What's Holding Back From The Replacement Double Glazing Sealed Units Industry?
Replacement Double Glazed Units
Double-glazed units, also known as sealed units, as they're called, will wear out over time. This happens when the insulating properties of gasses that insulate the glass panes are broken down.
It's important to replace a damaged or broken window to ensure that your home is energy efficient and insulated. Fortunately the task is relatively simple and easy to complete at home.
Installation
If the window was installed correctly, the new window should be able to fit comfortably and securely within the frame. If the new unit isn't the same thickness as the older one then you may need to alter the "packers" (usually blue or red slips of plastic) within the frame to ensure it sits properly. If you are unsure how to do this then consult your installer or the manufacturer's instructions for guidance.
A good quality replacement double glazed sealed unit will be made to exacting standards and should fit into your frame with the least amount of fuss. A small mistake can have an enormous impact on the performance of your window, and should therefore be checked carefully.
Modern double-glazed units are a great energy efficient addition to any home. They utilize a layer of argon gas between the panes in order to insulate and thus reduce the amount of heat that can escape your home in cold winter months.
However, sometimes these units can fail or have problems with their seals. This is usually the case when moisture is introduced into the air cavity of the glass and causes condensation between the panes. The presence of moisture in the cavity of your windows is not just unsightly, but also decreases the effectiveness and efficiency of the glazed unit.
Condensation can be caused by a variety of factors and the best method to determine the cause is to look for a hazy or misty appearance between your window panes. This is a sign that the seal between the two glass panes has been broken and moisture is leaking into your living spaces.
The first thing you need to do is to take off the glass beads that surround the window edges. This can be tricky and a bit messy, but it's worth the effort because it lets you access the wedge gasket which keeps your glass in place. It is essential to take care when removing the beads so they don't break. Asking for help can be a good idea at this stage. Once the beads are removed then allow the sealed unit to loosen a bit of the frame. With the help of a person to hold it in place while you accurately take measurements of its length, width and height. This is crucial because it will determine the dimensions of the wedge gasket you need to cut for the new double glazed sealed unit.
Checking
Double glazing units, or sealed units as they are commonly called, can break down over time. This normally occurs because of a crack in the seal that allows moisture and condensation to enter the space between the panes. This can affect the way the window is able to block out cold air, heat produced by the heating system inside the home, and solar heat inside the window.
Failing seals can also cause draughts in the home. It is crucial to regularly check your double glazed windows for indications of failure. The presence of mist or moisture between the glass is a strong indicator that the seal has failed and a replacement unit should be put in place.
It is crucial to replace the sealed unit with the proper size. The uPVC frames in which the sealed unit is positioned have a very small tolerance for movement, meaning that even a few millimetres of movement can impact the performance of the windows. Get advice from a professional or follow the guidelines that is provided by the manufacturer to ensure that you get the correct size.
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 place since the glass is fragile and can break or fall out. Once the sealed unit is securely in the frame, reconnect any packers on the bottom of the frame, and then put the glazing beads back in their original positions. Once you have done this give the whole window a visual inspection to ensure there are no gaps or misalignments that could impact its performance.
You may have to add some sealant around the edges of the frame to prevent it from moving. Checking the thickness of the unit is a good thing to do. Double-glazed units are available in various thicknesses. Using the wrong one can have a negative impact on the value of your home.
Sealing
Double glazing can increase the thermal efficiency of your home, and offer better sound insulation. Over time, the seals of the glass may get worn out, leading to condensation or drooping windows. In these instances replacement is required. It is a good idea to consult a double-glazing expert who can help you select the best glass products, make precise measurements and ensure that the installation is done correctly.
The first thing that needs to be done when replacing the sealed unit is to clean the frame. Use a paintbrush from the past (4 inches is ideal) to scrub the frame, getting rid of dust that has accumulated over time. When the frame is clean, it's best to give the new seals a clean too. double glazing seal repairs is easy to remove the gaskets that are wedge-shaped from the friction joint by placing your fingers on the edge of the gasket and pulling it out. Note down how long you need your new seals. This will aid in cutting them.
After the gaskets have been cleaned and the frame cleaned up it's time to install the sealed unit. To ensure the best results when doing this, it's best to cut off the beads (the UPVC frame clips that are used to hold the glass) and then measure them. This will ensure that the seal is made to the correct size and won't leave any gaps around it.
Once the beads are back in place you can insert the top bead and then proceed to the next three. After sealing the units, you must not be touching them for a few hours because the silicone sealant has to harden and set. I typically wait 6 hours to handle it, but the silicone sealant's time to set will differ.
Finalization
When the new double-glazed unit is securely seated within its frame It's time to seal and complete. This is more than a physical closure 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 that were used to secure the old glass. The frame is then cleaned of any dirt, sealant or glazing tape. This process also rejuvenates the frame made of timber or aluminium. This is also the time to make any minor repairs with wood filler and sanding, if needed. If you have a major issue it is recommended to seek out an expert.
The spacer tubes will then be filled with desiccants to absorb any moisture that may be trapped between the two panes during production or over time. This is a common practice for warm edge sealed units. Thermoseal Group stocks a range of desiccants as well as manual or automatic desiccant dispensers.
After the spacers have been filled, the glass is sealed with a highly-performing silicone that is designed to withstand Australia's harsh environment. The sealant creates an airtight seal that is extremely flexible and durable that can expand and contract without breaking. It is essential to choose the right thickness, as any gaps could impact thermal performance. If you're not sure of the proper thickness seek advice from an expert or the manufacturer's guidelines.
The last step is to apply secondary sealant, typically polyisobutylene (PIB) or a similar product. It is applied to the edges of frames to form an additional seal. It will ward off moisture and prevent air infiltration, thus increasing the efficiency of energy.
The frame is then adorned with an aluminum cladding. This protective coating can withstand the weather and keep your frame looking brand new for a long time. It is a wise investment for the long-term integrity and aesthetics of your frames, particularly if you have federation or period homes that have timber frames that are susceptible to decay.