Now That You've Purchased Replacement Double Glazing Sealed Units ... Now What?
Replacement Double Glazed Units
Double glazed units, or sealed units, as they're called, may be damaged over time. This typically happens due to the insulating properties of the inert gas between glass panes degrade.
If a window has been damaged down, it's crucial to replace the window to ensure that your home is fully insulated and energy efficient. The process is fairly simple and straightforward.
Installation
If the window is properly installed, the new window will be firmly seated and will fit comfortably within the frame. If the new glazed panel is not the same size as your old one you may need to adjust the 'packers' (usually red or bluish plastic slips) inside the frame. If you're unsure of how to proceed, consult your installer or the manufacturer's instructions for guidance.
A high-quality replacement double glazed seal will be made to exacting standards and should fit in your frame with the least amount of fuss. A tiny mistake can have a huge impact on your window's performance.
Modern double-glazed units are an excellent addition to any home. They are energy efficient and save you money. They utilize a layer of argon gas between the panes to provide insulation and reduce the amount of heat that can escape your property during cold winter months.
However, sometimes these units may fail or have issues with their seals. This occurs when moisture enters the air cavity and causes condensation. The presence of moisture in your window is not just ugly but also affects the effectiveness of the glazed unit.
You can spot a cloudy or misty look between the window panes. This indicates that the seal between the two glass panes has been broken and water is entering 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 a bit tricky and messy, but it is worth the effort because you will be able to access the wedge gasket that holds your glass in position. It is necessary to remove the beads with care so that they do not break and it's often a good idea to ask for assistance at this point. After the beads have been removed and the sealed unit is free of them, allow it a little to fall out of the frame. With the help of a person, hold it in place while you measure its width, height and thickness. This information is essential as it will determine what size wedge gasket to cut for your newly double-glazed sealed units.
Checking
Double glazing units or sealed units as they are often called they can break down in time. This is usually due leaks in the seal that allows moisture and condensation into the space between the panes. This can affect the way the window is able to block out cold air, heat generated by the heating system in the home, and solar heat inside.
Failure of the seal can cause draughts to be felt in your home. It is crucial to check regularly your double glazed windows for signs of failure. If you see moisture or misting between the glass, this is a sign that the seal is failing and a replacement unit must be installed.
It is important that you replace the sealed unit with the proper size. The uPVC frames in which the sealed unit is installed have a very small tolerance for movement, meaning that even a few millimetres of movement can affect the performance of the windows. Talk to a professional or consult the guidelines supplied by the manufacturer to ensure you get the correct size.
With a helper holding the new unit gently slide it into place in the frame. It is vital to do this in a secure location because the glass is fragile and could be thrown out and break. Once the sealed unit has been secured in the frame, reattach any packers on the bottom of frame and then replace the glazing beads back into their original positions. Once you've done this, give the whole window a visual inspection to ensure there aren't any gaps or areas of misalignment that could affect its performance.
It is also possible to add a bead of sealant to the perimeter edge of the frame to stop it from moving in future. It is recommended to check the thickness of the glass unit. This is important as double-glazed units come in different thicknesses, and if you choose the wrong one, it could affect the u-value of your home's insulation.
Sealing
Double glazing can increase the efficiency of your home, and provide better sound insulation. However, with time, the glass's seals may get worn out, leading to misty windows and a decrease in performance. In these instances, replacement is necessary. It is recommended for you to work with an experienced double glazing installer who can help choose the best glass products to ensure accurate measurements and ensure proper installations.
When replacing a sealed unit the first thing to do is clean the frame. You can use an old paint brush (4 inch is ideal) to clean the frame to remove dust and cobwebs that will build up within the frame over time. Once the frame is clean it's best to give the new seals a thorough clean too. It is the easiest way to remove the gaskets that are wedge-shaped from the friction joint by placing your hands on the edge of the gasket and pulling it away. You should also make a note of the length you require to make your new seals, as it will help in cutting them to the required size.
Once the gaskets are clean and the frame cleaned up it's time to put in the sealed unit. It's a great idea to remove the beads (the UPVC frames clips that hold the glasses) and measure the size of them. This will ensure that the seal is made according to the correct dimensions and will not leave any gaps around it.
After the beads are put back in, you can begin with the top one and work your way down to the others. After sealing the units, you should not touch them for a few hours as the silicone sealant needs to harden and set. I typically wait around 6 hours to handle it, but the sealant's time to set will differ.
Finalization
Once 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 not just an aesthetic finalization of the project but also a statement that your home is well-equipped to stand the test of time after the new secured guardian is installed.
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 scrubbed clean of dirt, old sealant, and glazing tape. This process also rejuvenates the timber frame or aluminium frame. It's also a good time to evaluate any damage and make small repairs, by using wood filler or sanding if needed. Damages that are severe should be reported to an expert to repair.
The spacer tubes will be filled with desiccants in order to absorb any moisture that may have accumulated between the two panes during manufacturing or over time. This is the standard procedure for a warm edge sealed unit. Thermoseal Group stocks a range of desiccants and manual or automated dispensers for desiccant.
After the spacers have been filled, the glass is sealed with a high performance silicone that's designed to withstand Australia's harsh environment. This sealant forms an airtight seal that is extremely flexible and durable, and can expand and contract without breaking. It's crucial to select the correct thickness, as any gaps could affect thermal performance. Consult a professional or the manual of the manufacturer in case you're not sure about the thickness you should use.
window sealant repair near me is to apply a secondary sealant, typically polyisobutylene (PIB) or a similar product. It's applied to the outside edges of the frame and creates a secondary seal able to repel moisture and prevent air penetration and improve energy efficiency.
The frame is then finished with an aluminum cladding. This protective coating will endure the elements and keep your frame looking brand new for a long time. This is a wise investment to ensure the longevity and the beauty of your home's frames, particularly if you have period or federation style homes with timber frames that are prone to decay.