The vast majority of people I encounter think that because their double-glazed unit (glass) is broken or fogged, the entire frame must be replaced. Unless the frame has been harmed accidentally or during a break-in, the glass can be changed without installing a new frame.
Understanding the Glazing System
First, ascertain whether the frame is beaded internally or outside. To do this, one must look at the point where the beads meet the inner border of the window frame and see if there is a link there. Most modern windows have glazing on the inside.
Removing the Beads from Windows That Have Inside Beading
A firm putty knife should be inserted into the junction where the longest bead meets the frame at the middle of the bead. You might need to push or tap the putty knife in order to dislodge the bead from the frame. Once each bead has been pulled out one at a time, the double glazed unit should be able to be disassembled and replaced.
Using External Beads to Remove Beads from Windows
Numerous Vacuum glazing techniques can be used with externally glazed windows. The most common setup is the internal gasket or back wedge. The interior rubber gasket of the window must be removed in order to remove the exterior beads. To do this, cut a small hole in the rubber on the inside of the glass using a sturdy putty knife and flick it out. Then follow the instructions above to remove the beads. Take note of the gasket’s direction of emergence.
Outside of glass, double-sided security tape is the second most common type of material. The external beads can be clipped into place when the double-glazed unit is positioned on the tape that was attached to the window frame during manufacturing. Use a Stanley knife or box cutter to cut the tape. Keep the knife flat on the glass to avoid cutting into the frame.
If you make cuts all the way around the taped area, you should be able to enter the putty knife and slowly lever the glass unit out. Once the glass has been taken out, carefully scrape away all of the old tape from the window frame without damaging it. then follow the instructions above to remove the beads.
The third and least common diffrent of vacuum glazing VS double glazing is one without a gasket or tape on the inside of the window. On this type of frame, the beads can be taken out from the outside using a putty knife.
The Size of the Double-Glazed Unit
After removal, it is advisable to take the double-glazed unit to your local glass shop so they can measure it and check for any potential coatings on the glass. This is important since the bulk of double-glazed unit breakdowns are caused by poor installation of double-glazed units on packers (misty or condensation between glass). If your window is covered in security tape, you will need to buy new double-sided tape.
Refitting an Internal Double Glazed Unit:
Check to make sure the unit is balanced on the two packers and in the center of the frame. The two shortest beads should be tapped in first with a nylon mallet. Next, put the two longest beads in a similar fashion. After pressing the first end into position, you might need to bend the bead to fit the other end.
Refitting an External Double Glazed Unit:
Back gasket system: Reinstall the rubber gasket inside the window frame after assembling the glass and beads in accordance with the preceding instructions. If the rubbers have shrunk, gently re-fit them while adding a tiny drop of superglue to each corner to stop future shrinkage. If the rubbers have not shrunk.
System for security tapes – It’s crucial to keep the new tape flat with the edge of your window frame as you connect it. Remove the covering and then apply window cleaner on the tape. As a result, you can realign and move the double-glazed unit. When the window cleaner evaporates after a few hours, a double glazed unit can only be removed by cutting it out from the inside. Fit the glass and beads as described earlier.
One word of warning: Some externally glazed frames may be equipped with glass locks. Glass locks are metal parts that are attached to the frame using specific holder clips and positioned at the proper angle. If you remove the beads and come across these metal clips, call a glazier immediately because doing so could be difficult without the proper tools.
Final Word
If you are unclear of the system you have or lack the confidence to complete the work, call a glazier. A professional’s services will ultimately cost less than breaking your windows.
