Replacement Double Glazed Units
Over time, double glazed units (or sealed units as they are often called) will break down. This usually happens when the insulating properties of the inert gas between glass panes break down.
It's important to replace a damaged or broken window to ensure that your home is fully energy efficient and insulated. The process is fairly simple and easy.
Installation
If the window has been installed correctly, the new unit will fit firmly in place and sit comfortably inside the frame. If the new glazed panel is not the same size that your old one was you may need to adjust the 'packers' (usually blue or red plastic slips) inside the frame. If you're not sure how to do this then consult your installer or the instructions provided by the manufacturer for guidance.
A good quality replacement double glazed sealed unit will be made to exacting standards and should fit in your frame with the least amount of fuss. A small mistake could have a huge impact on the performance of your window and must be inspected attentively.
Modern double glazed units are a great energy efficient addition to any home. They apply of argon in between the panes glass to provide insulation and decrease the amount of heat that escapes your home during cold winter.
Sometimes, these units develop problems with their seals. This typically happens when moisture enters the air cavity of the glass and causes condensation between the panes. Moisture in the cavity of your windows is not just ugly, but also affects the efficiency and effectiveness of the glazed unit.
Condensation can be caused by a range of causes. The most effective method to test for it is to look for a cloudy or misty look between your window panes. This indicates that the seal between the two panes of glass has been broken and moisture is leaking into your living spaces.
The first step to take is to remove the glazing beads around the edges of your window. It can be difficult and messy, however it's worth the effort because you will be able to access the gasket for wedges that holds the glass in place. It is necessary to remove the beads with care so that they do not break and it is often an excellent idea to ask for assistance at this point. After the beads have been removed and the sealed unit is free of them, allow it to loosen a bit of the frame. With a helper holding it in place while you accurately determine its length, width and height. This information is essential as it will determine what size wedge gasket to cut for your brand new double glazed sealed units.
Checking
Double glazing units, or sealed units as they are usually called, can break down over time. This usually happens due to a breach in the seal, which allows condensation and moisture to get into the space between the panes. This affects how the window is able to block out cold air, heat generated by the heating system inside the home, and solar gain inside the window.
A faulty seal can also cause draughts within the home. It is important to regularly check your double glazed windows for signs of failure. A misting or a haze of moisture in the glass is an sign that the seal has failed and a replacement unit should be installed.
It is crucial to replace the sealed unit with the proper size. The uPVC frames in which the sealed unit is placed have a very small tolerance for movement, so even a few millimetres can impact the performance of the windows. To ensure that you're getting the correct size, it is best to seek advice from an expert or the manufacturer's guidelines.
With the help of a friend holding the new unit gently slide it into place in the frame. It is vital to place it in a secure spot because the glass is fragile and may be thrown out and break. After the sealed unit has been secured to the frame reattach any packers on the bottom of frame and then replace the glass beads in their original position. After you've completed this, give the window an inspection thoroughly to ensure there aren't any gaps and that it is not misaligned.
It is also possible to apply a bit of sealant around the perimeter edge of the frame to prevent it from shifting in the future. Reviewing the thickness of the unit is also a good thing to do. This is crucial since double-glazed units are available in different thicknesses, and if you choose the wrong one, it can affect the u-value of your home's insulation.
Sealing
Double glazing can increase the thermal efficiency of your home and improve sound insulation. However, over time the seals in the glass can be damaged, resulting in misty windows and a decrease in performance. In these cases, replacement is essential. It is recommended to consult a professional double glazing installer who can assist you in selecting the right glass products to ensure accurate measurements, and ensure proper installation.
If you are replacing a sealed unit, the first step is clean the frame. You can make use of an old paintbrush (4 inches is the ideal size) to sweep the frame clean to remove dust and cobwebs that build up in the frame over time. It's a good idea to clean the new seals once the frame has been cleaned. The most efficient method to do this is to remove the gaskets on the Wedge by placing your fingers on the edge and then pulling it out at the point where it is in contact with the friction joint. It is also important to make a note of the length you require for your new seals since it will be useful in cutting them to the required size.
Once the gaskets are clean and the frame cleaned up it's time to install the sealed unit. To ensure the best results from this, it's best to prise out the beads (the UPVC frame clips that are used to 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 gaps around it.
After the beads have been reinserted, you can start with the top one and work your way down to the others. You should be cautious not to touch the sealed units for a while following the sealing process as the silicone will need some time to set and harden before you can handle it again. I typically wait 6 hours before handling it, but the silicone sealant's setting time can vary.
Finishing
Finishing the project and sealing it is now necessary once the new double-glazed unit has been installed securely within its frame. This step is not only an actual finish to the project, it also signifies that your home will be prepared to withstand the elements after the new safe guardian is installed.
The first step is to clean the frame, carefully removing any glazing strips or beads that bonded the old glass. The frame is then free of dust, old sealant, and glazing tape, a procedure that also revitalizes the wood or aluminium of the window's frame. This is also the time to make any minor repairs by using wood filler or sanding, if needed. If you have a major issue, you should seek out an expert.
Next, the spacer tubes are filled with desiccants to adsorb any moisture that might be trapped in-between the two panes of glass during the process of manufacturing or after time. This is a standard practice for a warm edge seal. Thermoseal Group stocks desiccants as well as manual and automatic desiccant dispensing machines.
After the spacers have been filled with the spacers, the glass and frame are sealed using a high-performance silicon, designed to tolerate Australia's harsh climate. The sealant creates an airtight barrier that is extremely flexible and durable, and can expand and contract without breaking. It's important to use the right thickness, as any gaps could affect thermal performance. If you're not sure of the proper thickness seek advice from an expert or the manufacturer's guidelines.
The final step is adding secondary sealant. It is typically polyisobutylene, or a similar substance. It's applied to the edges of the frame's exterior, where it creates a secondary seal that's capable of repelling moisture and block air from entering, helping to improve energy efficiency.
Then, the frame is coated with aluminum cladding. upvc window seal replacement is able to withstand the weather and keep your frame looking brand new for a long time. It's a smart investment for the long-term stability of your home's frame, particularly in the case historic homes or federation homes, where timber frames are prone to decay and rot.