Activity

Replacement Double Glazed Units

Over time, double glazed units (or sealed units as they are often called) can break down. This occurs when the insulating properties of the gasses that insulate the glass panes degrade.

It’s important to replace a damaged window to ensure that your home is fully energy efficient and insulated. Luckily, the task is simple and easy to complete at home.

Window and Door Seals and Gaskets Replacement canvey island Repair My Windows And Doors

If the window is properly installed, the new window will be firmly seated and sit comfortably inside the frame. If the new window is not the same thickness as the old one, you may have to adjust the ‘packers (usually red or bluish plastic slips) within the frame. If you’re not sure how to proceed, consult your installer or the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance.

A high-quality replacement double-glazed sealed unit is made to exacting standards, and should fit your frame with no hassle. A small mistake can have an enormous impact on the performance of your window and must be inspected carefully.

Modern double glazed units are a great energy efficient addition to any home. They are constructed with a layer of argon gas between the panes to insulate and reduce the amount of heat that will escape your property during cold weather.

However, in some cases, these units fail or have issues with their seals. This happens when moisture gets into the air cavity and results in condensation. The presence of moisture in the windows’ cavity is not just unsightly, but also decreases the efficiency and effectiveness of the glazed unit.

Condensation can be caused by a range of causes. The best way to check is to look for a cloudy or misty appearance between your windows. This is an indication that the seal between two panes is ruptured and moisture is pouring into your living space.

The first thing you need to do is to remove the glazing beads around the window edges. This can be difficult and messy, but it is worth the effort as it allows you to get access to the gasket that keeps your glass in place. It is important to remove the beads with care so they don’t break. Asking for help can be a good idea at this stage. After the beads have been removed then allow the sealed unit to loosen a bit of the frame. With the help of a person, hold it in place while you accurately measure its size, height and width. This is crucial because it determines the size of the wedge gasket must be cut to accommodate the new double glazed sealed unit.

Checking

Double glazing units, or sealed units as they are commonly called, can fail over time. This normally occurs because of a crack in the seal, which allows condensation and moisture to infiltrate the space between the panes. This will affect how well the window is able to keep out cold air, heat produced by the heating system within the home, and solar heat inside.

Failing seals can also cause draughts to be felt within the home. It is essential to regularly check your double-glazed windows for signs of failure. If you see water or mists between the glass, it is an indication that the seal is failing and a new one should be installed.

If you do need to replace a sealed unit, it is vital that the new one is of the right size to fit. The uPVC frames that the sealed unit sits in have little tolerance for movement, so even tiny millimetres of excess could affect the performance of the window. Get advice from a professional or follow the instructions supplied by the manufacturer to ensure you get the correct size.

With the help of a person who holds the new piece, gently slide it into place in the frame. It is vital to make this move in a secure place because the glass is fragile and may break or fall out. Once the sealed unit is secured within the frame, re-attach any packers that are at the bottom of the frame, and then put the glazing beads back into their original position. Once you’ve completed this make sure you give the window an extensive visual inspection to ensure there are no gaps and that it isn’t misaligned.

You may have to add some sealant around the edges of the frame to prevent it from moving. It is recommended to re-check the thickness of the glass unit. Double glazed units come in different thicknesses. If you choose the wrong one, it can have a negative impact on the value of your home.

Sealing

Double glazing can increase the thermal efficiency of your home and also improve acoustics. However, over time, the seals in the glass can wear down resulting in misted windows and a reduction in performance. In these instances, replacement is necessary. It is recommended to collaborate with a professional double glazing installer who can help you choose the best glass products to ensure accurate measurements and ensure that the installation is done correctly.

When replacing a sealed unit the first step is clean the frame. You can make use of an old paint brush (4 inch is the best) to sweep the frame out to remove dust and cobwebs which build up within the frame over time. When the frame is clean, it’s a good idea give the new seals a thorough clean too. The easiest way to do this is to remove the Wedge gaskets by putting your fingers on the edge, and then pulling it out until you reach the point where it overlaps with the friction joint. It is also important to make an outline of the length that you need to make your new seals, as it will help in cutting them to the required size.

After the gaskets have been cleaned and the frame is clean, it’s time to put in the sealed unit. To ensure the best results when doing this it’s a good idea to cut off the beads (the UPVC frame clips that hold the glass) and then take measurements of these. This will ensure that the seal is constructed according to the correct dimensions and will not leave any gaps around it.

After the beads are in place you can insert the top bead and then proceed to the next three. Be careful not to touch your sealed units for a few minutes following the sealing process as the silicone will need some time to set and become hard before you are able to handle it again. I usually wait about 6 hours before handling it, however the silicone sealant setting time will vary.

Finalization

Sealing and finishing the project is now required after the double-glazed unit has been securely installed within its frame. This step is more than just a physical closure to the work; it’s an assurance that your house is now ready to withstand the elements with its brand new secure guardian securely in the right place.

The first step involves cleaning the frame and taking out any glazing beads, strips or other materials used to hold the old glass. The frame is then cleaned of any dirt, old sealant, and glazing tape. This process also rejuvenates the aluminium or timber frame. This is also the time to make any small repairs using wood filler and sanding, if necessary. The most serious damage should be taken to an expert to repair.

The tubes for the spacer are filled with desiccants to absorb any moisture that might be trapped between the two panes of glass during manufacture or over time. This is a common practice for a warm edge seal. Thermoseal Group stocks a range of desiccants, as well as manual and automated dispensers for desiccant.

After the spacers are filled with glass, it is sealed with a high-performance silicone designed to withstand the harsh conditions of Australia’s climate. The sealant creates an airtight seal that is both durable and flexible that can expand and contract without breaking. It is crucial to choose the right thickness, as any gaps can affect the thermal performance. If you’re not sure about the proper thickness you should consult an expert or a manufacturer’s guide.

The final step involves adding secondary sealant. It is typically polyisobutylene or a similar material. This is applied to the outside edges of the frame and creates a secondary seal that’s able to repel moisture and stop air penetration which can increase the efficiency of energy.

The frame is then adorned with an aluminum cladding. This protective coating is able to withstand the weather and keep your frame looking fresh for a long time. This is a smart investment to ensure the durability and beauty of your home’s frames, especially if you have federation or period homes with timber frames that are prone to rot.