How To Make An Amazing Instagram Video About Replacement Double Glazing Sealed Units
Replacement Double Glazed Units
Over time, double-glazed units (or sealed units as they are commonly known) will break down. This typically happens because the insulating properties in the inert gas between the glass panes break down.
If a window has fallen down it's important to replace the window to ensure that your home is fully insulated and energy efficient. The task is relatively easy and straightforward.
Installation
If the window has been installed correctly, the new unit will be firmly seated and fit snugly inside the frame. If the new glazed unit is not of the same thickness as the old one, then you might need to adjust the existing "packers" (usually blue or red slips of plastic) inside the frame to ensure it is properly placed. Ask your installer for instructions provided by the manufacturer if you're unsure.
A good quality replacement double glazed sealed unit is made to the highest standards and should fit in your frame with a minimum of fuss. But, even a tiny mistake can have a major 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 are constructed with an argon gas layer between the panes to provide insulation and reduce the amount of heat that will escape from your home during cold winter months.
Sometimes, these units develop problems with their seals. This usually occurs when moisture gets into the air cavity of the glass, causing condensation between the panes. replacement sealed units in your window cavity is not only unsightly but also affects the efficiency of the glass unit.
Look for a fogginess or misty look between your window panes. This could be a sign that the seal between the two panes of glass is broken and moisture is flowing into your living spaces.
The first thing to do is remove the glass beads that surround the window edges. This can be a little difficult and messy but is well worth the effort since it lets you access the wedge gasket which keeps your glass in place. You will need to remove the beads with care to ensure that they don't break and it's often recommended to seek assistance at this point. After the beads are removed, allow the sealed unit to fall back slightly out of the frame. With help from a person, keep it in position while you measure it accurately height, width and the thickness. This is crucial because it will determine the size of the wedge gasket that must be cut to accommodate the new double glazed sealed unit.
Checking
Double glazing units, or sealed units, as they are often called, can break down over time. It is usually due to an opening in the seal that allows moisture and condensation into the space between the panes. This can affect the capacity of the window to keep cold air out, and warm produced by the heating system in and solar gain from the sun's energy inside.
Failure of the seal can cause draughts within the home. It is crucial to check regularly your double glazed windows for indications of failure. Moisture or misting in between the glass is a clear sign that the seal has failed and a replacement should be installed.
If you do need to replace a sealed unit it is vital that the new unit is the right size to fit. The uPVC frames that the sealed unit sits in have a very limited tolerance for movement so even a few millimetres too big can have an impact on the performance of the window. Talk to a professional or consult the guidelines supplied by the manufacturer to ensure that you order 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 location because the glass is fragile and may fall out and break. Once the sealed unit has been fixed to the frame, reattach any packers on the bottom of the frame and then replace the glass beads in their original positions. After you have completed this take the window for an extensive visual inspection to ensure that there aren't any gaps and that it isn't misaligned.
It is also possible to add a bead of sealant to the perimeter edge of the frame to stop it from shifting in the future. It is also a good idea to re-check the thickness the glass unit. Double-glazed units come in various thicknesses. Using the wrong one can have a negative impact on the value of your home.
Sealing
Double glazing is a fantastic option to boost your home's thermal efficiency as well as improve sound quality by cutting down on the transfer of sound. However, with time, the glass's seals can be damaged, resulting in misty windows and a decrease in performance. In these instances it is necessary to replace the glass. It is recommended to collaborate with an experienced double glazing contractor who can assist you in selecting the appropriate glass to ensure accurate measurements, and ensure proper installation.
When replacing a sealed unit the first thing to do is clean the frame. You can use an old paint brush (4 inches is the ideal size) to sweep the frame clean to remove dust and cobwebs which build up in the frame over time. Once the frame is clean it's a good idea to give the new seals a clean too. The most efficient method to do this is to pull out the Wedge gaskets by placing your fingers on the edge and pulling it out at the point where it is in contact with the friction joint. It is also important to make an outline of the length you require to make your new seals, as it will be helpful in cutting them to the required size.
Once the gaskets are clean and the frame is clean, it's time for the sealed unit. To ensure the best results when doing this, it's recommended to prise out the beads (the UPVC frame clips that are used to hold the glass) and then measure them. This will ensure that the seal is built to the correct dimensions, and that there aren't any gaps in it.
After the beads are placed back in, you are able to begin with the top one and work your way down to the other. You should be careful not to touch the sealed units for a while afterward as the silicone sealant will need some time to set and harden before you are able to handle it again. I typically wait 6 hours before handling it, but the sealant's time to set will differ.
Finalization
After the double-glazed unit is snugly in place within its frame It's time to seal and finish. This isn't just an actual finalization of the project it also signifies that your home is well-equipped to stand the test of time with its new, secure guardian is installed.
The first step is cleaning the frame and taking out any glazing beads strips, or other materials used to hold the old glass. Then, the frame is cleaned of dirt, old sealant, and glazing tape, a process that also revitalizes the wood or aluminium of the window's frame. It's also a good opportunity to assess any damage and make small repairs, by using wood filler or sanding as needed. Major damage should be referred to a professional for repair.
The spacer tubes will then be filled with desiccants in order to take in any moisture that could have accumulated between the two panes in the process of manufacturing or over time. This is a standard practice for warm edge sealed unit. Thermoseal Group stocks desiccants as well as manual and automated desiccant dispensing machines.
After the spacers are filled with glass, the frame and glass are sealed with a high-performance silicone designed to tolerate Australia's harsh climate. The sealant creates an airtight barrier that's both durable and flexible that can expand and contract without breaking. It is essential to choose the correct thickness, since any gaps can impact the thermal performance. Consult a professional or the manufacturer's manual for more information on the thickness to use.
The final step is to add secondary sealant. It is typically polyisobutylene or another similar material. It's applied to the outside edges of the frame and creates a secondary seal capable of repelling moisture and stop air penetration and improve energy efficiency.
The frame is finished with aluminum cladding. It's a protective coating that is able to withstand the elements, keeping your frame looking brand new for years to be. It's a smart investment in the long-term integrity of your home's frame, particularly in the case historic homes or federation homes, where wooden frames are susceptible to rot and degradation.