Mechanical damage, installer errors and loss of sealing lead to the loss of energy-saving properties of the window. Replacing double-glazed windows will help restore its function. For such a service, you can contact the service or do the work yourself. Choosing the second option, study the design of the plastic window, the technology of dismantling and installation.
Glass unit elements
A plastic window is made up of many components that perform different functions. Two-, three-, five-chamber types differ in structure and characteristics of heat preservation, sound insulation, protection from wind.
When replacing glass in a glass unit, study the design features:
- The sash is made of a multi-chamber profile with reinforcement.
- The seal is a flexible rubber strip, which is responsible for tightness.
- A double-glazed window is a complex element that creates a barrier against noise, light and precipitation. Responsible for the preservation of heat in the room. The more cameras, the more reliable the design.
- The spacer is located between the glasses and is responsible for creating an air layer. The cavity contains a moisture absorber that dries the air in the chambers and prevents heat loss.
- Glazing bead fixes the glass in the frame.
- Profile - a structure consisting of multiple compartments with internal steel reinforcement. The main function is the foundation of the window, providing reliability and functionality.
- The frame is made of a plastic profile with three or five chambers. The interior is reinforced with reinforced steel. The rigidity and resistance to deformation of the structure depends on the quality of the element, since the frame is responsible for fastening to the opening.
When installing, use special profiles for the correct connection of external and internal panels, slopes, blocks. Cover external connections with decorative overlays. But not all manufacturers equip the structure with strips.
The advantage of a local window repair is a 50% reduction in costs as opposed to ordering a new product. The service life of the metal-plastic profile is 20-25 years.
Preparation for replacing a double-glazed window
- Spread a cloth on the floor in front of the window.
- If the glass is broken, cover the surface with tape to avoid injury.
- Take a chisel or flathead screwdriver and remove the glazing beads. It is recommended to start with long side members that are easier to bend out of the sash groove.
- Remove the damaged glass carefully.
When disassembling the sash, the side glazing beads are removed, but it will not be possible to remove them in the transom without damage. Therefore, first remove the long items located at the top and bottom.
Glass unit measurements
This information can also be taken in the product passport or on the transport film. In the absence of documents and inscriptions, take an independent measurement.
Take a tape measure and a vernier caliper for accurate measurement and follow these steps:
- Measure the thickness of the sash profile (eg 80 mm).
- Determine the width of the glazing bead and the silicone seal from the inside.To do this, rest the end of the gauge against the glass and mark the distance to the edge of the plane (say 10 mm).
- Similar actions are carried out from the outside (14 mm).
- Calculate: 80-10-20 = 50 mm.
Transfer the obtained result to the company's specialists for the manufacture of new glass. If you doubt the correctness of the calculations, call a professional measurer. The quality of the installation depends on the correct measurements.
To replace the stained glass, you will need to contact a specialist. This is due to the fact that the elements are placed in cells that are taken out. Repair or installation requires placing scaffolds or calling an aerial platform. It is impossible to make a pattern according to the color scheme.
Tools and materials for glass unit replacement
Self-change of glass in a plastic window requires tools and materials. With their help, the old frame is removed and a new structure is installed.
To replace glass in a glass unit you need:
- tape measure and caliper;
- rubber hammer;
- suction cups for glass;
- spatula or flat screwdriver;
- gloves;
- a piece of unnecessary cloth.
If the installation of a new structure is caused by a small defect associated with low tightness, do not refuse to repair. It is more economical to hire a specialist to correct the deformation than to buy a new product.
Self-assembly
The work is carried out in the daytime or under bright artificial lighting. If the structure is severely damaged or deformed, it will not be possible to remove the entire unit. To make it easier to remove the debris, cover the floor with fabric that you do not mind throwing away.
Follow the instructions to replace the glass unit in the plastic window yourself:
- Start by removing the glazing beads - place a flathead screwdriver or knife in the groove, slide the part. Install a plastic gasket into the gap. Then loosen it and snap off the glazing bead. Remove the strip from the sides, bottom and top. Follow the sequence, otherwise the glass will fall off. Memorize or number the location of the parts as you remove them. Mark where the spacers are located inside the frame.
- When replacing the product, observe safety precautions - perform all manipulations carefully. Get an assistant to work.
- If there is a change from a single-chamber package to a two-chamber one, buy new glazing beads wider than the previous version.
- The number of bars differs from manufacturers. When removing the package, remember where the gaskets were, but rather take a photo.
- Wear gloves or cloth gloves. Remove the old glass unit carefully. A partner will help to cope with a heavy structure - so it will be easier to replace the glazing.
- Insert a new glass unit into the profile, observing the original position of the spacers. Fix the product in the opening and adjust with straightening plates.
- Replace the glazing beads using a rubber mallet. Proceed consistently: top, bottom, sides. You can determine the correct fixation by a characteristic click.
- The new glass unit may differ in weight from the old one, therefore it is necessary to adjust the sash. Use the 'box key' to tighten the screws on the hinges.
Self-installation of a double-glazed window is not difficult if you follow the procedure and technology. The timed work takes approximately 4 hours depending on the skills. Remember to seal the modular system with sealant after installation.
