Replacement Double Glazed Units
Over time, double glazed units (or sealed units as they are often called) will break down. This happens when the insulating properties of gasses that insulate the glass panes degrade.
When a window has broken down, it is essential to replace the unit to ensure your home is fully insulated and energy efficient. Luckily, the task is easy and straightforward to do at home.
Installation
If the window has been installed correctly, the new unit will be firmly seated and sit comfortably inside the frame. If the new window is not the same thickness as your old one you may need to adjust the 'packers' (usually blue or red plastic slips) in the frame. Ask your installer for instructions provided by the manufacturer if you're uncertain.
A high-quality replacement double-glazed unit is made to exacting standards, and should fit in your frame with ease. A tiny mistake can have a significant impact on your window's performance.
Modern double-glazed units are an excellent addition to any home. They are energy efficient and save you money. They use the argon gas between the panes in order to insulate and thus reduce the amount of heat that could escape from your home during cold winter months.
Sometimes, these units develop problems with their seals. This typically happens when moisture is introduced into the air cavity of the glass and creates condensation between the panes. Moisture in your window cavity is not just unsightly but also affects the effectiveness of the glazed unit.
Condensation can be caused by a range of causes. The best method to test for it is to look for a cloudy or misty look between the window panes. This indicates that the seal between the two glass panes has broken down and water is entering your living spaces.
The first step is to take off the glazing beads around the window edges. This can be a little complicated and messy, but it is worth the effort as it lets you access the wedge gasket that keeps your glass in place. It is essential to remove the beads with care to ensure they don't break. A little help from a friend can be beneficial at this point. After the beads have been removed, allow the sealed unit to fall back slightly from the frame and with an assistant, hold it in place while you accurately measure the width, height and also the thickness. This information is vital as it will determine what size wedge gasket you will need to cut for your newly double glazed sealed units.
Checking
Double glazing units or sealed units as they are often called they can break down over time. This is usually due a leak in the seal that allows moisture and condensation into the space between the panes. This affects the ability of the window to keep cold air out, warm air produced by the heating system in and solar gain from the sun's energy inside.
A seal failure can cause draughts to be felt in your home. It is important to check regularly your double glazed windows for indications of failure. The presence of mist or moisture between the glass is a clear indicator that the seal has failed and a replacement unit should be installed.
It is important that you replace the sealed unit with the proper size. The uPVC frames that the sealed unit sits in have little tolerance for movement, so even just a few millimetres over could affect the performance of the window. Talk to a professional or consult the instructions that is provided by the manufacturer to ensure you get the correct size.
Slide the new unit into the frame with the help of a friend. It is crucial to do this in a secure place because the glass is fragile and could be thrown out and break. Once the sealed unit is secured to the frame reconnect any packers at the bottom of the frame, and then put the glass beads in their original position. After you have completed this take the window for an inspection thoroughly to ensure there are no gaps and that it is not misaligned.
It may be necessary to apply a small amount of sealant to the outer edge of the frame to prevent it from moving in the future. Checking the thickness of the unit is recommended. This is important as double-glazed units are available in different thicknesses, and a wrong thickness can impact the u-value your home's insulation.
Sealing
Double glazing can increase the efficiency of your home and offer better sound insulation. However, over time, the glass's seals can be damaged, resulting in misty windows and a decrease in performance. In these instances replacement is needed. It is recommended to consult a professional double glazing installer who can help you choose the right glass products to ensure accurate measurements and ensure proper installations.
The first thing that needs to be done when replacing an item that is sealed is to clean the frame. Make use of an old paintbrush (4 inches is the best) to scrub the frame, taking off dust that has accumulated over time. It's a great idea to clean the seals that have been installed after the frame has been cleaned. It is easy to remove gaskets for the wedge from the friction joint by placing your fingers along the edge of the gasket and pulling it away. You should also take a note of the length that you need for your new seals since it will be helpful in cutting them to the required size.
After the gaskets have been cleaned and the frame is cleaned it's time to install the sealed unit. To get the best results from this it's a good idea to prise out the beads (the UPVC frame clips that are used to hold the glass) and then measure these. This will ensure that the seal is constructed to the right size and won't leave any gaps around it.
After the beads are placed back in, you are able to begin with the top one and move to the lower ones. Be careful not to touch the sealed units for a while following the sealing process as the silicone will require time to set and harden before you are able to handle it again. I typically wait around 6 hours to handle it, but the silicone sealant setting time will vary.
Finalization
Once the new double glazed unit is snugly in place within its frame It's time to seal it and then finish. This step is more than a physical conclusion to the project; it's an assurance that your home is ready to weather the elements with its new secure guardian securely in its place.
The first step is cleaning the frame and removing any glazing beads strips, or other materials used to hold the old glass. The frame is then scrubbed clean of dirt, old sealant and glazing tape. This process also rejuvenates the aluminium or timber frame. It is also a good time to evaluate any damages and make small repairs using wood filler or sanding if required. For more serious damage it is recommended to consult a professional.
The spacer tubes will then be filled with desiccants in order to absorb any moisture that may be trapped between the two panes during production or over time. This is a standard practice for a warm edge sealed unit. Thermoseal Group stocks desiccants as well as manual and automatic desiccant dispensing devices.
After the spacers have been filled, the glass and frame are sealed with a high-performance silicone designed to tolerate Australia's harsh climate. The sealant creates an airtight barrier that is both durable and flexible and can expand and contract without breaking. It is important to use the correct thickness as any gaps could affect the thermal performance. If you're not sure about the correct thickness to use you should consult an expert or the manufacturer's guidelines.
The final step is to add secondary sealant. This is usually polyisobutylene, or a similar substance. It's applied to outside edges of the frame and creates a secondary seal capable of repelling moisture and stop air penetration, helping to improve energy efficiency.
The frame is then finished with an aluminum cladding. replacement sealed units for double glazed windows repairmywindowsanddoors is able to be able to withstand the elements and keep your frame looking fresh for a long time. It's a smart investment in the long-term stability of your home's frame, particularly in the case of historic homes or federation homes, where timber frames are prone to rot and degradation.