Knowing how to reseal windows can save you from waking up to dust on your windowsill every single morning. If fine desert dust keeps appearing no matter how often you clean, or warm air creeps in around the edges even though your AC is running, your window seals have worn out.

In Dubai, window seals fail faster than anywhere else. The intense UV, 45 degree summer heat, sandstorms, and constant AC temperature cycling cause silicone to crack, rubber gaskets to shrink, and weatherstripping to wear down within 3 to 5 years. Once the seal breaks, dust, hot air, and rain water start getting inside your apartment.

This guide covers how to reseal windows yourself with the right materials, what each method fixes, and when you should call a professional instead. Everything here is based on real window resealing jobs our team has done across JVC, Al Barsha, Dubai Marina, and other communities.

In This Guide

Fine dust on a windowsill in a Dubai apartment caused by worn how to reseal window seals

Signs Your Windows Need Resealing

Before learning how to reseal windows, check if the seals are actually the problem:

Dust on the windowsill every morning. You clean it at night, it is back by morning. Fine desert dust is getting through gaps in the seal that are invisible to the eye but wide enough for Dubai’s powdery sand.

Warm air near the window edges. Run your hand slowly along the frame edges. If you feel warmth or a slight draft at any point, there is a gap. This warm air makes your AC work harder and pushes your DEWA bill up.

Visible cracks in the silicone. Look where the glass meets the aluminum frame. If the silicone looks yellowed, cracked, or has pulled away from the surface, it is no longer sealing anything.

Water coming in during rain. If water seeps around the window frame during Dubai’s winter rains, the seal has completely failed at that spot.

Sliding window does not close tight. If your sliding window leaves a visible gap when fully closed, the weatherstripping along the track has worn down from sand buildup.

What You Need to Reseal Windows Yourself

If you want to reseal windows on your own, here are the materials you need. All of these are available at any hardware shop in Dubai (ACE Hardware, Dragon Mart, Speedex, or local building material shops):

For silicone seal replacement:

  • High grade silicone sealant tube (transparent or white, weather resistant, AED 15 to 30)
  • Caulking gun (AED 10 to 25)
  • Utility knife or razor blade scraper to remove old silicone
  • Rubbing alcohol or silicone remover spray to clean the surface
  • Blue masking tape to get clean straight lines
  • Plastic smoothing tool or your finger dipped in soapy water

For sliding window track sealing:

  • Self adhesive weatherstrip tape (brush type or rubber type, AED 10 to 20 per meter)
  • Scissors to cut to size
  • Clean cloth to wipe the track before sticking

For larger gaps between frame and wall:

  • Polyurethane (PU) expanding foam can (AED 20 to 35)
  • Backer rod (foam rope) for gaps wider than 10mm
  • Silicone sealant to finish over the foam for a clean look

How to Reseal Windows Step by Step

Step 1: Remove the old sealant. Use a utility knife to cut along both edges of the old silicone bead. Pull it out in strips. Scrape any remaining residue off with a razor blade. Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol so the new sealant sticks properly. This step is the most important. If you reseal windows over old cracked silicone, the new layer will peel off within months.

Step 2: Apply masking tape. Put blue masking tape along both sides of the joint, leaving a clean channel where the new silicone will go. This gives you straight professional looking lines when you remove the tape.

Step 3: Apply new silicone sealant. Load the tube into the caulking gun. Cut the nozzle tip at a 45 degree angle. Apply a steady even bead of silicone along the entire joint between the glass and the frame, or between the frame and the wall. Do not stop and start mid way, keep the bead continuous.

Step 4: Smooth the bead. Dip your finger in soapy water and run it along the fresh silicone bead in one smooth motion. This presses the sealant into the gap and creates a neat concave finish. Remove the masking tape immediately while the silicone is still wet.

Step 5: Let it cure. Silicone takes 24 hours to fully cure. Do not touch it or close the window against it during this time. Keep the AC running to control humidity while it sets.

For sliding windows: Clean the track thoroughly with a damp cloth to remove all sand and debris. Let it dry. Peel the backing off the self adhesive weatherstrip and press it firmly along the track where the window meets when closed. Close the window and check for gaps.

When to Call a Professional Instead

DIY works for simple silicone replacement and weatherstripping. But you should call a professional to reseal windows if:

  • The rubber gasket between the glass and the frame needs replacing (pulling glass out of the frame risks cracking it)
  • Multiple windows need resealing and you want it done in one visit
  • Your apartment is on a high floor and the exterior side needs sealing (this requires rope access)
  • The gap between the frame and wall is large and needs PU foam injection done correctly
  • Old silicone is deeply embedded and will not come out cleanly

Our handyman team handles window resealing across all Dubai communities. We also handle painting if the wall around your window has water damage, plumbing if a leak has caused dampness, and AC maintenance since a poorly sealed window makes your AC work harder. Visit our home page to see all our services.

Window Resealing Cost in Dubai

If you prefer a professional to reseal windows properly, here is what it typically costs:

ServicePrice Range
Rubber gasket replacement (per meter)AED 50 to 80
Single window full resealAED 150 to 350
Silicone leak repair (per window)AED 300 to 1,200
1 BHK all windows packageAED 600 to 1,200
2 BHK all windows packageAED 1,000 to 2,200

Prices depend on window count, gap size, and whether old silicone needs full removal. High rise exterior sealing (Marina, JLT) requires rope access and costs AED 1,500 or more. For most apartments, interior resealing is enough.

One of our recent jobs in JVC involved an apartment where dust had been building up on every windowsill for over a year. We removed the old cracked silicone on all 6 windows and applied fresh sealant in a single visit. The tenant said the dust dropped dramatically within the first week and their DEWA bill came down the following month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reseal windows myself or do I need a professional?

You can reseal windows yourself for simple silicone replacement and weatherstripping using materials from any Dubai hardware shop. But rubber gasket replacement and high rise exterior work need a professional to avoid glass damage and safety risks.

Does resealing windows reduce my DEWA bill?

Yes. Gaps in window seals let hot air leak into your air conditioned apartment, making the AC run longer and harder. When you reseal windows properly, your AC reaches the set temperature faster and cycles off sooner. Many of our clients noticed lower DEWA bills within the first month after resealing.

How long does window resealing last in Dubai?

High grade silicone lasts 5 to 7 years in Dubai conditions. Rubber gaskets last about the same. Weatherstripping on sliding windows wears faster from sand in the tracks and may need replacing every 3 to 4 years.

Is window resealing the tenant’s or landlord’s responsibility?

Window seals wearing out is generally normal wear and tear, which is commonly the landlord’s responsibility. Many tenants choose to get it done themselves because the cost is low and the comfort improvement is immediate. Check your tenancy contract if unsure.

What is the best silicone sealant for windows in Dubai?

Use a high grade weather resistant silicone sealant rated for UV exposure and high temperatures. Brands like Soudal, Bostik, or Dow Corning work well in Dubai’s climate. Avoid cheap general purpose silicone as it breaks down faster in direct sunlight and heat.

Stop the Dust and Save on Your DEWA Bill

Now you know how to reseal windows yourself for simple fixes. For bigger jobs or multiple windows, our handyman team handles it all in a single visit across every Dubai community.

💬 WhatsApp Us a photo of your windows — we reply within 15 to 30 minutes.

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BHMS Home Maintenance provides professional handyman services, painting, carpentry, plumbing, AC maintenance, curtain installation, TV mounting, and home renovation for apartments, villas, and offices across Dubai.