How to remove glass from a plastic window, how to remove a double-glazed window from the frame?

A double-glazed window is one of the most important and vulnerable components of a plastic window.
During the operation of the structure, situations may arise when it is necessary to remove the glass unit.

If you do it yourself, you will need a clear understanding of each step of the process.

How to remove a double glazed window

Most of us installed plastic windows with one opening sash, because of this it turned out that 1-2 double-glazed windows in the window are blind. Sooner or later, it becomes necessary to remove a double-glazed window: to wash it well from the outside, to repair or paint slopes, to mount an external device (an air conditioner or a satellite dish) on the wall, etc. In this article we want to tell you how to properly remove a double-glazed window from a plastic window and how to install it back there.

In order to remove the double-glazed window from the frame of a plastic window and insert it back, you will need:

Spatula or chisel;
Masking tape or durable thin cloth;
Gloves;
Level;
Rubber hammer.

Removing double glazed windows

Before removing the double-glazed window, remove the blinds from the window, remove everything from the window sill, and prepare a place where you will place the removed double-glazed window. Also, with a pencil, make marks on the glazing beads, where and which one is located. To remove a double-glazed window from a plastic window, you need to remove the glazing beads; you can pry them off with a spatula or chisel. In order not to damage either the profile or the glazing bead itself with the tool, their metal part can be wrapped with masking tape or cloth.

We insert a spatula or chisel in the middle, between the bead and the profile, and try to push the bead out. In this case, it is necessary to apply a small, but not strong force. When the central part of the glazing bead comes out of the profile, we move on to the others.

After the glazing beads are dismantled, we push the glass unit from above towards us from the outside and pull it out of the profile. The corners of the glass unit are very sharp, so its dismantling must be done only with work gloves. To remove the glass unit from the profile you will need an assistant.

After dismantling the double-glazed window, you will need to put it back; this is very simple to do. To begin with, we thoroughly clean the profile, then place special plastic pads that will raise the glass unit to the required height so that it is placed in the center of the opening. A level is used to check and adjust the height of the pads. After this, a double-glazed window is placed on these linings and pressed against the outer part of the profile. Check that the glass unit is centered and evenly covers the opening. Then we insert the beads with their edges and use a hammer to carefully hammer them in.

Below we suggest watching a video that describes the process of removing a double-glazed window in a slightly different way. In the video, the beads are pulled out one by one, and not as in our method: the central parts of the beads are pulled out, and only after that the whole thing.

For what reasons do windows deteriorate?

Before replacing a double-glazed window, you need to figure out why the glass on a plastic window might crack. Poor quality work by the manufacturer, lack of quality control on the line and careless attitude to work are the most common reasons for glass breaking in a plastic window. In order to avoid becoming a victim of irresponsibility, it is better to order work from trusted places or collect recommendations and reviews from those who have previously used the services of the company you are interested in.

Broken glass of a plastic window

In addition, mistakes made during installation can also lead to damage to the windows. Errors and non-compliance with technology lead to a redistribution and increase in voltage in the system, as a result of which the frames begin to leak and the glass cracks. All this will affect over time and will manifest itself during operation.

Another trigger for premature failure of windows and double-glazed windows is careless storage and transportation, which leads to the appearance of microcracks. Over time, such mechanical damage will go from micro to visible to the human eye and will require replacement of the damaged glass.

How to remove damaged glass

Before removing the glass from the frame, you need to remove the glazing beads.

For dismantling we will need:

plastic hammer, mallet;
silicone knife;
chisel;
putty knife.

In order to remove the beads, you need to insert the corner of a chisel or spatula into the gap to fix and widen the gap. When the glazing bead begins to move, remove it from the groove. By removing each glazing bead one by one, you can mark them with a pencil, making appropriate notes on the window itself. Similarly, we remove and mark the glass gaskets. Spacers regulate and distribute the rigidity of the structure. Incorrectly installed or missing gaskets can cause repeated damage to the glass.

To help inexperienced installers who do not have practical knowledge of how to remove glass from a plastic window, videos with detailed explanations and our instructions will come in handy.

“The order in which the glazing beads are removed is no less important: left, right, bottom, top. This order will prevent the glass from falling out of the frame.”

There is another, more radical way to remove glass from a plastic window. Here we will not use a chisel or a spatula, but will simply use an ax. The wide and thin edge of such a tool will allow you to evenly distribute the load along the edge of the glass unit and remove the beads, minimizing the risk of breaking the structure before dismantling.

Removing glass from frame

It is best to remove the window if there is an assistant who will support the glass unit so that it does not fall and break. If there is a person who can assist us, then the sequence of removing glazing beads can be disrupted.

After removing the damaged or broken window, all that remains is to remove the old sealing tape and think about where to hand over the glass from the windows; usually they are disposed of at glass collection points.

So, we got the glass, now we just have to figure out how to insert the glass into the window.

Removing double glazed windows

Dismantling of the main element of a plastic window is carried out in a certain sequence. When performing work, you must be careful not to damage structural elements, and especially the double-glazed window.

So, dismantling a double-glazed window looks like this:

Removing glazing beads. To do this, it is pryed off with a spatula. To ensure that there are no problems when installing the package back, markings are applied on the glazing beads with a pencil, which indicate the place of their installation.

The work is carried out very carefully, which will prevent damage to structural elements. If necessary, the glazing beads and the frame near them are sealed with masking tape.

Once the glazing beads are removed, you can begin to remove the glass unit itself.
To do this, apply a small force to the glass from the outside. When part of the glass unit comes out of the frame, it must be carefully removed and placed in a prepared place.

Thus, the glass unit from the plastic window is dismantled. The work is carried out wearing protective gloves, which will prevent injury from the sharp corners of the product.

Several ways to solve the problem

There are two of them:

The first is to call a professional who will do all the necessary work. This option has one downside - they won’t do anything for you for free.

The second will help you save money and at the same time test your strength. Try to dismantle the double-glazed window and remove it from the plastic window yourself - we will explain how this is done further in step-by-step instructions.

On various forums dedicated to repairing profiles, the following advice is found: it is better to carry out such work in summer rather than in winter. Why? The fact is that in the warm season the ductility of the material from which the frame is made increases, and in the cold season – vice versa. So if you do not want to damage the surfaces, it is better to postpone work until the temperature outside the windows rises. Or take a risk and bet on accuracy.

Replacing one glass in a plastic window

Often, dismantling a double-glazed window is associated with its damage. In this case, you can replace only the damaged glass, and not the entire structure.

This will greatly simplify and speed up the repair of the plastic horse. This also makes it possible to save the family budget from large expenses.

To replace glass, you need to remove the glass unit. The dismantling process is given above. After the structure is removed, it must be taken to specialized workshops.

Replacing glass involves disassembling the structure. The work must be carried out in special conditions close to factory ones.

After the glass has been replaced, the glass unit is folded and installed in place. Installation of the double-glazed window is carried out in the reverse order.

To begin with, the structure is inserted into the frame. After this, it is fixed with glazing beads. Installation of glazing beads is carried out carefully, which helps prevent their damage.

Also see below a useful video about dismantling double-glazed windows.

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.

How to remove only one glass.

What does a glass unit consist of? Scheme.

It also happens that it is easier to change one glass than to order a new design. The reason why most often only one glass has to be replaced is the uniqueness of the latter. Special tinting, patterns, inscriptions applied to the surface - all this can influence the positive decision to change only one glass, and not the whole product.

Replacement of a double-glazed window should not take place until the entire structure is dismantled from its original location. This is due to the fact that there is silica gel between the glasses, which, without appropriate sealing, will be exposed to a humid environment, which can cause both fogging of the window itself and leakage of the silica gel.

When changing only one glass, professionals act in the following sequence:

The glass unit in need of replacement is removed.
To keep warm, cover the window opening with film.
The structure is taken away and the glass unit is dismantled in specially created conditions, as close as possible to the factory ones. Replace defective glass and clean the remaining glass. They collect, deliver and install the glass unit in its original place.

Do-it-yourself replacement of double-glazed windows in PVC windows.

We remove the glass unit from the frame using any tool.

Before you replace a double-glazed window yourself, you should decide how to remove it from the frame. This process is not particularly complicated, you just need to follow a certain algorithm of actions and stock up on a chisel and hammer:

A chisel is placed in the gap between the profile and the bead.
Applying weak blows with a hammer, the glazing beads are removed. The sequence of their extraction: first long, then short.
The structure to be replaced is carefully dismantled.

For upcoming work involving the dismantling of large windows, it is better to involve a partner, since removing the double-glazed window from the frame yourself will be very problematic in this case.

To insert a new double-glazed window, you need to use straightening plates. If for some reason it is impossible to open the window, the plates should be attached only to the lower part of the structure, otherwise, they are attached both from above and from below.

Adjustment of the installed structure is carried out by using the optimal number of straightening plates under the window. The final stage is the installation of first short and then long beads.

It happens that it is difficult to replace a double-glazed window, for example, when the window model requires a soldered seal. Under such circumstances, it will be impossible to independently return the double-glazed window to its place after removing the old one.

Recommendations

Work to replace broken glass should only be carried out with rubberized gloves. If there is a serious crack in the glass and the glass is being replaced, it is better to knock out the damaged part before dismantling, as it will inevitably crumble during operation.

When installing glass yourself, it is difficult to create a completely sealed structure. The sealants used in double glazed windows are not sold in hardware stores. Each company produces them independently for its products.

In double-glazed windows with several chambers, the sealant is placed around the perimeter between all the glasses. The sealant must be removed carefully and sequentially, removing glass after glass.

The glass dismantling process can be done independently; it is enough to follow a strict sequence of actions. In this case, the frame will remain intact, and the new window will become smooth and airtight.

Replacement work in wooden structures.

Removing and replacing glass in a wooden window.

As a rule, the area of contact between the glazing bead on the inside of the glass unit and the outside of the wooden structure is fixed with silicone. The dismantling sequence is as follows:

First, the glazing beads are removed, then the protective strip running along the perimeter of the frame is torn off.
Next, the window frame is cleaned with a soaked sponge to remove adhering dirt and remnants of the protective strip.
A new layer of silica gel is applied to the area where the glass unit is being installed from the street side with the beadings from the inside.

To ensure a high-quality replacement of double-glazed windows in a wooden euro-window, you need to prepare the following tools:

compressor;

a pneumatic gun used to supply silicone;

a pin driver that ensures the bending of the driven pins.

In the absence of any tool, starting any work is pointless. In this case, it is necessary to entrust them to the shoulders of representatives of companies working with the sales of plastic windows, so that later they do not have to start repairing them again.

The period within which professionals can efficiently replace a double-glazed window varies between 2-5 days. In case of an urgent replacement, the period can be reduced to one day, but the employer must be prepared to pay higher fees for the services of third-party craftsmen.

The first step is to understand the definition

The main part that requires dismantling is the glazing bead. This is a polyvinyl chloride strip that protects against draft, noise and precipitation. In addition, it adds completeness to the design.

Since the strips block access to the glass, and their removal requires care, many turn to specialists. But there are several reasons why it is better to do the repairs yourself:

the installers will not be able to arrive immediately and will have to wait for them;
the price of services is added to the cost of the tool and a new double-glazed window;
Do-it-yourself dismantling is not that difficult.

A bead is a small strip that is attached to the edge of the glass. His profile may vary. The most common are:

rounded;
corner;
curly.

Depending on the type of window structure, the glazing bead may have a different shape. For triplex systems, narrow strips are often used that practically do not cover the glass. They are convenient because they do not spoil the panorama and design. Thick slats are typical for single-chamber models.

Wear of the glazing bead is a common cause of window damage. They begin to let air through, which helps lower the temperature in the house.

The second popular breakdown is glass damage. It cannot be repaired and therefore requires urgent replacement. Double-glazed windows can be purchased separately and installed independently.

How to remove a double-glazed window from a plastic window: main steps

We only need two tools:

something sharp and flat - a chisel, a knife, a spatula.
rubber hammer.

In order not to forget where to install the glazing bead, mark the place where the groove is located. This simple safety net will help you when installing a finished double-glazed window - you won’t have to look for where to insert the fastener.

Then we proceed to extract the element:

First, we correctly install the tool - a spatula or chisel. Its end must be placed in the gap between the frame and the bead. Then we take a hammer in our hands and hit the handle of our tool. Before doing this, check that it is not pressed against the glass. The correct position is at a slight angle.

As soon as the part begins to shift and separate from the profile, put the chisel aside and try to pull out the fastener element, acting extremely carefully so as not to damage it.

Do the same with the remaining glazing beads in the following order - after the long ones, pull out the short ones.

To install the part in the groove, place it so that its edge hits the desired angle, and the whisker on the rod fits into the hole located on the profile. Then carefully (using the same hammer) drive the element in the same way as driving a nail into a board, acting carefully and striking with less force.

It is also necessary to remember that:

First, the long rods located vertically are removed, after which the bottom is disassembled. If you break the sequence, the frame may become deformed.

The top bead is pulled out last. In this case, you should call an assistant so that someone can support the window.

When installing a new double-glazed window, we work in the reverse order - first we insert the upper parts, then the lower and vertical ones.

Adjusting plastic doors

Adjustment of a plastic door may be required for various reasons. Most often this is necessary in case of sagging. You can make the adjustment as follows:

Remove the plugs from the hinges.
Depending on whether vertical or horizontal adjustment will be made, insert a hex key into the top or end screw. The top one is responsible for vertical adjustment, the end one for horizontal adjustment. You need to turn the key clockwise.

The hinges can be adjusted in vertical and horizontal directions

To adjust the door you need a hex key

Video: adjusting the top hinge of a plastic door

Trouble with a plastic door can happen at any time during operation, even if the installation was carried out in compliance with the technology and no violations were identified during use. Therefore, it is so important to know how to repair the most common complications yourself.

How to remove glass from a double-glazed window: step-by-step instructions

The first stage is the extraction of the structure itself. We described the procedure for this procedure a little higher. Let us remind you: you will need to remove the glazing beads and remove the product, asking for help from someone who agrees to support the double-glazed window.

Next, place the element on a hard surface. The damaged area should be carefully separated using a sharp knife, spatula or chisel.

There will be traces of the old sealant inside. To prevent them from spoiling the appearance of the structure, we clean them off with something sharp, acting extremely carefully so as not to leave scratches on the surface.

The composition is washed from the outside using acetone or white spirit.

Next, we begin preparing the new glass. You can cut it yourself, or you can purchase it - the main thing is to measure the required size accurately.

If in the previous paragraph you chose the first option, use a special tool (diamond or roller), as well as a side cutter and a hacksaw (if you are dealing with reinforced glass). Wipe the entire surface with a rag and clean it with detergent.

Next, apply sealant to the spacer frame and align the ends. This work is best done together.

Before installation, the structure must be covered with butyl tape.

Now we have figured out how to remove glass from a plastic window. Unfortunately, this is too difficult a task, and it is better to call specialists so as not to doubt the results of the work. Do not overestimate your strengths and take on the task only if you are firmly confident in a successful outcome. Savings are good when their fruits are a successful resolution of the problem, and not the occurrence of unpleasant consequences: damage to the structure, leading to a complete replacement of the profile, and injuries. Be careful and remember to ask yourself: can I do it? If the answer is no, call the professionals.

Removing old double glazing

For faster results and trouble-free dismantling of the window structure with your own hands, you should perform all actions in a certain sequence. First of all, it is necessary to free the window from the slopes, then remove the sashes. Then dismantle the window frame, ebb and flow and dismantle the window sill.

The first step is to free the window from the slopes. There will be no problems if the window has overhead plastic slopes. In this case, we simply carefully disassemble the structure using a screwdriver or screwdriver. If the slopes are plastered, you should use a chisel and a hammer.

Removing window sashes

To remove the flaps, you will need a large flathead screwdriver or chisel, pliers and a hammer. Next, you need to perform actions in the following sequence:

Place the window sash in the open position. Moreover, you should pay attention specifically to the upper part of the window; you need to remove it.
Using a hammer and a small screwdriver, you need to carefully knock the spindle (rotary shaft) out of the loop.
After this, you should pull the window sash towards you and up and, thus, you need to free it from the fastenings.

If, due to the installed slopes, it is impossible to knock out the rotary shaft from above using a screwdriver, it should be pulled out with pliers from below. To do this, you need to press on it from above so that it is more convenient to grab the edge of the spindle with pliers.

Removing the rotary shaft

In order to install the sash back into the frame, you need to put the lower hinge on one spindle, then on the second upper one and secure the structure. If the structure cannot be installed manually, you can use a hammer.

Sawing the frame

To ensure that the process of removing the panels does not cause difficulties, it is necessary to make cuts in the double-glazed window. You should make two cuts in width and three in height. To do this, you can use an ordinary hacksaw. Experts do not recommend using a grinder for this purpose, so as not to clog the workspace.

Removing the window frame

In order to dismantle the frame with your own hands, you can use a small crowbar or a hammer drill with a suitable attachment.

If the structure is secured with self-tapping screws, they should be unscrewed and parts of the frame should be removed; if this is not possible, they can be pulled out using a nail puller. The polyurethane foam should be cut at the joints of the frame; for this it is best to use a shoe knife. Then you need to remove the frame.

Dismantling the frame

Removing the window sill and ebb

Removal of the tide must be done with care so as not to damage the structure. To dismantle the ebb with your own hands, you must first unscrew all the screws and then forcefully separate it from the mounting foam. Then you can start removing the window sill.

Removing the window sill is quite simple. Since the window sill is often secured using polyurethane foam, it should be separated from the sealant by force. If the size of the window sill is large, it should be removed, moving towards the edges from the middle of the structure.

Dismantling of fittings

In order to avoid damage to the structure, all protruding parts should be removed. This category includes mesh slots, locking mechanism handles, blind handles and other parts. To do this, you can use a screwdriver or screwdriver. It is recommended to store all details in one place, having previously signed each detail. This will help in the future to make out “what’s what”, but if in the case of the handle of the locking mechanism everything is clear, then it is still better to mark the remaining parts with a marker.

Features of repair work for plastic doors

Repair work depends on the existing problem. And the first step is to determine the cause of the violation.

Plastic door is inexpensive but reliable

Necessary tool

Having installed a plastic door in an apartment, it is recommended to immediately purchase the tools that will be needed for repair work:

screwdriver with a set of attachments;

To repair a plastic door you need different screwdriver bits

A plumb line will help you adjust the door

Repairs will not be possible without a hex wrench.

A mallet will help replace a double-glazed window

Some materials will also be required:

specialized glue for working with PVC products;
adhesive sealant;
putty for restoration of PVC products;
rubber compressor;
handles, clamps, locks (depending on the breakdown);
plastic cover.

When replacing fittings, it is recommended to choose a product of the same brand that was originally installed on the door.

How to repair a handle on a plastic door

There are several reasons that can cause the handle on a plastic door to break:

wear, failure due to end of service life;
mechanical damage;
improper use.

Problems that arise for various reasons also need to be solved in different ways:

They cannot be repaired, so the handle will need to be replaced.

If the handle is cracked, it needs to be replaced

Video: replacing a door handle

Plastic door lock repair

A plastic door is considered reliable, but various troubles can happen with its lock, for example, the locking mechanism may break and the door will not close.

You need to prepare all the necessary tools and materials in advance:

new fittings identical to those that will be repaired;
plastic gaskets;
silicone or plastic sealant;
insulation for doors if the system was installed a long time ago, regardless of its condition.

You can repair a plastic door lock yourself. This must be done in the following sequence:

Remove the door handle by first turning the plate and then unscrewing the screws.

To repair the lock, you need to remove the plastic door handle.

The lock cannot always be repaired; sometimes it is easier to replace it

Video: repairing a multi-point lock

Replacing a plastic door lock with your own hands

If the damage is significant and repairs are not able to solve the problem, a complete replacement of the locking mechanism may be required. It must be performed in the following sequence:

Open the sash, then unscrew all the screws.

All screws on the end of the door must be unscrewed

To replace the lock, the handle must also be removed.

Before fixing the lock, you need to check whether it fits into the prepared groove

Keep in mind that during the first uses, the lock may work if you apply some force.

How to remove a bead from a plastic door

This procedure may be required if the glass unit needs to be replaced. This is quite easy to do. First, prepare the necessary tools and materials:

gloves, as there is a risk of damaging your hands;
screwdriver;
putty knife;
knife, the sharper the better;
suction cups, preferably rubber ones.

Rubber suction cups help prevent glass from breaking

Next you need to do the following:

Remove the sash by pulling out the retaining rod, which is located in the top hinge.
Now you need to use a knife or spatula to pick up the glazing bead itself, placing the tool between the frame and the glazing bead. Repeat a similar procedure along its entire length. This must be done as carefully as possible, since there is a high risk of scratching the glass unit.

Beads must be removed carefully

You can also insert a double-glazed window quite easily:

Remove dust and dirt from the rebated frame.
Insert a double-glazed window into the opening.
Install glazing beads. The horizontal ones are installed first, and then the vertical ones. If necessary, they can be driven in with a hammer with a rubber nozzle.
Now the glass unit needs to be wiped and checked for scratches. If they are found, then it is worth treating the surface with sandpaper.

How to remove film from a plastic door

When installing a door with your own hands, you must remove the film from it. This is easy to do, for which you need:

Using a hair dryer. To remove the film, a stream of air must be directed at the frame and ensure that it does not fall directly on the glass unit. As a result of exposure to hot air, the film dissolves and is removed almost independently. But a regular hairdryer won't help.

The best way to remove the film is to heat it with a hair dryer.

If you remove the film with a knife, there is a risk of damaging the plastic.

Any plastic solvent should be used with caution.