rubber. If it stretches easily but does not fully recover, it is low-quality rubber that will not last long.
PVC Seal
- To identify a PVC seal, place a small section in a flame. If the material melts and extinguishes on its own once removed from the flame, it is PVC.
- When frozen (for example, in a household freezer to simulate winter conditions), a PVC seal becomes completely rigid.
- Pressing the surface with a sharp object (like a pencil tip) leaves a permanent mark on PVC.
- A PVC seal does not stretch, even under significant force.
Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) Seal
- An environmentally friendly material with a faint or no rubber odor.
- When cut, the material does not leave marks on paper and can even erase pencil traces.
- In a flame test, TPE burns weakly and melts like a candle.
- When frozen, a TPE seal retains its elasticity.
- If the seal stretches easily by 40–60% and quickly returns to its original shape and length, but is difficult to stretch further, it is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
As you can see, it is quite possible to determine the seal material even under normal conditions.
Problems Caused by Low-Quality Seals
Using a poor-quality seal in plastic or aluminum window systems can lead to several issues:
- In cold weather, windows let in drafts.
- In summer, when exposed to sunlight, the seal emits an unpleasant “burnt rubber” smell.
- The seal shrinks or sags, leaving visible gaps between the profile and the gasket.
- After a harsh winter, the seal may tear, crack, or crumble easily.
Choosing the Right Seal
To avoid these problems, choose seals that meet the required quality standards for your climate. Such seals should have:
- High elasticity and flexibility at both low and high temperatures,
- Resistance to sudden temperature changes, mechanical deformation, and impact,
- Durability against moisture, abrasion, and exposure to solvents, alkalis, acids, household chemicals, and alcohols,
- Excellent resistance to ozone and UV degradation.
High-quality window seals combine excellent performance with affordability. These characteristics are fully met by seals for plastic and aluminum systems made from modern thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) based on SEBS, produced by the Standart Prof Factory.
The Standart Prof Factory is a manufacturer that values its reputation and produces only high-quality, branded products.
All seals for plastic and aluminum structures under the Standart Prof® brand are manufactured in accordance with GOST 30778-2001 — “Sealing Gaskets Made of Elastomeric Materials for Window and Door Units.”
