How to Replace a Sealed Double Glazed Unit

You can replace a sealed double glazed unit with the necessary equipment, safeguards, and methods if you're handy. Australian climates range from hot and dry deserts to chilly and rainy coastal places, making double glazed units a great investment for energy efficiency and comfort. Replace if you see condensation between the panes, a break, or seal failure. Step-by-step instructions are here.

Tools and Materials Needed

• New double glazed unit (made to the exact measurements of the existing one)
• Putty knife or glazing shovel
• Glazing beads or strips (if applicable)
• Glazing tape or sealant
• Screwdriver (if windows are fixed with screws)
• Measuring tape
• Gloves and safety goggles

Step 1: Measure Precisely

When replacing a sealed double glazed unit, precise dimensions are essential. This is the cornerstone of your project, and in Australia's wide and varied landscapes, where summers may be hot and winters freezing, a well-fitted double glazed unit is essential to house comfort.

It may seem simple, but measuring takes precision. Precision is key since a millimetre may make or break a fit. Start by measuring the width and the height of the existing glass unit. Measuring from several points is a good idea, especially in older homes where frames may have settled unevenly over time. Taking measurements from the top, middle, and bottom for the width, as well as from the left, middle, and right for the height, and then using the smallest measurements ensures that the new unit will fit.

Thickness is another critical dimension that often gets overlooked. Double glazed units come in various thicknesses, and using the wrong size can impact the performance of your window. To measure the thickness accurately, open the window frame or remove a bead slightly. If that's impossible, consulting with a professional or the manufacturer's guide can provide you with the necessary information.

Once you've got your measurements, jot them down clearly. When ordering your new double glazed unit, relay these dimensions precisely to your supplier. It's worth mentioning that you're ordering for an Australian home, as suppliers might have insights or recommendations specific to Australian standards for insulation and safety. Remember, getting a custom-made double glazed unit means there's little room for error. These units are typically non-refundable; mistakes can lead to unnecessary expenses and delays.

Step 2: Remove the Old Unit

The process of removing an old sealed double glazed unit marks the real beginning of your hands-on work in this project, and it's a step that requires both caution and patience. In Australia's diverse homes, from the modern urban apartments to the classic bushland houses, windows come in all shapes and sizes, but the principles of careful removal remain the same.

First and foremost, arm yourself with safety gear. Gloves and safety goggles are not just accessories but essential tools to protect you from unexpected shards or accidental slips. With your safety ensured, you can approach the task with confidence.

The removal starts with inspecting your window frame to understand how the unit is placed. In many cases, you'll find glazing beads—those slim strips of material that secure the glass in the frame snugly. These beads can be quite frank, but they are critical in holding everything together. Using a putty knife or a glazing shovel, gently work around the frame, prying off these beads. This is a delicate dance of applying enough force to remove the beads without damaging them, as they will be needed later when you install the new unit.

If your window is secured with screws, you'll find this step straightforward yet requiring a keen eye. Unscrew them carefully, ensuring you keep all the hardware safe for reinstallation. This is also a good time to appreciate the mechanics of your window—a small study that can be quite fascinating.

With the securing elements removed, the moment to remove the old double glazed unit arrives. This step might evoke a bit of apprehension, as the glass can be heavy and awkward to handle. Position yourself firmly and have an extra pair of hands ready to help. The key here is lifting the unit out steadily and smoothly to avoid strain or breakage. Remember, the aim is to remove the old unit intact, not only for safety but also to keep the area clean and manageable.

As you lift the glass away, you might feel a sense of accomplishment and a newfound respect for the elements that make up your home. This dismantled unit, awaiting disposal or recycling, shows how our living spaces change. It's time to see your job as an investment in your home's comfort and efficiency, not merely a duty.

Removing an old, sealed double glazed unit may seem overwhelming, but it becomes doable and enjoyable with the appropriate technique and procedures. Remember that this is just one step in improving your house, a task many Australians perform.

Step 3: Clean and Prepare the Frame

After gently removing the original double glass unit, you're left with a worn frame. After demolition, the project is prepared for improvement. The frame requires your care, whether it whispers the history of a century-old Australian federation home or speaks of a modern urban residence.

Cleaning and prepping the frame takes time and care. Clean the glass edges of dirt, old sealant, and glazing tape. In addition to cleaning, this is a rejuvenation. Scraping away the old and worn gives the frame a fresh start as you prepare it for new glass.

Cleaning may reveal wear and deterioration. Due to moisture or sun exposure, timber frames can decay or distort in Australia's severe environment. Assess any damage. Small repairs can be made using wood filler or sanding. However, major damage may require professional repair. Window integrity depends on both the glass and the frame.

After cleaning and repairing the frame, focus on securing the new double glazed unit. This may require fresh glazing tape or sealant preparation. Making a clean, weatherproof substrate for the new glass is the goal.

Cleaning and mending may appear simple, but this step is crucial. It's about integrating the old and new to make your new double glazed unit installation as efficient as possible. Work makes you feel connected to the environment you're improving. Each scrape, clean, and repair make your house more energy-efficient, cosy, and secure.

Cleaning and prepping the frame may appear little in your project, but it's crucial. It underpins the success of your new double glazed unit. As you clean, repair, and prepare a window, realise that you're improving a little but important component of your home's character and comfort.

Step 4: Install the New Unit

The installation of the new double glazed unit is a moment filled with anticipation. The transition begins after measuring, removing the old glass, and prepping the frame. Instead of merely inserting glass into an opening, this step improves your home's comfort, energy efficiency, and aesthetics. From Tasmania's bracing winds to Queensland's sun-drenched shores, this new installation will provide warmth in winter and cool in summer, a quiet protector against the elements.

With the frame clean and ready, the new double glazed unit—crafted to your exact measurements—awaits its place. Before you begin, take a moment to inspect the unit and the frame once more. This is your final check to ensure everything aligns perfectly, a pause that underscores the importance of the task ahead.

Lifting the new unit requires care and precision. Though robust in its sealed construction, the glass demands respect for its weight and potential fragility. As you guide it into the frame, the world outside seems to pause, the moment focusing down to the gentle slide of glass meeting wood, aluminium, or PVC. Here, the measure of your preparation is tested, as the unit should fit snugly into its new home, a testament to the accuracy of your earlier work.

If your window design incorporates glazing tape, this is the time to apply it around the frame's edge, creating a cushioned bed for the glass to rest against. The tape secures the glass and provides an additional layer of insulation, a barrier against the thermal transfer that double glazing is designed to mitigate. For those using sealant, a steady hand applies a bead around the perimeter where the glass will sit, ready to form a weatherproof seal to protect and insulate your home.

As the unit settles into place, the satisfaction of a job well done begins to emerge. This isn't just a piece of glass; it's a pane chosen carefully, measured with precision, and installed with attention to detail. It reflects your commitment to your home's well-being, a physical manifestation of care and effort.

Securing the unit follows, whether by replacing the glazing beads you carefully removed earlier or by fastening them with screws designed not to intrude on the glass but to hold it firmly against the frame. This is a delicate balance, tightening enough to secure but gentle enough not to stress the glass. The beads or screws are not merely functional; they are the final touches on a job that demands as much art as it does skill.

Step 5: Secure the Unit

As the new double glazed unit sits snugly within its frame, securing it in place is both a critical and rewarding step in the journey of your window renovation. This phase is where precision meets permanence, ensuring the glass is positioned correctly and held firmly to withstand the test of time and the elements. In Australia's vast and varied landscapes, where a home might face battering winds one day and scorching sun the next, the importance of this step cannot be understated.

Securing the unit is a process that calls for a delicate balance. If your window uses glazing beads, these slender strips you carefully removed return to play their pivotal role. They're not just pieces of material; they're the guardians of the glass, holding it against the frame. As you replace each bead, there's a sense of completion with every click or tap back into position. It's a meticulous task, requiring a gentle hand to ensure that each piece fits without damaging the new unit or the frame. The beads are the final puzzle pieces in the window's structure, locking everything together.

For those windows secured with screws, this step is equally about precision. Each screw must find its way back into its original place, turned just enough to hold the unit firmly without applying undue pressure. Too tight, and you risk damaging the glass or warping the frame; too loose, and the seal might not hold against weather and time. It's a task that might seem straightforward but is laden with the responsibility of ensuring the window's integrity.

This moment of securing the unit is imbued with a sense of permanence. You're not just fastening glass into a frame; you're ensuring that the window is equipped to offer the insulation, security, and comfort expected of it. It's about creating a seal that stands firm against the chill of a Melbourne winter night or the relentless heat of a Perth summer afternoon.

As each bead is replaced or every screw is tightened, there's a growing recognition of the transformation that's taken place. The window, once a source of drafts or condensation, is now a bastion of energy efficiency and comfort. This isn't just a task completed; it contributes to the home's overall well-being, enhancing its appearance and performance.

Step 6: Seal and Finish

With the new double glazed unit snugly in place within the frame, you're on the verge of wrapping up this transformative home improvement project. This step, sealing and finishing, is where your labour's meticulous efforts ensure your installation's longevity and effectiveness. It's about more than just applying a seal; it's a final act of safeguarding your home against the elements, an assurance of warmth in winter and coolness in summer that residents across Australia so deeply appreciate.

Start with a high-quality silicone sealant that can withstand Australia's unpredictable weather. The right sealant must tolerate thermal expansion and contraction without breaking or brittleness.

Sealant application is ritualistic and requires your whole focus and steady hand. Cut the tip of the sealant tube at an angle, a small adjustment that allows for precision when laying down the bead of silicone. Starting at one corner, press the tube's nozzle against the frame and gently squeeze, guiding it along the edge where the glass meets the frame. The sealant oozes out in a smooth, continuous line, a barrier against moisture and drafts.

The art of sealing is in the consistency of the line you draw with the sealant, a steady motion that wraps around the entire unit, leaving no gap untouched. As you complete the circuit, there's a moment of satisfaction in seeing the unit fully encased in its new protective seal.

But the job is only quite finished once you've smoothed the sealant, a task that turns the practical application into a visually pleasing finish. Dipping your finger in soapy water, you glide it over the wet sealant, pressing it into the joint and smoothing any unevenness. This ensures a better seal and leaves a clean, professional appearance. The sealant's transformation from a mere functional necessity to an integral part of the window's aesthetic is a testament to the care taken in every step of this project.

As the sealant dries, forming a translucent barrier that's hard to the touch yet flexible in its core, you step back to admire your work. The new double glazed unit is securely in place and beautifully finished, its edges sealed against the world outside. This final act of sealing and finishing is more than just a closure to the physical task; it's a seal of approval on your efforts, a job well done that promises comfort and efficiency for your home.

Step 7: Check Your Work

After carefully installing and sealing your new double glazed unit, a crucial step remains: checking your work. This isn't just a formality; it's a duty to ensure that your efforts have improved your home's comfort and energy efficiency. In Australia's many weathers, from humid summers to frigid winters, properly installing your window provides a comfortable indoor atmosphere for you and your family.

You'll inspect as the sealant dries and sets, forming an impenetrable barrier. This isn't just about checking your work; it's about experiencing the satisfaction of a job well done and the vigilance of a homeowner keeping their property safe from the elements. You'll start by visually evaluating the sealant surrounding the unit for gaps or unevenness that might indicate a break in your hard-earned barrier.

Next, ensure the unit is flush and even in the frame without tilting or misalignment that might affect its efficiency or your home's appearance. Seeing the glass fit perfectly validates your careful measuring and preparation.

Then comes the tactile test, running your hands gently around the edges, feeling for any drafts that might whisper through unseen gaps. It's a thoroughness that speaks to your commitment to the physical installation and the comfort and security it provides.

The ultimate test, however, comes from within. On a windy day, stand by the window and sense for any temperature or air movement change that might suggest a flaw in the installation. It's a test that speaks not just to the integrity of the window but to the sanctuary you've maintained against the elements.

This checking phase is imbued with quiet satisfaction, a moment of reflection on your work. It's not just about ensuring the window is installed correctly; it's about confirming your home's readiness to face whatever the Australian weather throws at it, with you as its steadfast guardian.

As you conclude this final step, you're not just finishing a project but reaffirming your home as a place of comfort, efficiency, and safety. The new double glazed unit is a testament to your dedication, a clear view not just out into the world but into the care and attention you've invested in your home.

Conclusion

As we complete the laborious process of replacing a sealed double glass unit, it's evident that this is no ordinary home repair project. It's about improving your home's comfort, energy efficiency, and appearance. A well-insulated and safe house is crucial in Australia's different environments, from Sydney's busy streets to Perth's tranquil coastlines. The environment in this wonderful nation makes replacing a sealed double glazed unit reasonable and necessary.

Careful measuring, exact removal, rigorous cleaning and preparation, installation and fastening of the new unit need time, attention to detail, and respect for the art. From cleaning the frame before adding the new glass to checking for breezes and leaks, each step requires time and accuracy.

Beyond the technical issues, this process has been about building a house that is a refuge from the outdoors, where your freshly installed double glazed unit silently balances warmth and cool. Reducing energy use and contributing to a greener, more sustainable Australia gives you peace of mind.

The delight of finishing this endeavour goes beyond a new window. Understanding that you've actively maintained and improved your house pays off in comfort, efficiency, and value. Replacing a sealed double glazed unit shows your commitment to your home's health, whether you're a DIYer or a first-time homeowner.

Content Summary

• To replace a sealed double glazed unit in Australia, follow these steps.
• Measure the existing unit's width and height accurately. Use the smallest measurements to ensure the new unit fits.
• Measure the thickness of the existing glass unit. Consult a professional or manufacturer's guide if necessary.
• Relay these dimensions to your supplier when ordering the new unit. Custom-made units are non-refundable so mistakes can lead to unnecessary expenses and delays.
• Remove the old unit. This step requires caution and patience. Wear safety gear like gloves and goggles to protect yourself from unexpected shards or accidental slips.
• Inspect the window frame for glazing beads or strips, which secure the glass in the frame. Use a putty knife or shovel to gently work around the frame, prying them off without damaging them.
• If the window is secured with screws, unscrew them carefully, ensuring all hardware is safe for reinstallation.
• Lift the old unit steadily and smoothly to avoid strain or breakage. Remember to lift the unit intact to maintain safety and cleanliness.
• Removing an old, sealed double glazed unit may seem overwhelming, but it is crucial to improving your home's comfort and efficiency.
• After removing the old double glazed unit, the frame requires careful cleaning and preparation. 
• This involves cleaning the glass edges of dirt, old sealant, and glazing tape to rejuvenate the frame for new glass. 
• Assess any damage and make small repairs using wood filler or sanding, while major damage may require professional repair.
• The new double glazed unit improves your home's comfort, energy efficiency, and aesthetics. 
• The new unit, crafted to your exact measurements, awaits its place and requires care and precision. 
• If your window design incorporates glazing tape, apply it around the frame's edge to create a cushioned bed for the glass to rest against. 
• For those using sealant, apply a bead around the perimeter to form a weatherproof seal.
• Securing the unit is a delicate balance between tightening enough to secure but gentle enough not to stress the glass. 
• If your window uses glazing beads, replace them with a gentle hand to ensure they fit without damaging the new unit or the frame. 
• For those secured with screws, find their way back into their original place, turning just enough to hold the unit firmly without applying undue pressure.
• Securing the unit is imbued with a sense of permanence, as it ensures that the window is equipped to offer insulation, security, and comfort. 
• As each bead is replaced or screw is tightened, there's a growing recognition of the transformation that's taken place, making the window a bastion of energy efficiency and comfort.
• After installing a new double glazed unit, sealing and finishing the final step. 
• This involves applying a high-quality silicone sealant to withstand Australia's unpredictable weather. 
• The sealant must be consistent and leave no gaps untouched. 
• The job is completed by smoothing the sealant, which turns the practical application into a visually pleasing finish.
• After installing and sealing the unit, checking your work to ensure it improves your home's comfort and energy efficiency is crucial. 
• Visually evaluate the sealant for gaps or unevenness, ensure the unit is flush and even in the frame without tilting or misalignment, and feel for drafts that might whisper through unseen gaps.
• Tactilely test the window on a windy day to sense any temperature or air movement change that might suggest a flaw in the installation. 
• This test speaks not just to the integrity of the window but also to the sanctuary you've maintained against the elements.
• In conclusion, replacing a sealed double glazed unit is a transformative home improvement project that improves comfort, energy efficiency, and appearance. 
• A well-insulated and safe house is crucial in Australia's different environments, making it reasonable and necessary. 
• Careful measuring, exact removal, rigorous cleaning and preparation, installation, and fastening of the new unit require time, attention to detail, and respect for the art.
• Beyond technical issues, this process builds a house that is a refuge from the outdoors, where the freshly installed double glazed unit silently balances warmth and cool, contributing to a greener, more sustainable Australia. 
• The delight of finishing this endeavour goes beyond a new window; it shows your commitment to your home's health, whether you're a DIYer or a first-time homeowner.