Measuring for replacement double glazing units

[Magicalwonders]

Some of my upvc double glazing panels need replacing, and I'm thinking of doing this myself rather than replacing the entire windows.

I'm not really sure how to determine the sizes I need though. I'm guessing that I need to remove the beading to access the various panels I need to replace. I can see that this will allow me to measure the height and width of units, but will I be able to determine the other specifications, such as thickness of glass and width of spacer bar?

Also, I'm not really sure of the practical differences between the gas filled, and basic glass? My current windows are about 40 years old, so I have no way of knowing if they are gas filled, but I suspect they are not.

I would be grateful for any advice given.

 

[HERTS P&D]

If your windows are 40 years old, then you are due a new set.

Touching the beads and removing the glass might be a big mistake.

Andy

 

[Magicalwonders]

Can you elaborate on why changing the glass would be a mistake? The window is structurally sound, so not sure why replacing a couple of components would be a problem?

 

[HERTS P&D]

The beads and glass would be fragile and not up to current regulations, so touching them or taking them out could result in the glass breaking with you being cut.

Call in a pro.

Andy

 

[Magicalwonders]

Now there's interesting advice on a DIY forum. Don't DIY! Lol.

I take your point though. One of the windows is very small, 49cm x 49cm, so I might test the fragility on that and see how it goes. A pro is going to have the exact same problem as me, so if it breaks, it breaks.

To get back to my original question though - I (or someone) would need to remove the beading and panel to determine the specs on glass thickness and spacer?

 

[HERTS P&D]

If you call a pro, they will have insurance.

Andy

 

[geraldthehamster]

Modern DG units are a lot deeper than they were 40 years ago, so you might find new units don't fit.

This could be an ideal opportunity to replace your plastic windows with some proper timber or composite windows.

Cheer
Richard

 

[ronniecabers]

Silly question wood or pvc?

Both are more than capable of having sealed units changed...yes in wooden frames the glass is more than likely to break when removing, but you don't ' not ' write on paper because you ' might ' get a paper cut!

We replace sealed units all the time , and not all beading is rotted either ( or breaks ) so I fear a bit of doom mongering there, obvioulsy if you can get the units out in one piece you can measure the glass and spacer bar. We do use device that we use to measure the sealed unit with but after doing it for 15 years I can pretty much tell by site the spacer bar thickness these days.

 

[Magicalwonders]

Modern DG units are a lot deeper than they were 40 years ago, so you might find new units don't fit.

This could be an ideal opportunity to replace your plastic windows with some proper timber or composite windows.

Cheer
Richard

Yes, I'd make sure any replacements could be made to the same specs before purchasing.

I do enjoy the maintenance free life of Upvc. I'd rather spend around £50/£80 for a couple of replacement panels than replace the whole thing for £2000 or more if I can get away with it.

 

[ronniecabers]

you should be able to get any thickeness sealed unit fro 14mm all the way up to 28mm , in 2mm increments , which should cover you pretty much!

 

[Magicalwonders]

Silly question wood or pvc?

Both are more than capable of having sealed units changed...yes in wooden frames the glass is more than likely to break when removing, but you don't ' not ' write on paper because you ' might ' get a paper cut!

We replace sealed units all the time , and not all beading is rotted either ( or breaks ) so I fear a bit of doom mongering there, obvioulsy if you can get the units out in one piece you can measure the glass and spacer bar. We do use device that we use to measure the sealed unit with but after doing it for 15 years I can pretty much tell by site the spacer bar thickness these days.

Cheers Ronnie,

I have upvc frames and windows. I was thinking the same thing about some of the feedback. I try not to shy away from trying things because something "may" go wrong. The whole idea of DIY is to bring the cost down. If it goes pear shaped, I can always turn it over to someone else and I shouldn't be any worse off.

 

[geraldthehamster]

The whole idea of DIY is to bring the cost down. If it goes pear shaped, I can always turn it over to someone else and I shouldn't be any worse off.

Depends how much damage you've done

Cheers
Richard (DIYer)

 

[Magicalwonders]

The whole idea of DIY is to bring the cost down. If it goes pear shaped, I can always turn it over to someone else and I shouldn't be any worse off.

Depends how much damage you've done

Cheers
Richard (DIYer)

How bad can it get though, other than needing complete window replacement? I can't see what I've got to lose by at least giving it a go.

 

[geraldthehamster]

How bad can it get though, other than needing complete window replacement? I can't see what I've got to lose by at least giving it a go.

No, you go for it. There are an awful lot of poorly fitted windows out there, and they weren't fitted by DIYers. At least most of them weren't.

Cheers
Richard