Replacement Double Glazed Units

Double glazed units, or sealed units, as they're called, will be damaged over time. 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 well-insulated and energy efficient. Luckily, the task is easy and straightforward to do at home.

Installation

If the window was installed correctly, the new unit will fit snugly and securely within the frame. If the new window is not the same size as the old one, you may have to adjust the 'packers' (usually red or bluish plastic slips) inside the frame. Consult your installer or the instructions from the manufacturer if you're uncertain.

A good replacement double-glazed sealed unit will be made to exacting standards and should fit into your frame with a minimum of hassle. A small error can have a significant impact on your window's performance.

Modern double glazed units are a great energy efficient addition to any home. They use a layer argon between the panes of glass to insulate and decrease the amount of heat that escapes from your home during cold weather.

However, there are times when these units fail or have problems with their seals. This is usually the case when moisture enters the air cavity of the glass and causes condensation between the panes. Moisture in the window's cavity is not only unsightly but also affects the effectiveness and efficiency of the glass unit.

Look for a fogginess or a misty appearance between the window seal replacement near me 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 remove the glass beads that surround the edges of the window. It can be tricky and a bit messy, but it's worth the effort as it lets you access the wedge gasket which holds 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. After the beads have been removed, allow the sealed unit a little to fall out of the frame. With a helper holding it in place while you take measurements of its width, height and thickness. This is important because it determines the dimensions of the wedge gasket must be cut to accommodate the double glazed unit.

Checking

Double glazing units, or sealed units as they are commonly called, can degrade over time. It is usually due to leaks in the seal, which lets condensation and moisture into the space between the panes. This can affect the capacity of the window to keep cold air out, and warm generated by the home's heating in and solar gain from the sun inside.

Failure of the seal can cause draughts within the home. It is essential to regularly check your double-glazed windows for indications of failure. If you see water or mist forming between the glass, it is a sign that the seal is not working and a new one should be installed.

It is crucial to replace the sealed unit with the proper size. The uPVC frames that the sealed unit is placed have a very small tolerance for movement, meaning that even a few millimetres could alter the performance of windows. To ensure that you're ordering the correct size, it is recommended to speak with a professional or the manufacturer's manual.

With the help of a friend holding the new unit gently slide it into place in the frame. It is essential that you make this move in a secure place since the glass is fragile and may fall out and break. Once the sealed unit is securely in the frame, reconnect any packers on the bottom of the frame and then put the glass beads back in their original positions. After you've completed this, give the window a thorough visual inspection to ensure there are no gaps and that it isn't misaligned.

It is possible to apply some sealant around the frame's perimeter to stop it from moving. Reviewing the thickness of the unit is also recommended. This is crucial since double-glazed units are available in various thicknesses and using the wrong thickness can impact the u-value your home's insulation.

Sealing

Double glazing is an excellent way to improve your home's thermal efficiency and enhance acoustics by decreasing the transfer of sound. Over time the seals on the glass may get worn out, leading to misted or drooping windows. In these instances, replacement is essential. 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.

When replacing a sealed unit the first thing to do is clean the frame. Use a paintbrush from the past (4 inches is the ideal size) to clean the frame, removing dust that has built up over time. Once the frame is clean it's best to give the new seals a thorough clean too. It is easiest 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. You should also take an outline of the length that you require for your new seals since it will help in cutting them to the required size.

After the gaskets have been cleaned and the frame is clean, it's time for the sealed unit. To ensure the best results from this, it's best to cut off the beads (the upvc window rubber seal replacement near me frame clips that support the glass) and then measure them. This will ensure that the seal is constructed according to the correct dimensions and will not leave any gaps around it.

After the beads are in place, you can put in the top bead, and then proceed to the remaining three. You should be careful not to touch your sealed units for a few minutes afterward as the silicone sealant will require time to set and harden before you can handle it again. I usually leave it for about 6 hours before handling but this will differ based on your silicone sealant's set times.

Finishing

When the new double-glazed unit is snugly in place within its frame and is sealed, it's time to seal and finish. This step is more than just a physical closure to the project. It's an affirmation that your home is now ready to withstand the elements with a new safe guardian in place.

The first step involves cleaning the frame and taking out any glazing beads strips, or other materials that were used to fix the old glass. The frame is then clean of dust and sealants that have been used for years, as well as glazing tape, a procedure which also renews the timber or aluminium of the window seal repairs's frame. It is also a good time to evaluate any damages and make small repairs, by using wood filler or sanding if necessary. Major damage should be referred to a professional to repair double glazing seals.

The spacer tubes are then be filled with desiccants to absorb any moisture that may have accumulated between the two panes in the process of manufacturing or over time. This is a typical procedure for warm edge sealed units. Thermoseal Group stocks desiccants as well as manual and automated desiccant dispensing devices.

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 is both robust and flexible, able to expand and contract without becoming fragile or breaking. It is essential to choose the right thickness, as any gaps could impact thermal performance. If you're unsure of the right thickness to use, consult with an expert or a manufacturer's guide.

The final step involves adding secondary sealant. This is usually polyisobutylene or a similar material. It's applied to edges of the frame's exterior and creates a secondary seal that's capable of repelling moisture and stop air penetration and improve energy efficiency.

The frame is then finished with an aluminum cladding. This protective coating is able to withstand the weather and keep your frame looking fresh for a long time. It's a smart investment for the long-term integrity of your home's frame especially in the case of historic homes or federation homes, where timber frames are prone to rot and degradation.