Today it is rare to find old wooden structures. There is probably almost no person left among us whose apartment does not have plastic windows, unless we are talking about a historical building. Most people try to replace conventional glazing with double-glazed windows, and wooden frames with plastic. This issue has its pros and cons, but the pros outweigh: there are no drafts, the plastic does not dry out or creak, it always closes tightly and opens easily, it does not need to be painted once a season. But what to do if the structure is damaged? We tell you when you need to replace a plastic double-glazed window and how to do it yourself.
Design features of double-glazed windows
Window products are prefabricated structures, regardless of their production technology. By analogy with traditional designs, modern ones are represented by frame binding, translucent canvases, which are pressed with glazing beads.
Reasons for replacing double glazed windows
Despite the modernization of double-glazed windows and the increased strength of products, glass is still a fragile material. That is, there are factors due to which the translucent canvas may break or crack. Such phenomena include:
- Production.
This implies negligence on the part of the manufacturer. It can be expressed in the use of low-quality materials, errors in the geometry and dimensions of components, and careless attitude towards work on the part of operators on the factory line.
Section of the production line for double-glazed windows Source government-nnov.ru
- Storage and transportation.
This also implies negligence of those responsible for the safety of finished products. If the established rules are violated, microcracks appear on the canvases and components are deformed. As the window is used before the period stated by the manufacturer, you have to figure out how to remove the glass from the plastic window in order to replace it with a new one.
- Installation.
One of the main requirements for the installation technology of window structures with double-glazed windows is strict adherence to the horizontal and vertical levels in each plane. Deviations from them are one of the most common mistakes made by installers. Due to such negligence, distortions of the frame binding occur. They contribute to the uneven distribution of mechanical load on double-glazed windows. Since the latter are inserted into frames, the canvases burst under pressure over time.
Broken glass due to improper installation technology Source forum-okna.ru
- Mechanical factor.
It is possible that the glass may be subject to impact loads from inside or outside. This could be a falling object, a flying bird, a deliberate attempt to break a window. Localized pressure in most cases leads to a violation of the integrity of the fragile fabric. Here, the dismantling of the double-glazed window must be carried out with extreme caution.
- Temperature changes.
Glass, like other materials by nature, is characterized by thermal expansion. Therefore, during a fire it becomes deformed and bursts. The same can happen due to fogging and subsequent freezing of the glass unit. The appearance of condensation may also indicate depressurization of the products, which is a reason for carrying out repair work or replacing the translucent sheet.
An example of freezing of plastic windows indoors Source oknaul.ru
- Noise insulation.
Less commonly, the cause of window failure is increased noise levels. Modern metal-plastic structures are known for their tightness and ability to block various types of sounds from entering the house. However, due to the low quality of components or their wear and tear with use, this characteristic is inferior to expectations. Often the solution to the problem is a complete replacement of double-glazed windows and window fittings.
- Thermal conductivity.
Manufacturers offer double-glazed windows of various thicknesses due to different sizes and numbers of glass sheets. As a result, this affects the thermal conductivity of the windows and the overall width of the metal-plastic frame profile. In order to save space in the window opening or to save money, preference may be given to thinner structures. This approach is not relevant in the residential sector in all regions. As a result, windows have to be replaced.
Types of double-glazed windows for plastic windows Source strojdvor.ru
Another reason for dismantling work may be the design feature of the glazing. Blind sashes, which are not equipped with fittings and do not open, are an obstacle to carrying out repair work on the facade side. That is, if there is no access to slopes or window components from the street, then you have to remove the double-glazed window.
Example of a window with a fixed and opening sash Source twimg.com
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in doors, windows and related work
Taking measurements
Before removing a double-glazed window from a plastic window, if a new one is to be installed, you need to order a serviceable sheet. And here you will need to take accurate measurements. It is easier to solve problems using accompanying documents for window products, which users most often save. In them, the parameters of the glass unit are indicated in the form of markings.
Let's look at a few examples:
- 4-16-4. This implies the presence of two translucent panels 4 mm thick. The spacer between them fills the space of 16 mm.
- 4-14-3.3.1. This is a triplex type structure. Here the package is represented by a 4 mm canvas, a 14 mm air gap, two glasses 3 mm thick and a 1 mm layer of adhesive between them. The latter is often ignored, so the manufacturer indicates in the documentation that such a double-glazed window is single-chamber with triplex with a total thickness of 24, not 25 mm.
The table provides a breakdown of the letter identifiers that are used to mark double-glazed windows.
| Brand | Transcript/description |
| SPO | Single-chamber glass unit. |
| SPD | Double-glazed window. |
| M/M1 | Regular polished glass (float glass) meeting high quality characteristics. As the numerical identifier increases, it reflects a decrease in technical indicators. It is worth noting that example 4-16-4 and 4M1-16-4M1 are identical in their meanings. |
| AND | Low-emissivity glass, used for the production of energy-efficient windows. There are also designations: I-glass, “i”, “topN”. As a rule, one such canvas is installed in a package. In the Russian layout, an example of the designation looks like this: 4-16-4И. |
| TO | Low emissivity glass. May be referred to as k-glass. It is also used to produce energy-efficient glazing, but is rarely used today. |
| Br | Tinted glass. Pigmentation of the canvas is carried out in the total mass in a bronze shade. |
| Refl | Tinted reflective glass. The fabric is made with a tinted translucent coating in various shades. Examples of the designation of such double-glazed windows look like this: 4Refl Gray-16-4И, 4Refl Arctic Blue-16-4. |
| A | Self-cleaning glass. |
| M.F. | Multifunctional glass. This means a combination of two functions at once: energy saving and protection from ultraviolet radiation. |
| AMF | Solar control and energy saving glass with self-cleaning properties. |
| Other designations | |
| TP/TGI | Plastic spacer frame, also can be called warm frame or warm edge. After the specified width of the strip, the material from which it is made can be written through a hyphen. If this is not the case, then the composition contains traditional aluminum. |
| Ar | The designation indicates the gas filling of the chamber between the glass sheets with Argon. |
The table lists common identifier options. Less common are designations that indicate the glass’s matte finish, texture, and the presence of protective films. There are no special features or symbols regarding other sizes.
Several ways to solve the problem
There are two ways to solve window design problems:
- The simplest and most expensive is to call a specialist who will dismantle and replace. The disadvantage is that it requires investment.
- Cheap, but difficult - do-it-yourself repair with opening and installation. The tool also requires care, but the rest of the process is simple and does not require professional knowledge.
The most popular advice on forums: repairs should be carried out in the warm season. And this is not only due to discomfort and cold. Polyvinyl chloride is a plastic. This means that its plasticity increases at positive temperatures. In winter it becomes tan and can be damaged. For example, cracks often form at the bend.
If the work is not urgent, it is better to listen to the advice and postpone the repair to late spring and summer. But if the cold actively enters the apartment, you will have to be careful.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing double-glazed windows
To work, you will need a set of tools, which are available in almost every home. In particular: a trowel, a pair of screwdrivers and a construction knife. To carry double-glazed windows, you should additionally use special suction cup handles. If the structure is represented by movable doors, then devices will be needed to remove them. Let's take a closer look at how to remove a double-glazed window from a plastic window yourself and how to insert it back.
Preparatory actions
To remove a double-glazed window from a plastic window, there is no need to disassemble the slopes and completely dismantle the frames. But opening doors or windows have to be removed. This process, when applied to swing and tilt doors, is carried out in an identical manner and consists of the following sequence of actions:
- remove the decorative plugs from the hinges using a flat screwdriver;
Removing a decorative trim from a window hinge Source obustroeno.club
- pull out the pins that connect the two parts of the loops with pliers;
- The sash is removed from its seat by lifting it and moved to the workplace for subsequent replacement of the double-glazed window.
In the case of fixed windows, dismantling and installation of a new translucent panel is carried out on site. In order for the event to take place without injury or damage to other items or household appliances, the workspace must be cleared. It is recommended to lay flat, hard sheets, such as plywood or chipboard, on the floor under the glass. A blanket or rag is laid on top of the base in an even layer. It is better to anticipate the fall or slipping of fragile products in advance.
Conclusion
Now you know how to disassemble and how to set up plastic windows. I am sure that the proposed instructions will be useful to you when using glazing in an apartment or country house.
Be sure to watch the video in this article, and if you have any questions, ask them in your comments.
If you want to express gratitude, add a clarification or objection, or ask the author something, add a comment or say thank you!
Today, plastic windows are an integral attribute of most apartments in both big cities and small towns. New houses are no longer built with wooden frames, but with plastic double-glazed windows - they retain heat better and protect from any bad weather. However, few people know that only timely maintenance can ensure the long service of these seemingly eternal windows. To do this, plastic windows must be periodically dismantled. You can do this yourself.
Video description
This video shows the process of dismantling a double-glazed window, which is accompanied by useful comments:
Installation of double-glazed windows
Before installing a working translucent sheet, it is necessary to analyze the general condition of the frame itself. It must be solid, without cracks or deformations, without distortions. The latter is especially important if you had to remove a double-glazed window from a plastic window because it burst under the influence of a critical temperature or localized mechanical load. Installation work can only begin if the manual binding is in good working order and is in the correct position relative to the level.
The procedure here is performed in reverse order, observing all the design features of the window design. If sealing rubber bands are provided, they are secured first. Next, the glass sheet is inserted. If a sealant was applied over it, then the perimeter of the bag is also sealed.
Finally, the glass unit is pressed with glazing beads. Here, in order not to damage them and the new glass, you should use a rubber mallet or a wooden hammer and a die. Lightly tap the strips back into the groove.
Installing a bead using a plastic hammer Source stroypomochnik.ru
Trying to remove the fittings
- The first step is to remove the window handle. It needs to be pulled straight out of the lock.
- At the end of the frame there is a metal strip, which also needs to be released from its place. In this case, self-tapping screws are used for fastening.
- In order not to unscrew the fittings themselves, you need to understand where and what screws are located. They are easy to distinguish by their heads. Different manufacturers have different numbers of parts.
- If everything was unscrewed correctly, the frame begins to move freely in the groove.
The design of the fittings consists of many parts. Among them there are tractions. You just need to disconnect them, no need to try to do anything by force. On the other hand, actions are carried out in the same sequence as in the first.
Video description
In this video, a specialist in the field of installation of plastic windows explains the reasons for the appearance of cracks on a double-glazed window during the installation of clamping beads:
The sash should be hung after checking the frame sash for cleanliness. Additionally, you can carry out a preventive inspection of the fittings for contamination, the presence of lubricant and overall working order. Next, the door is installed in the reverse order: hung on the hinges, the pins and decorative trims are returned to their places.
Glass installation
Before you return the glass to its place or install a new one, you need to make sure that the frame is clean and there is no dust or construction debris on the folds. The installation process is slightly different than removal. First you need to hammer in the horizontal and short glazing beads, only then the vertical and lateral ones.
To do this, the shank is inserted into a special groove in the frame. Using a rubber hammer, the bead is driven into the grooves. Then you can insert the glass - first fix the bottom, then the top, and only then on the sides.
For reference!
It is better to entrust the installation of glass in place to specialists. The process does not require serious knowledge, but it will not be possible to reseal the structure with improvised means.
Recommendations from experts
In order to remove glass from a plastic window, you must use only gloves with a rubberized coating. There are samples that are called glazier gloves. This will prevent injuries from sharp edges and slipping of the polished blade.
If you have to carry out the task of replacing a double-glazed window because it has broken, then experts recommend carefully knocking it out of the frame. This will make it safer to remove the damaged glass unit. The main thing here is to avoid damaging the glazing beads so that you don’t have to order them.
Specialized sealants for windows are used (butyl around the perimeter and polysulfide inside). It will not be possible to achieve the required level of sealing with analogues from hardware stores. That is, it would be correct to contact directly the manufacturer, supplier or installers of specific products.
Sealing a double-glazed window and gluing it into the frame with a special compound Source stekloplast72.ru
If only one panel is damaged, and not the entire package, the procedure for removing the glass from the double-glazed window is performed independently. This is justified by the fact that manufacturers and their representatives do not provide such a service. The process begins in a similar way to replacing translucent products. Unpacking is carried out by cutting and removing the fastening sealing composition. The glass unit is assembled in the reverse order using the same sealants.
Required set of tools
You will need the following tools:
- Gloves;
- Special suction cups;
- Set with screwdrivers;
- Thin spatula or thin knife.
Always remember safety precautions. It’s like the joke: “A milling machine operator with three fingers has two very funny incidents in his life...”. Therefore, before starting work, you need to take care of protecting your hands.
To do this, you need to wear thick gloves that will protect your hands from possible cuts. Window disassembly begins with removing the sash. The sequence of actions is as follows:
- The sash opens in a rotary rather than tilted state.
- The rod is removed. This must be done carefully, trying to prevent additional damage.
- It is necessary to monitor the retention of the glass unit. It is heavy, and the strength of one person may not be enough.
- The sash should be placed so that it is more convenient to work with it.
- The main advice is to avoid distortions so that problems do not arise later.
Video description
In this video, a vinyl window user explains how he repaired a double glazing unit with one cracked pane:
It is important to follow clear instructions to avoid making common mistakes. These include incorrect measurements, the use of unsuitable sealing materials, and careless handling of glazing beads during their removal and reinstallation. Also, the results will not justify themselves if the installation of the double-glazed window is carried out before the applied sealant has completely dried.
Dismantling of fittings
For greater safety, unscrew the protruding parts using a screwdriver or a Phillips screwdriver: handles of the window locking mechanism, blind handles, grooves for mesh, etc. Also take out the connecting rods of the handles, if any, and collect all the disassembled parts in a box or bag so as not to lose them. If desired, make “what - from what” labels.
OK it's all over Now. After removing the debris, dismantling the plastic window can be considered complete. Good luck with your renovation.
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Briefly about the main thing
The reasons for replacing a double-glazed window come down to negligence during the production and installation of windows, violations of its operation, unforeseen circumstances (shock or thermal load).
Before carrying out installation work, it is necessary to take clear dimensions of the glass unit (it is easier to find them in the accompanying documentation for specific windows).
The dismantling of double-glazed windows is carried out on site if the structure consists of blind/fixed sashes. Doors must first be removed from their hinges.
The beads are pulled out of the grooves starting from the middle of the vertical frames (long ones), the latter is removed from the top to make it easier to prevent the glass unit from falling.
Serviceable glazing beads and sealing tapes should be marked at their location so as not to be confused and returned to their original places.
It is acceptable to replace individual glass in a double-glazed unit with your own hands, but sealants should be ordered from the supplier or his representative to obtain the required level of sealing.
Installation of double-glazed windows is carried out strictly in the reverse order, which was observed during its dismantling.
Ratings 0
How does a metal-plastic window work?
A high-quality replacement of glass on a double-glazed window cannot be carried out independently without studying the structure of this structure. A double-glazed window is a sealed structure that can consist of a different number of glasses.
Between the glasses, at their base, there is an aluminum frame with a perforated structure. This frame contains silica gel in the form of granules. Its presence is necessary to absorb the gel and prevent the formation of condensation inside the structure. To maintain tightness, the structure is treated with sealant.
