14 Questions You Might Be Refused To Ask Replacement Double Glazing Sealed Units
Replacement Double Glazed Units
Double-glazed units, also known as sealed units, as they're known, can wear out over time. This occurs when the insulating properties of the gasses that insulate the glass panes break down.
If a window has fallen down, it's crucial to replace it to ensure that your home is well-insulated and energy efficient. Luckily, the task is simple and easy to accomplish at home.
Installation
If the window has been installed correctly, the new unit will fit snugly and fit snugly inside the frame. If the new glazed window is not the same size as the old one you may need to adjust the 'packers' (usually red or bluish plastic slips) inside the frame. Check with your installer or the instructions from the manufacturer if you're uncertain.
A good replacement double glazed sealed unit is made to the highest standards and should fit into your frame with a minimum of hassle. However, a small error can have an enormous impact on the performance of your window and should therefore be checked with care.
Modern double glazed units are a fantastic energy efficient addition to any home. They use a layer argon between the panes glass to insulate and decrease the amount of heat that can escape from your home in cold weather.
However, in some cases, these units can break down or develop problems with their seals. This occurs when moisture enters the air cavity and creates condensation. The condensation in your window is not just unsightly but also affects the efficiency of the glazed unit.
Condensation can be caused by a variety of causes. The best method to test for it is to look for a cloudy or misty appearance between your windows. This indicates that the seal between the two glass panes has been broken and water is entering your living spaces.
The first step to take is to remove the glazing beads from around the edges of your window. It can be difficult and messy, but it's worth the effort because it lets you access the gasket that holds your glass in place. You will need to remove the beads with care to ensure that they do not break, and it's usually an excellent idea to ask for assistance at this stage. Once the beads have been removed then allow the sealed unit a little to fall out of the frame. With a helper holding it in place while you accurately measure its length, width and height. This information is essential because it will determine the size of the wedge gasket that you will need to cut for the double glazed unit.
Checking
Double glazing units, or sealed units as they are often called they can break down in time. This is usually due to a leak in the seal that lets condensation and moisture into the space between the panes. This affects the ability of the window to keep cold air out, warmth generated by the home's heating in and solar gain from the sun inside.
A faulty seal can also cause draughts to be felt in the home. Double-glazed windows should be checked often for signs of failure. A misting or a haze of moisture in the glass is a clear indication that the seal has failed and a replacement should be put in place.
If you do need to replace a sealed unit, it is crucial that the replacement unit is the right size to fit. The uPVC frames in which the sealed unit is placed have a very limited tolerance for movement, which means that even a few millimetres of movement can affect the performance of the windows. Get advice from a professional or follow the guide provided by the manufacturer to ensure that you get the correct size.
With the help of a friend holding the new piece, gently slide it into place in the frame. It is crucial to place it in a secure place because the glass is fragile and could be thrown out and break. Once the sealed unit is secured in the frame, attach any packers that are on the bottom of frame and then replace the glazing beads into their original positions. After you have completed this, give the whole window a visual examination to make sure there are no gaps or areas of misalignment that could compromise its performance.
You may need to add some sealant around the edges of the frame to prevent it from moving. It is also a good idea to re-check the thickness of the glass unit. 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 is an excellent option to boost the efficiency of your home's heating system and provide improved audio quality by cutting down on the transfer of sound. However, over time, the glass's seals may wear down resulting in misted windows and a reduction in performance. In these cases replacement is required. It's a good idea to consult a double-glazing expert who can assist you in selecting the most suitable glass products, take precise measurements, and ensure proper installation.
When replacing a sealed unit the first thing to do is clean the frame. Use an old paintbrush (4 inches is the best) to scrub the frame, removing dust that has accumulated over time. After the frame has been cleaned, it's a good idea give the new seals a 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 that it overlaps with the friction joint. Make a note of the length of time you'll need the new seals. This will aid in cutting them.
The installation of the sealed unit is straightforward after the gaskets and frame have been cleaned. To ensure the best results from this it's a good idea to prise out the beads (the UPVC frame clips that support the glass) and then take measurements of these. This will ensure that the seal is made to the correct size and will not leave gaps around it.
When the beads are back in their place, you can insert the top bead and then work your way round to the remaining three. After sealing the units, you must not contact them for several hours as the silicone sealant must set and harden. I usually leave it for about 6 hours prior to handling, but this can differ based on your silicone sealant's setting time.
Finalization
When the new double-glazed unit is snugly in place within its frame, it's time to seal and complete. This step is not just an aesthetic finish to the project, it also signifies that your home will be well-equipped to stand the test of time after the new secured guardian is installed.
The first step is to clean the frame carefully removing any glazing strips or beads that held the old glass. The frame is then clean of dust and sealants that have been used for years, as well as glazing tape, a process that also revitalizes the wood or aluminium of the frame of the window. This is also the time to make any minor repairs with wood filler and sanding, if needed. Major damage should be referred to an expert to repair.
Next, the spacer tubes are filled with desiccants to absorb any moisture trapped 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 equipment.
After replace double glazing seals have been filled, the glass is sealed with a highly-performing silicone designed to withstand the harsh conditions of Australia's climate. This sealant forms an airtight barrier that's both durable and flexible that can expand and contract without breaking. It's crucial to select the right thickness, as any gaps could impact the thermal performance. If you're not sure about the right thickness to use you should consult a professional or manufacturer's guide.
The last step is to apply secondary sealant, typically polyisobutylene (PIB) or a similar product. This is applied along the outside edges of frames to form a secondary seal. It can repel moisture and prevent air infiltration, thus increasing the efficiency of the energy.
The frame is then adorned with an aluminum cladding. This protective coating is able to withstand the weather and keep your frame looking new for a long time. This is a wise investment for the long-term integrity and beauty of your home's frames, particularly if you have period or federation style homes with timber frames that are prone to get rotted.
