Wet Glazing Glass Replacement

Whenever you have need for a glass replacement, there are two options from which to choose: wet glazing or dry glazing. The basic difference between the two is that the former involves use of special sealant or putty which requires drying whereas the latter utilizes dry rubber strips.

The variation in the two forms of glazing means that there are also varying advantages and disadvantages to each one. However, you stand to benefit more from wet glazing than with the dry form. Wet glazed seals are much better at preventing entry of water around glass or into glazing pockets. The main reason for this is because, contrary to the gaskets used in dry glazing that depend on pressure applied by the window so as to give a water-tight seal, the fluid nature of wet glazed sealants during application gives a firm and watertight fit.

Any glass replacements would be more long lasting if made using wet glazing due to the durability of such an application. The drying process of the sealant produces a strong and durable seal which is much more resilient to the weathering process that affects externally facing windows.

A wet glazed seal is less susceptible to shrinkage which normally affects rubber gaskets. This means that a wet glazed application would give a uniform seal with fewer chances for penetration of water. Prevention of water penetration helps to avoid deterioration of the internal surfaces, thus ensuring further longevity of the application. The glass panes would also not experience uneven stress along the edges.

A good application of wet glazing requires professional installation in order to produce a uniform all-round seal. It is also necessary to provide some form of internal drainage along the contours of the seal since complete exclusion of water cannot be guaranteed in either wet or dry glazing.