Plastic windows have a reliable design and are distinguished by a long service life. But over time, it may be necessary to replace the double-glazed window for various reasons - the glass has broken or cracked, or there is a desire to replace an outdated model with a more modern one. This will eliminate the fogging of glasses and the appearance of ice on them in the cold season, increase sound insulation and reduce the thermal conductivity of the window.
The constituent elements of a double-glazed window
Of course, you can resort to the services of companies specializing in the manufacture, installation and repair of plastic windows, but many apartment owners are interested in how to replace a double-glazed window in a plastic window on their own. Before ordering and installing a new design, measurements of the old product should be taken. Consider the characteristics of the elements that make up PVC windows.
A double-glazed window is a sealed system that includes a certain number of glasses - 2, 3 or more. Glass sheets are separated by a perforated aluminum frame containing granular silica gel, which effectively absorbs moisture and prevents fogging of the glass surface. During the manufacturing process, the structure is filled with a sealant that prevents moisture and contaminants from penetrating inside.
Window glass replacement
If you need to replace broken glass in a double-glazed window, keep in mind that this operation is much more complicated than replacing a double-glazed window in a plastic window and can only be done qualitatively in the factory using modern equipment.
This is explained by the fact that the silica gel, which is part of the window structure, absorbs the moisture contained in the atmospheric air when the chamber is depressurized.
As a result, dew will appear on the newly installed glass after a while. Another option is also possible - on the internal elements of the product, silica gel that has absorbed moisture will begin to appear in the form of a fluid yellow mass. Therefore, replacement of glass in a plastic window should be carried out only in cases where it is problematic or practically impossible to replace a double-glazed window with a similar one. For example, when using in its composition a unique glass in the form of a stained-glass window, which has an original texture, tinting, etc.
How can I replace glass in a double-glazed window with my own hands? Remove the double-glazed window, place it on the table so that the glass that needs to be replaced is on top. It must be removed, for example, by cutting off the sides of the profile with a sharp knife. The perforated aluminum frame is replaced with a new one, pre-filled with a granular air dryer. This will prevent the glass from fogging up. You can use double-sided tape to fix the frame in place. New glass should be cut carefully, wipe its inner surface with alcohol. Installation is carried out using silicone sealant applied around the perimeter. After the silicone has dried, the double-glazed window is put in its original place using adjusting plates and fixed with glazing beads.
How to correctly measure the dimensions of a double-glazed window
Before replacing a double-glazed window, it is necessary to order its manufacture by contacting a specialized company that provides this type of service. To do this, you need to determine its dimensions.
Looking closely at the structure of the window frame, you can see the border separating its base from the glazing bead framing the glass. By measuring the width and length of the rectangle formed by the glazing bead (including its thickness), we obtain the preliminary dimensions of the broken double-glazed window to be replaced.
It is necessary to have a deformation gap between the glass and the frame, which facilitates free adjustment of the structure and prevents its destruction during the expansion of materials under the influence of temperature fluctuations. Therefore, the final result can be obtained by subtracting 1–1.5 cm from the preliminary one. Additionally, the number of cameras in the package should be determined.
Replacing double-glazed windows with your own hands
To do the job, you need a rubber mallet and a shoe knife (you can use a chisel instead of a knife). The first step in replacing double-glazed windows in windows is the dismantling of previously installed ones. To protect the frame from scratches, it is recommended to cover it with masking tape.
The sequence of dismantling the window element when replacing a double-glazed window with your own hands:
- Insert the tip of a knife or chisel into the hole separating the glazing bead from the frame. In order to separate and remove the glazing bead, you need to gently tap the knife with a hammer. You should start from the middle of the canvas, gradually moving to the edges. All operations must be carried out as carefully as possible to avoid accidental damage to the base.
- First, the glazing bead located on the right side is removed, then the one on the left, then the top and last the bottom.
- Removal of old glass. It is not easy to perform this action on your own, so it is advisable to use outside help. Special suction cups designed to fix the web can facilitate the operation.
Installation of a new double-glazed window
When installing a new double-glazed window in a plastic window, special straightening plates are used for the correct even positioning of the product. These parts allow you to fix the package, adjusting the accuracy of its placement. If the window is deaf, you can limit yourself to installing plates at the bottom of the structure. In opening sashes - additionally place at two corners - in the area of \u200b\u200bthe lower hinge and opposite the upper one, stepping back 10 cm to the side.
The installed double-glazed window is fixed along the perimeter with sealing rubber, then with glazing beads, the order of their fastening is the reverse of the removal sequence. You should start with a short lower one, and end with a long right one. First, the corners of the glazing bead are inserted into the frame, after which, by lightly tapping the rubber hammer, it is slammed into place intended for it. In order not to confuse the glazing beads during dismantling, you can mark them. The total duration of a double-glazed window replacement is approximately 25 minutes.
The nuances of replacing double-glazed windows
Replacement of double-glazed windows of plastic windows may be necessary if the glass is damaged or the window is of poor quality. A crack in the glass can appear due to a number of reasons:
- Incorrect measurements;
- The window was installed incorrectly (the necessary gaps were not left, the adjusting plates are missing or displaced, the application of mounting foam does not comply with the rules), resulting in a violation of its geometry;
- Failure to comply with the rules for storing materials used for the manufacture of windows;
- Sudden changes in atmospheric pressure during the operation of the product;
- The application of critical pressure on the window sash, leading to a violation of the geometry of the glass and its damage.
Carrying out work on the replacement of double-glazed windows by service centers
In some cases, replacing double-glazed windows with your own hands is difficult or impossible. The best way out of this situation is to use the services of specialized service centers that guarantee fast and high-quality replacement of damaged glass or the entire double-glazed window. For example, it is impossible to replace a double-glazed window on your own if the window structure provides for a soldered seal.
You can also contact the service center to replace especially valuable glass. Additionally, it is possible to provide for the installation of a decorative overlay, false-perplet decorating the product, energy-saving, fire-prevention, anti-vandal or any other glass. Thus, at the same time as replacing the glass, it is possible to improve the design of the entire window.
The need to replace double-glazed windows in PVC windows may arise not only if the glass is damaged. Plastic windows can lose a lot of performance over time. Do not rush to change the entire window. Replacing a double-glazed window with your own hands is not difficult, and our tips will help you do it.
Reasons for glass replacement
In addition to damage to the double-glazed window, there are a number of common cases when replacement may be required. The first of them is the installation of PVC windows with one glass for the primary glazing of a construction site. Sometimes it is possible to replace obsolete packages with more modern ones if the characteristics of the profile itself are satisfactory. For example, an increased noise level may serve as a reason for replacement. You may also want to replace old double-glazed windows with energy-efficient ones with K-glass or I-glass.
In some cases, a double-glazed window fails without visible signs of destruction. For example, if a chamber filled with argon loses its tightness, condensation is likely to form on the glass. The same symptom has air chambers in which the metal frame is damaged, in which case the silica gel will begin to dissolve and leak into the profile with a yellowish resin.
How to choose a double-glazed window for replacement, size matching
Before placing an order for a new double-glazed window, you need to clarify the dimensions of the old one. This can be done without even disassembling the window, it is enough to measure the distance between the outer joints of the glazing bead and subtract 15 mm from the value. Usually manufacturers of double-glazed windows make their sizes a multiple of several centimeters, so you are unlikely to make a mistake.
Length and width are not the only indicator. If the thickness of the double-glazed window does not match, you will, at best, be forced to purchase a suitable glazing bead, and at worst, a suitable PVC profile. The easiest way is to specify the thickness of the double-glazed window in the window passport or on the sticker, if you prudently carefully removed it. Otherwise, invite a familiar PVC window specialist, he will immediately determine the type of camera and the standard thickness for it.
Irregularly shaped double-glazed windows require the removal of a template. In this case, you will have to remove the double-glazed window from the frame, lay it on a piece of drawing paper and circle it with a sharp blade, repeating the shape. However, an experienced measurer will always help you in determining the exact dimensions and patterns.
In some cases, when only one of the panes is damaged, it makes sense to make repairs by sending the double-glazed unit to the window manufacturer's factory. This is especially rational in the case of expensive double-glazed windows. Repairs are carried out within a period of three days to two weeks, during which time you can install single glass in the frame or tighten the opening with plastic wrap.
To get the profile out of the opening or not
For a simple replacement of a double-glazed window, complete dismantling is not required, on the contrary, it is more convenient to carry out work on an installed window. But there are exceptions.
The case, as they say, is out of the ordinary, but a broken double-glazed window may not be the work of hooligans. If the installation technology is not followed, the use of a low-quality PVC profile or a mismatch in size, the double-glazed window can simply be crushed inside the frame. In this case, the trouble may recur even after installing a new double-glazed window.
You can independently identify the problem by examining the internal cavity and PVC profile folds. If there are kinks on the longitudinal stiffeners, or glued joints have dispersed, the window needs to be repaired or replaced. If in doubt, invite the installation wizard, he will give further recommendations.
How to break a bead correctly
To break the bead, you need to insert a chisel into the gap between it and the frame, directing the bevel of the blade towards the glass. Hold the chisel strictly perpendicular and apply a few gentle blows with a mallet until the glazing bead moves 2-3 mm. Then tilt the chisel outward slightly and widen the gap with a series of strokes. Knock down the bead until it is completely out of the groove.
Start dismantling by removing the longer glazing beads: they are the most flexible and move out of the grooves more easily. Undermine them, starting from the center, and gradually move towards the edge. When you can grasp the edge of the glazing bead with your hand, simply pull it towards you and to the side, it can be easily removed.
Remove the top glazing bead last so that the double-glazed window does not fall out of the opening without permission. It is optimal to use an evenly sharpened chisel with a slightly blunt edge of the blade for work. Also, do not be stingy to buy a hammer with plastic or rubber tips.
The process of replacing double-glazed windows in deaf and opening sashes
If a double-glazed window is broken, it may crumble when removed. To prevent this from happening, glue the surfaces of the outer glass with strips of adhesive tape, first along the perimeter, and then crosswise.
Usually the double-glazed window is freely installed inside the frame and will fall out on its own after removing the top glazing bead. If it is pressed, pull one of the plastic spacers, or pick up the edge of the double-glazed window with a knife.
Carefully remove the double-glazed window from the opening, if it is too heavy, call an assistant. Clean the folds and the profile cavity from glass fragments and dust. When working, be sure to use rubberized gloves. We also recommend that you do not neglect safety glasses.
Insert a new double-glazed window with the bottom side, then lift it vertically. In blind openings, it is necessary to place two straightening plastic plates between the double-glazed window and the bottom seam. If desired, you can fix the double-glazed window in the opening with two more installed on top.
When installed in an openable sash, four plates are laid diagonally between the double-glazed window and the profile: 10 cm from opposite corners. The sash needs to be set for ventilation and the double-glazed window should be aligned horizontally, evenly spreading out under the lower end of the spacers remaining after removal.
Some double-glazed windows inherit the principle of sealing from wooden euro windows. But there is a difference: instead of pouring a silicone sealant, a silicone tape of different thicknesses is inserted between the frame of the double-glazed window and the profile fold. The installation process is difficult because you must first measure the thickness of the gap and select the desired thickness of the gasket. Specialists always have a stock of tapes of different sizes with them and carry out installation in one day.
When installing a double-glazed window on a tape, it must be continuous around the entire perimeter. Therefore, to begin with, the double-glazed window is wrapped with tape as tightly as possible and cut it at an acute angle, leaving a gap of 3-4 mm. The tape is inserted into the lower cavity of the profile and a double-glazed window is placed on it. Raising it vertically, the tape is tucked into the seam with a blunt smooth plate.
Reverse installation of glazing beads
Start fastening the glazing beads in the opposite direction to the process of removing them, that is, starting with the shortest ones. Position the glazing bead approximately in the middle of the opening and hammer it into the groove, moving from one edge to the other.
When installing long glazing beads, first drive them into the corner, shifting the already installed bar to the desired distance. Then wind the glazing bead into the bottom corner so that it spreads out in the opening. Do not snap the first glazing bead in completely until the second is installed. With such a sequence of installation, the glazing beads are well pressed at the joints and do not form gaps - cold bridges. In order not to break the glass, use a hammer with rubber lining.
To date, the design of plastic and aluminum double-glazed windows is considered quite complicated, and few will undertake to repair on their own in case of glass damage. However, with the right approach, you can do without the participation of specialists, which will save a considerable amount.
How a plastic window is arranged - design features
We will not talk about the cameras of the frame itself, we are primarily interested in the double-glazed window, which is to be changed. This design is based on a special profile frame in which a molecular sieve is located, which does not allow moisture to penetrate into the cavities between the glasses. This frame is most often made of aluminum or galvanized steel, sometimes it can also be made of plastic. It is she who is a kind of gasket that separates the glasses of the package, the distance between which depends on the requirements for this design.
Independent replacement of a double-glazed window in a plastic window is possible only if you know exactly the marking of the one installed initially. There is nothing complicated in digital designations, on the contrary, you can easily choose exactly the size that is needed if you order an identical design. On the market you can find both single-chamber and double-chamber types, in the first case the package consists of two glasses, and in the second of three. For example, the brand 4-10-4-10-4 will mean a two-chamber model: 3 glasses of 4 millimeters are separated from each other by two frames 1 centimeter wide. Option 4-6-3-16-4 is more complicated, the cameras in this case are of different widths, the gaps between the glasses are 6 and 16 millimeters, respectively, with the middle glass in the package only 3 millimeters, and the outer ones - 4 each.
The least popular, but there are three-chamber models among the products of double-glazed window manufacturers, their cost is the highest, and their use is justified in the northern regions or in windows on the north side of the house.
It is quite simple to determine how many glasses you have, if you didn’t manage to understand during the examination. Bring a burning candle and count the lights in the reflection. 2 - you have a single-chamber model in front of you, 3 - a two-chamber model, 4 - which means there are three cameras and there will be large replacement costs. The manufacturing technology itself, or rather, the assembly of packages, is noteworthy. The cavities are usually filled with inert gases such as krypton or argon. Less often, in workshops without special sophisticated equipment, the maximum dryness of the air inside is simply ensured. It is logical that the chambers are made extremely tight, which makes the assembly resemble the manufacture of an aquarium - the glasses are planted on the frames using a special adhesive sealant. It is for this reason that if the glass is damaged, it is more reasonable to change the entire double-glazed window.
We make measurements of a plastic window - we determine the dimensions of the package
It would seem that there is no other option but to remove the double-glazed window and, picking up an ordinary measuring construction tape measure, get the exact height and width values. However, then you will either have to disassemble the frame twice, or the windows will be without glass until you buy new ones. The easiest option is to measure the distance between the outer edges of the glazing beads that hold the double-glazed window. The secret is that the glasses enclosed in the frame are slightly smaller than the plastic strips holding them, due to the existing adjustment gap. Considering the last factor, we reduce the result obtained after measurements by 3, throwing off 1.5 centimeters on each side.
The above method concerns the determination of dimensions both in width and in height. As for the thickness of the package, we have already explained how you can find it out by simply converting the marking numbers into dimensional values. We only note that when replacing glasses, you can take not an absolutely identical option, but a suitable one in terms of thickness as a whole. That is, if you have a single-chamber package with a large gap between the glasses, you can take a two-chamber package, the sum of the marking numbers of which will correspond to the sum of similar values \u200b\u200bof the previous design. Thus, you will significantly improve the performance of heat preservation in the room by increasing the number of chambers with the same package thickness.
Dismantling - the correct sequence of actions
So, let's get down to work on restoring the sash of your window to its original form. To do this, you just need to replace the double-glazed window in a damaged plastic window, which even those who have never faced such a task before can do it. You will need a narrow tool, like a thin chisel, and a rubber mallet. First you need to remove the glazing beads, and you must start from the side ones in order to avoid damage to the latches.
From the edge of any, right or left glazing bead, that is, at the highest or lowest point. At the same time, we direct the sharpened edge away from the frame. We apply several weak blows with a rubber hammer on the chisel to form a narrow gap, which will mean detaching the fastener. Be careful, there is a risk of breaking the hidden part of the fastener, which is included in the groove of the frame.
Now we develop the success achieved by turning the working part of the chisel 180 degrees and resting its plane against the edge of the glazing bead. We press, and the gap begins to expand. We continue along the entire height of the frame, if necessary, slipping any narrow plastic plates as wedges to where the double-glazed window retainer has already moved away. In no case do we use strong pressure or blows so as not to break the plastic window, it is better to spend more time, but do without damage.
When both side beadings are removed, disconnect the lower and upper ones in the same way (only in this order). When doing this, be sure to hold the double-glazed window so that it does not fall out, since it will no longer be fixed when the last element holding it is removed. It is also important to remember that, when removing the latches, you should mark where they were located in order to install them in the reverse order. It is also necessary to remember (and it is better to mark), before removing the double-glazed window, where there are spacers that correct its position in the frame.
Installation - how to properly replace glass and assemble a window
Finally, the one- or two-chamber glass structure is removed and set aside (in whole or in fragments, depending on the degree of damage). At the same time, try not to break it, remove it with extreme care. Next, we carefully place the double-glazed window in the plastic window and independently adjust the gaps, setting the spacers at the same points where they stood earlier. Check that the seals are also in place.
We return the glazing beads to the grooves of the window frame intended for them. Right now it is important to remember in what order you extracted them and which ones from where. Fasten in exactly the reverse order. To make the latches easier to enter into the grooves, we tap along the outer edge of each with a rubber hammer, and the blows should not be strong - you are working with fragile plastic. When you hear a click, this will mean that the glazing bead has taken its rightful place. It remains only with the help of a special bolt and a hex angle screwdriver if its position is violated.
Replacing individual glass at home - how to do it
Yes, if you know how to disassemble a double-glazed window, you can only change its damaged part, but it will be much more difficult. The fact is that the replacement of glass in a plastic window is carried out in a room with a minimum amount of moisture in the air, or under a jet of a heat gun. Otherwise, moist air, once inside the chamber, will turn into when the temperature changes, and it will fall directly into the cavity.
If you are determined, lay the bag on a flat surface and use a utility knife to cut off the intermediate frame under the damaged glass.
Carefully clean the place of its fixation from the remnants of adhesive-sealant and on double-sided tape, without gaps (the latter are smeared with silicone), glue a new aluminum frame, filling it with moisture-absorbing granules. Next, we plant a new glass on the same silicone, cut exactly to the size of the package.
Possible glass damage in a plastic window:
- Crack,
- Skol,
- Through hole.
First aid
Crack or chip in glass pane
In the case when the double-glazed window received minor damage and the integrity of the structure is not violated - try not to use a window sash with a damaged filling. This will avoid further damage to the double-glazed window. However, in order to use the window normally, the broken glass must be replaced.
Through hole - a hole in a double-glazed window
In some cases, double-glazed windows can get through damage. In this case, the first step is to fix on the window, for example, with adhesive tape, a piece of cardboard or other material that prevents the penetration of air from the street - which is especially important in the cold season, and start the process of replacing a broken double-glazed window as quickly as possible.
How to replace broken glass in a plastic window
For those who value time and strive to entrust the work to the masters, we offer a professional replacement of double-glazed windows in the windows of an apartment and a country house.
If desired, you can replace the double-glazed window yourself. Below we provide detailed instructions.
Important: The double-glazed window is completely changed: individual glasses in the composition of the double-glazed window do not change, as they are glued together.
Instructions for self-replacing a broken double-glazed window
Steps to replace broken glass
- Measure a double-glazed window
- Make a new double-glazed window to replace the broken one
- Install new glass
To replace a double-glazed window, follow these steps:
- Remove the glazing beads holding the broken double-glazed window. First long, then short. To pry - use a flat sharp object - a spatula or knife.
- Carefully remove the old double-glazed window. Make sure that the linings that burst it and on which it rests are not lost.
- Install new glass. Spread it with linings. How to do it right - see GOST 30674 Window blocks made of PVC profiles.
- Install the glazing bead in place: first the short ones, then the long ones. Use a hammer with a special "soft" tip - so as not to accidentally damage the glass.
- Dispose of the old double-glazed window.
Cost of new glass
Plastic windows have high thermal insulation properties. This setting depends on many factors.
This is especially true for the number of cameras. Often, due to inexperience, people acquire window structures, which, as a result, do not suit them with their technical characteristics.
The problem can be solved by replacing the installed double-glazed window with a new design. You can do this work yourself. But, for this you need to know some features and nuances.
Replacing a double-glazed window with a more advanced design has a number of advantages. First of all, it is worth noting that double-glazed windows have high sound and heat insulation properties.
Therefore, the cost of such a replacement is fully justified.
Replacement of a double-glazed window is made in the usual sequence. It looks something like this:
- carefully remove the glazing beads;
- dismantle the double-glazed window;
- install a new design;
- fix the double-glazed window with glazing beads.
Everything is pretty simple. But, it seems only at first glance. Such work can be easily done only if it is a question of replacing one double-glazed window with a structure of the same type. In the case of a two-chamber product, the replacement has some nuances.
The fact is that double-glazed windows with one and two cameras have different thicknesses. So, a two-chamber product is thicker than a single-chamber one by as much as 8 mm. This is the peculiarity of replacing the double-glazed window.
To perform the work qualitatively, it is necessary to replace not only the double-glazed window, but also the glazing beads. They should be several already previous models.
Reducing their width will create additional space for installing a wide double-glazed window.
Of course, a double-glazed window has high technical characteristics. But, sometimes even this is not enough to create the optimal temperature regime. This is especially true for regions with severe winters.
If necessary, a double-glazed window can be replaced with a three-chamber design. Of course, doing this is not always possible. There are some features that are associated with the thickness of the double-glazed window.
The thickness of the double-glazed window is 30 mm. It will be very difficult to install a triple structure instead. For the normal installation of such a double-glazed window, a profile is needed, the thickness of which will be 40 mm.
Of course, if the work is done by a professional, then the installation can also be carried out on a 30 mm thick profile, which corresponds to two-chamber windows.
Sometimes, if the double-glazed window is not replaced correctly, it can be damaged. In particular, this applies to its individual elements, or rather glass.
If necessary, damaged glass can be replaced with a new product. It will cost a little less than replacing the entire structure.
Changing individual glass is a rather responsible and painstaking process. It is almost impossible to do it at home. Work to replace a damaged element is carried out in the following sequence:
- structure unpacking. In this case, its sealing is violated;
- replacement of damaged glass;
- collection of double-glazed windows and its sealing.
At first glance, the job looks pretty simple. But, the peculiarity is that the process must be carried out in special conditions close to the factory ones. In this case, you can not do without the help of professionals.
