Replacement Double Glazed Units
Over time, double glazed units (or sealed units as they are often known) can break down. This occurs when the insulating properties of the gasses that insulate the glass panes degrade.
It's important to replace a damaged window to ensure that your home is fully energy efficient and well-insulated. The task is relatively simple and straightforward.
Installation
If the window was fitted correctly, the new unit should be able to fit comfortably and securely within the frame. If the new glazed window is not the same thickness as your old one, you may have to adjust the 'packers (usually blue or red plastic slips) inside the frame. If you are unsure how to proceed, consult your installer or the instructions provided by the manufacturer for guidance.
A high-quality replacement double-glazed sealed unit is constructed to exacting standards and should fit in your frame with minimal fuss. A tiny mistake could have a major impact on your window's performance.
Modern double glazed units are a fantastic energy efficient addition to any home. They use a layer argon between the panes glass to keep them warm and cut down on the amount of heat that can escape from your home during cold weather.
However, in some cases, these units may fail or have issues with their seals. This typically happens when moisture enters the air space of the glass, causing condensation between the panes. The presence of moisture in the cavity of your windows is not only unsightly but also affects the efficiency and effectiveness of the glazed unit.
Look for please click the next document or a misty appearance between your window panes. This indicates that the seal between the two glass panes is broken and moisture is flowing into your living spaces.
The first thing to do is to take off the glazing beads around the edges of the window. It can be tricky and a bit messy, but it is worth the effort because it allows you to access the gasket that keeps your glass in place. It is crucial to remove the beads with care to ensure they don't break. A little help from a friend can be a good idea at this stage. Once the beads have been removed then allow the sealed unit to loosen a bit of the frame. With a helper to hold it in place while you accurately determine its width, height and thickness. This information is vital 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 often called, may break down over time. This normally occurs because of a crack in the seal, which allows moisture and condensation to get into the space between the panes. This affects how the window is able to block out cold air, heat produced by the heating system in the home and solar gain inside.
Failing seals can also cause draughts to be felt within the home. Double glazed windows should be examined regularly for indications of failure. A misting or a haze of moisture in the glass is a clear sign that the seal has failed and a replacement unit should be installed.
If you must replace a sealed unit, it is vital that the replacement unit is the correct size to fit. The uPVC frames in which the sealed unit is installed have a very limited tolerance for movement, meaning that even a few millimetres can alter the performance of windows. Talk to a professional or consult the guide that is provided by the manufacturer to ensure you get the correct size.
Place the new unit into the frame with the assistance of a companion. It is essential that you do this in a secure place as the glass is fragile and may fall out and break. Once the sealed unit is secured in the frame, reconnect any packers at the bottom of the frame, and then put the glazing beads back into their original position. After you have completed this make sure you give the window a thorough visual inspection to make sure there aren't any gaps and that it is not misaligned.
You may need to add a small amount of sealant around the perimeter of the frame to prevent it from moving. It is recommended to check the thickness of the glass unit. Double-glazed units are available in different thicknesses. Making the wrong choice could have a negative effect on the value of your home.
Sealing
Double glazing is a great method to increase your home's thermal efficiency as well as improve audio quality by decreasing the transfer of sound. However, over time the glass's seals can get worn out, leading to misty windows and a decrease in performance. In these cases replacement is required. It is recommended for you to work with a professional double glazing installer who can help you choose the appropriate glass as well as ensure precise measurements and ensure proper installations.
The first thing that needs to be done when replacing the sealed unit is to clean the frame. Use an old paintbrush (4 inches is the ideal size) to scrub the frame, taking off dust that has built up over time. When the frame is clean, it's a good idea give the seals that are new a thorough clean too. The easiest method for doing this is to pull out the Wedge gaskets by placing your fingers on the edge and pulling it out until you reach the point where it is in contact with the friction joint. You should also make a note of the length that you need for your new seals as it will be helpful when cutting them to size.
Once the gaskets are cleaned and the frame is clean, it's time to put in the sealed unit. It's a good idea take off the beads (the UPVC frames clips that hold the glasses) and then measure them. This will ensure the seal is built to the correct size and there aren't any gaps around it.
Once the beads are back in place, you can put in the first bead and move on to the remaining three. You should 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 can handle it again. I typically wait 6 hours to handle it, but the sealant's time to set will differ.
Finishing
Once the new double glazed unit is securely seated within its frame, it's time to seal and finish. This step is more than a physical closure to the project; it's an affirmation that your home is prepared to face the elements with a new, secure guardian safely in place.
The first step is to clean the frame, by carefully removing any glazing strips or beads that bonded the old glass. The frame is then cleaned of dirt 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. It's also a good opportunity to assess any damages and make small repairs, by using wood filler or sanding as needed. For more serious damage, you should seek out 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 manufacturing or over time. This is a common practice for a warm edge seal. Thermoseal Group stocks a range of desiccants and manual or automated dispensers for desiccant.
After the spacers are filled with glass, the frame and glass are sealed using a high-performance silicon, designed to tolerate Australia's harsh climate. The sealant creates a barrier that's both robust and flexible that can expand and contract without becoming fragile or breaking. It is important to use the right thickness, as any gaps can affect the thermal performance. Ask a professional for advice or refer to the manufacturer's manual in case you're not sure about the thickness you should use.
The final step is adding secondary sealant. It is typically polyisobutylene, or a similar substance. This is applied to the edges of the frame's exterior and creates a secondary seal capable of repelling moisture and stop air penetration which can increase energy efficiency.
The frame is then coated with aluminum cladding. This protective coating is able to endure the elements and keep your frame looking brand new for a long time. This is a wise investment to ensure the longevity and aesthetics of your frames, especially if you have federation or period style homes with timber frames that are susceptible to decay.