Double Glazing problem...........

Rex_Mundi

With nearly 25 years in the glass trade. I would never suggest getting units resealed either, unless in very rare circumstances. I would only suggest this in cases where there is a special glass used, or maybe a lead design (something expensive).

Apart from the reasons set out by Quincy (if the glass breaks, this is always at your own risk, and you would have to pay for new glass anyway). There is also a big risk of water marks on the glass. When water sits on glass, it etches into it. This can be one of the most difficult, if not impossible things to get rid of. The glass won't look as clean as new glass. I have binned tonnes of glass because of water marks over the years.

As for cost. We've always charged more to split/clean/reseal old units. This is because of the work involved. The spacer bar/sealant/desicant will have to be replaced anyway. In the time it takes to split and clean up two peices of old glass, I could cut enough new glass for 20 or 30 new units (40 to 60 pieces of glass). In my experience, it's always been cheaper to provide new units. This is why I would only suggest cleaning up old units in very rare cases. Certainly not for normal units.

weekendwarrior

Quincy wrote:

Well being a Glazier of some years I shall explain. :beer:

The cost is quite high because of removing the sealant inbetween its like tar and is a nightmare to get off, also the old units can break very easily whilst seperating unless they are toughened as units are usually made of 4mm float glass, and if they break one they will have to make a new one anyway so they have to cover the cost of breakages before starting and thats why its always dearer.

Now why didn't you put that in the first place, then everything would of been clear :beer:

squibbs25

Sorry again, do i have to buy from double glazing company or just a standard glass company?

Rex_Mundi

squibbs25 wrote:

Sorry again, do i have to buy from double glazing company or just a standard glass company?

Any glaziers should be able to help you out here.

Quincy_3

weekendwarrior wrote:

Now why didn't you put that in the first place, then everything would of been clear :beer:

Because some days im too stupid for my own good :doh:

:beer:

gromituk

All 16 units in the end of my conservatory are dead now, as I'd expect them to be, seeing as they were installed in hardwood frames with bath sealant *sigh*. They're all toughened and a couple are very odd shapes, going right down to a point (which I know caused the original glass company grief). I was thinking of getting them split and replacing as single glazed, but it sounds like with water marking they'll be useless so I just have to get new ones, and try to get the frames routed out so they can be installed using dry glazing. Somewhat of a nightmare.

spinybif_2

One thing to beware of when replacing double glazed units. New installations have to use energy efficient glass - either "Low e" or K glass. K glass has a slight residual tint which is noticeable against clear units. Your old units will probably have been made using normal float glass. Make sure when you order the replacement units that you order like for like or the window will look odd.