Profile systems are equipped with removable glazing beads, allowing partial disassembly of the window or door unit. Thanks to this, it is possible to replace the glass unit in a window at any time in case of damage or to improve the thermal characteristics of the product. Such repairs are much simpler and more economical than replacing the entire structure, which is often not particularly necessary. The possibility of replacement is provided for all types of windows from any profile systems - plastic, aluminum and wood. The process of removing the old double-glazed window and installing a new one does not take much time and does not require complete dismantling of the window unit or sash.
In what cases is it possible and advisable to replace a double-glazed window?
It is beneficial for window manufacturers that people who turn to them for help replace the entire structure. However, such a need arises when there is a serious violation of the original geometry of the frame shapes or significant damage to the profile. Most often this is observed:
- with significant subsidence of the foundation;
- due to damage to load-bearing structures on the lower floors;
- due to a hacking attempt;
- after an explosion both in the interior and from the street;
- due to natural depressurization (during long-term use, double-glazed windows gradually lose their properties).
Usually in such cases, specialists go to the site and assess the condition of the frames and profiles. If the glass breaks due to an impact, then the task is significantly simplified - in this situation, the frames most often retain the same geometry, and it is enough to replace the double-glazed window.
Replacement of double-glazed windows is carried out not only due to their mechanical damage and depressurization. In some cases, window owners are no longer satisfied with the level of heat or sound insulation of these products. In such situations, it is most practical to limit yourself to replacing double-glazed windows and improve the characteristics of window or door units at a minimum cost.
Possible difficulties and errors
To avoid difficulties when replacing a double-glazed window in a metal-plastic window yourself, you should avoid the following mistakes :
If possible, it is better to replace this part of the window in the warm season, since in winter the plastic parts become fragile.- Remove the clamping bars in the required sequence.
- It is better to replace a damaged double-glazed window completely than just one damaged glass - it will be more reliable, and the difference in cost is insignificant.
- The accuracy of glass unit measurements is important; even due to an error of a millimeter, the glass unit may not fit into the frame, therefore, it will be more reliable if the measurements are taken by a representative of the manufacturer. Only in this case, the contractor will have to redo the order at his own expense if the product does not fit in size.
Is it possible to change one glass in a double glazing unit?
Some window owners, in an effort to save money, want to limit themselves to minimal repairs. In the case of mechanical damage that is not end-to-end, they are interested in how possible it is to replace the glass in a double-glazed window? In principle, there is a working way to perform this procedure. However, when such a service is performed by hired specialists, it is more profitable to replace the entire glass unit. This is due to the fact that the technology for installing new glass is quite labor-intensive, and professionals will include the time spent in the bill. It is more practical to take advantage of the opportunity and install a new and improved model.
Important step: preparing a new double-glazed window for installation
When the old glass panel has been successfully removed and the glazing bead elements are clean, they begin to prepare new glass and clean the frame from traces of the previous panel. In particular, use a knife to remove the remains of the old sealant (also replace), and remove dirt and dust with a brush.
It is advisable to thoroughly wash the frame and glass, degrease it (with white spirit, for example) and dry the frame thoroughly.
Before installation, new glass must be washed, dried, and only then mounted in the frame.
The plastic window also needs to be thoroughly washed. How to do it:
- prepare a soap solution: add 2-3 drops of any liquid soap per liter of plain lukewarm water;
- Apply the mixture to the glass with a sponge, as if wiping;
- rinse off the soap solution with clean water;
- dry the canvas.
The glass sheet needs to be washed on both sides; the more thoroughly, the better for further use of the product.
Before replacing, the glass must be degreased and reinforced with tape around the perimeter, creating a kind of frame no more than 2 centimeters wide on each side. This will make the panel easier to transport and install.
What double-glazed windows can you choose?
There are no fundamental restrictions when choosing new models. For replacement, you can use all existing types of double-glazed windows. This will not interfere with their installation in the light opening. The only mandatory criterion is that the width of the double-glazed windows should not exceed the depth of the mounting groove in the plastic profiles. Otherwise, their installation is excluded. Currently, several models with different properties can be used for replacement.
Energy saving
These models are made using glass with a special metallized coating, which perfectly retains heat in interior spaces. They come in single- or double-chamber types and are compatible with all types of profile systems.
Sun protection
If the windows face south or southeast, it is advisable to provide protection from sunlight. The easiest way to do this is with double-glazed windows with a protective layer. He can be:
- invisible;
- mirrored
Both types of coating have virtually no effect on the light transmittance of windows and effectively protect against both overheating and exposure to UV rays. There are also solar-protective double-glazed windows with a darkening function, which are most often installed in bedrooms.
Multifunctional
The most popular and efficient double-glazed windows that work all year round. In winter, they reduce heat loss, and in summer they protect against overheating and help save on air conditioning. The double-sided efficiency of these double-glazed windows is ensured by an invisible selective coating called multifunctional.
Unbreakable
For private cottages, apartments on the first and last floors, as well as rooms where children are located, it is recommended to replace conventional double-glazed windows with unbreakable models. They are made using triplex, tempered or reinforced glass. To protect against burglary, reinforced glass is installed on the outside, and to ensure child safety - on the inside. When installing such double-glazed windows, it may be necessary to strengthen the fittings that hold the active sashes.
Colored
They are used to darken interior spaces and decorate window openings. For their production, glass colored in the mass is used. They are not recommended for use on sunny sides of buildings. Glass colored in the mass quickly absorbs thermal energy, as a result of which the windows become very hot.
Mirror
Recommended for sun protection, facade decoration and privacy. They have another name - reflex. Glass for them is made using selective technology. Mirror double-glazed windows are also colored. Unlike models made from solid-colored glass, they do not heat up in direct sunlight.
Decorative
These double-glazed windows can be manufactured using different technologies and materials. Models with decorative layouts that effectively divide light openings into separate segments are popular. Stained glass units are presented in several modifications, in the production of which both natural colored glass and polymer films are used.
We set a goal: where to start replacing
Replacing a plastic window may be necessary not only if the glass is damaged, but also if the coating does not cope with its duties: it freezes and allows moisture to pass through.
If the glass is cracked or broken, allowing moisture and cold to pass through, it urgently needs to be replaced in order to live comfortably
In general, it doesn’t matter why you needed to remove and replace the glass unit. If you need to do this, take care of a new glass sheet in advance. Pay special attention to the size. Measure the visible glass part of the plastic glass (without slopes) in length and width. To the obtained values, add 3 centimeters on each side.
These three centimeters are responsible for holding the panel in place.
Important: decide on the number of cameras in a plastic window. Plastic systems are:
- single-chamber;
- two-chamber;
- three-chamber.
The latter are considered the most noise-insulating and frost-resistant. Single-chamber ones are installed in southern regions or indoors.
Three-chamber glass is most often installed in plastic windows - they are the warmest and most durable.
If only one piece of glass breaks in a two- or three-chamber plastic window, then it is technically impossible to replace it. The fact is that there is a vacuum between the glasses, and a special desiccant powder is placed at the base. It prevents the formation of moisture between the glasses, thanks to which the unit can serve for 3-4 decades without losing its visual appeal.
Replacing glass in a plastic window yourself is a real way to save money.
Repairing a double-glazed window will cost 2-3 thousand rubles, and replacement by specialists from a company engaged in the manufacture, installation and maintenance of plastic windows will cost about 10 thousand rubles.
Important: if you installed plastic in your apartment or house less than a year ago, then it is likely that the system is under warranty. The glass should be replaced free of charge if the owner is not to blame for the damage to the property.
How to change a double glazed window
The window repair algorithm depends on the degree of damage and individual design features.
It includes points that are mandatory for all cases and specific points that are applicable in individual situations. For specialists, this work is not difficult, so some potential clients decide to carry out the replacement on their own. Despite its apparent simplicity, DIY repairs can end in failure. The reason is lack of experience. To insure yourself against loss of time and money, you should not test your abilities in a new type of activity. It is better to call a specialist and gain experience by observing his work. The sequence of actions when replacing a double-glazed window is as follows:
- Call a specialist.
- A technician inspects the window or door unit and determines the extent of damage.
- Taking dimensions (height, width, thickness);
- Ordering a new double-glazed window.
- Waiting from 1 to 6 days.
- Delivery and installation of double-glazed windows.
- Window inspection and adjustment.
Depending on the circumstances and type of repair, it may be necessary to temporarily cover the light opening with film. In some cases, the master makes a template on site so that a new double-glazed window can be made from it in the workshop. This is required when replacing double-glazed windows of complex shapes, including curved (radius) models.
Pricing
We give an example of pricing for double-glazed windows. They may include polished glass: tinted, covered with anti-vandal film - protection class A1 - A3, K4, energy-saving and sun-protective.
Table 1:
| Thickness st./pack, mm | Formula | Price up to 200m2 (rub) | Price over 200 m2 (rub) |
| 14 | 4 – 6 – 4 | 1231 | 1151 |
| 18 | 4 – 10 – 4 | 1241 | 1151 |
| 20 | 4 – 12 – 4 | 1271 | 1201 |
| 24 | 4 – 16 – 4 | 1281 | 1201 |
| 28 | 4 – 20 – 4 | 1351 | 1281 |
| 32 | 4 – 24 – 4 | 1401 | 1221 |
| 24 | 4 – 6 – 4 – 6 – 4 | 1641 | 1501 |
| 28 | 4 – 8 – 4 – 8 – 4 | 1651 | 1501 |
| 32 | 4 – 10 – 4 – 10 – 4 | 1651 | 1501 |
| 36 | 4 – 12 – 4 – 12 – 4 | 1701 | 1561 |
| 44 | 4 – 16 – 4 – 16 – 4 | 1751 | 1601 |
| 52 | 4 – 20 – 4 – 20 – 4 | 1861 | 1701 |
The width of spacer frames made of aluminum alloys is up to 24 mm. TPS frame width up to 19 mm.
Table 2:
| Variable data when ordering | Price formation |
| One glass 5mm | +140 RUR/m2 |
| One glass 6 mm | +190 RUR/m2 |
| One glass 8 mm | +350 RUR/m2 |
| When the glass unit size is less than 0.1 | +60% to the price per m2 |
| Size st./pack 0.1 – 0.5 | +15% to the price per m2 |
| Size st./pack 2.5 – 5.0 | +25% to the price per m2 |
| Size st./pack 5.0 – 6.0 | +50% to the price per m2 |
| Size st./pack over 6.0 | negotiable |
| Style/pack figured – trapezoid, triangle | +20% to the price per m2 |
| Style/pack figured – arch, circle | +40% to the price per m2 |
| Steel/pack of structural glazing | Consider Individually |
| Production of steel/pack according to a template | +50% to the price per m2 |
| Non-standard, technologically complex steel/pack | +75% to the price per m2, considered individually |
As can be seen from the data provided, single-chamber and double-chamber packages are not fundamentally different in price. When choosing, additional factors should be taken into account: weight, installation location, design option.
Replacing a double-glazed window depending on the type of window
The new model can be installed in any windows: plastic, wooden and aluminum. Removing an old double-glazed window from a light opening is a technologically accessible procedure. Its complexity depends on the material from which the profile system for assembling windows is made.
Replacement in PVC windows
This procedure is available for both window and door units assembled from plastic profiles. Double-glazed windows in such structures are held in place by glazing beads with elastic seals. They are snapped into slots and can be removed at any time. The process of removing the old double-glazed window and installing a new one in active or passive sashes consists of the following steps:
- Alternate removal of glazing beads - all clamping strips are dismantled in a certain sequence. Moreover, they are removed in pairs - first the long ones, then the short ones.
- A recess from the light opening of an old double-glazed window, which is held in place by straightening plates. These spacers give the glass unit the correct position and must be removed along with it from the active or passive sash.
- Cleaning profiles from the inside of the light opening.
- Installing a new double-glazed window in a window using new or previously removed straightening plates.
- Fixing the structure with glazing beads, which can be either old or new. This depends on the thickness of the ordered glass unit.
When replacing, it may be necessary to install new hinges with increased load capacity. This is necessary in cases where the double-glazed window is made using triplex, which increases the weight of the product. If the old hinges cannot support the weight of the new sash, installation of reinforced fittings is necessary. Most often it is required in situations where triplex is located on both sides of the double-glazed window or the light opening has a large area.
Replacement in aluminum windows
Structurally, door and window blocks assembled from aluminum systems do not differ from plastic ones.
As a result, replacement of double-glazed windows is carried out according to a similar algorithm. There is only one fundamental difference - aluminum beads and sealing contours are dismantled and installed separately. Otherwise, the replacement procedure is completely identical to installing a double-glazed window in a plastic window. When repairing continuous façade glazing, replacement is carried out on the outside of buildings. Such work is carried out using special equipment (aerial platforms) or industrial climbers. This affects the cost of replacement. During repairs, it is recommended to immediately check the condition of the tightness circuits. If they lose their elasticity and become covered with microcracks, it is advisable to replace them.
Replacement in wooden windows
Despite updating the design of the carpentry, it is most difficult to replace double-glazed windows in a wooden window.
This is explained by the peculiarities of fastening the glazing beads and sealing the perimeter of the light opening. Therefore, replacing a double-glazed window in a wooden window takes more time. The process consists of the same basic steps and is supplemented by the procedure of sealing the outside of the glass unit using transparent silicone. This type of sealant is also used when fixing a new double-glazed window with glazing beads. The speed of replacement also depends on the reliability of the paintwork. When removing glazing beads, which are most often nailed, the decorative layer can be damaged in a hurry. To maintain the aesthetic appeal of the window, you need to act carefully and without haste. During the replacement, it is also necessary to clean the inside of the light opening from the remains of old silicone. This can be time-consuming because sometimes the cured sealant doesn't peel off well from the wood surface.
What tools do you need to change it yourself?
Before you start replacing the glass unit in a plastic window, you should stock up on tools that you may need during the work process :
- tape measure for taking measurements;
- rubber mallet (mallet);
- calipers;
- flat screwdriver, spatula or spatula;
- hex wrench;
- masking tape;
- gloves.
Note. There are times when, to replace a glass block, you have to remove the window sash, then you may need a glass jack.
Replacing a single-chamber double-glazed window with a double-chamber one
Replacing single-chamber models with double-chamber ones was in demand before the advent of selective glass with an energy-saving effect.
Such modernization of windows made it possible to reduce heat leakage. After all, the most energy is lost through light openings. At the moment, single-chamber selective double-glazed windows are more effective than conventional double-chamber ones. As a result, the scope of application of massive models has narrowed. For regions with moderate winters, it is enough to equip the windows with multifunctional single-chamber double-glazed windows. Today, such a replacement is advisable in one case - when it is necessary to improve the sound insulation properties of windows. In these situations, dual-chamber models are more effective than single-chamber models. They block sound waves by at least 30% better and are recommended for equipping windows facing noisy streets and busy highways. Double-glazed windows can be made using energy-efficient glass. With this configuration, they reduce heat leakage through light openings by almost 2 times.
When replacing single-chamber double-glazed windows with double-chamber ones, it is necessary to take into account that the maximum level of noise absorption is achieved with different thicknesses of the spacer strips. The width of adjacent chambers should not be the same. The optimal ratio of the dimensions of the internal chambers is 1 to 2. The thickness of the glass on the street side should be 6 mm. It is also important to keep in mind the increased weight of dual-chamber models. As in the case of using triplex, the weight of products increases by 40%. Window and door units with large area light openings will need to be equipped with reinforced fittings.
Is it worth changing the number of cameras to more?
Why change single-chamber glazing to double-chamber? As a rule, the first option is often used by developers in new buildings to save money. It's almost designed for living spaces. Such a window freezes and does not protect against noise. Replacing the structure will immediately affect the temperature in the room, it will become warmer. If you live on a busy street, near a road or a playground, you will immediately understand: it has become quieter. In a word, life will become more comfortable, so the answer is clear: if it is possible to increase the number of cameras, it is worth doing.
Replacement of double-glazed windows of complex shapes
Restoring window units with non-standard shapes is no different from repairing standard structures. It is technically possible to replace double-glazed windows with different shapes:
- round;
- arched;
- trapezoidal;
- oval;
- triangular.
During the first visit, the master, instead of taking measurements, makes a template to exactly repeat the shape of the product.
To do this, you need to remove the glass unit from the light opening. The decision on the advisability of returning it to its original place is made by a specialist after assessing the damage. In some cases, the light opening is temporarily covered with a film or shield made of chipboard, fiberboard, or OSB. Such repairs differ from ordinary ones in cost and completion time. Double-glazed windows of complex shapes are more expensive, since their production requires more materials. The complexity of the process affects both the price and the lead time of the order. If desired, conventional double-glazed windows of complex shapes can be replaced with sun-protective, energy-efficient, decorative, safe or multifunctional ones.
Disadvantages of triple glazing
Such glazing also has a number of disadvantages that preclude their installation in a number of individual cases.
For example, the significant weight of such a structure. Three glasses with a thick profile are quite heavy, which is why such windows are not installed in old, dilapidated houses, as well as wooden houses without additional reinforcements. Not only because it is unsafe, but also because the walls may simply not withstand the applied load, even if they are load-bearing. When glazing a large area, some difficulties also arise. In large areas - such as popular mirrored facades - heavy glass must be reinforced to improve safety and reliability.
For this purpose, jumpers, vents and other elements are installed. And the heavier the glass, the more such elements there must be, otherwise the glass may simply fall out. But such fortifications significantly worsen the appearance of the facade, complicate installation work, and therefore are considered a disadvantage.
How much does it cost to replace a double glazed window?
There is currently no base price for window repairs and upgrades. After all, the cost of the service is influenced by several factors:
- type, thickness and number of glasses;
- area, shape and type of double-glazed windows;
- type of windows;
- order completion time.
Since the cost of repairs consists of several components, it is customary to take the cost of 1 m² of a one- or two-chamber model as a basis. The price of additional options and services is added to it.
| Type of glass unit and additional options | Plastic windows | Aluminum windows | Wooden windows |
| Single chamber (thickness 14-30 mm) | 3500 rub. | 4500 rub. | 5500 rub. |
| Double-chamber (thickness 32-44 mm) | 4500 rub. | 5000 rub. | 6000 rub. |
| Increased energy efficiency (selective coating) | from 1000 rub. | ||
| Tinting | from 1000 rub. | ||
| Increased sound absorption level | from 1500 rub. | ||
| Decorative layouts | From 350 per section | ||
| Complex shapes (trapezoid, oval, circle, triangle, arch) | Increase in price from 35 to 55% of the cost of a rectangular double-glazed window with the same area | ||
| Triplex and tempered glass | from 2000 rub. | ||
The price for replacing double-glazed windows with a large area (jumbo) is determined after taking measurements and studying the object. For urgent work, an additional fee is usually charged, the amount of which is determined on an individual basis. You also need to consider the cost of transport services.
Cost calculator
* Fill in the required parameters: width, height, number of glasses, window material, additional functions.
If you live outside the Moscow Ring Road, indicate the distance to your facility. Important information!
The calculator will calculate for you only the cost of replacing the glass structure; for an approximate calculation of all the work, you need to add the cost of new glazing beads for each double-glazed window (this is approximately from 800/1000 rubles for 1 opening). The minimum glass size is 200*200 mm, this will be manual assembly (the cost is negotiated personally). We do not produce smaller structures!
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Glass repair
Replacement of glass in its pure form is carried out with cold glazing.
In this case, the light openings of the door and window blocks are covered with single glass. Repairing such structures requires less time. It is performed according to the standard scheme for models made of aluminum, plastic or wooden profiles. If glass in a damaged double-glazed unit needs to be replaced, such repairs are theoretically possible. However, it is impractical for several reasons:
- the economic effect is questionable - in most cases it is more profitable to replace the entire glass unit, since repairs require additional transportation to the workshop and disassembly of the product;
- the light opening in the window will remain open for several days after the technician’s visit - when replacing the glass, the glass unit is immediately removed from the sash and taken to the workshop, so you will have to live or work with the film for some time;
- Repair times may increase - since additional dismantling of broken glass and cleaning of spacers from old sealant is required, manufacturers spend more time completing the order.
A separate replacement is beneficial only when the double-glazed window is equipped with expensive stained glass, triplex, or has an electric heating or dimming function.
In these cases, it is more rational to order repair of the product. In all other situations, it is more practical to completely replace the double-glazed window. If the seal of a double-glazed window is broken during the cold season, its urgent replacement is required. Unlike ordinary repairs, it will be completed without a queue, but you need to understand that in this case the request will not be completed in a couple of hours. After all, when making a double-glazed window, you need to wait until the sealant hardens. This process takes from 12 to 24 hours. That is, the waiting time can be a little more than a day. The lead time for a standard order depends on workload and ranges from 2 to 6 days.
How justified is glass replacement?
Some owners believe that completely replacing a broken double-glazed window is an unaffordable luxury and therefore try to replace not the entire structure, but only the broken glass. Our practice shows that this approach is absolutely ineffective. The exception is when the design contains rare handmade stained glass windows. In this case, the damaged element is removed, delivered to production, repaired and returned to the site. In other cases, it will be faster and cheaper to replace the double-glazed window with a new one.
Triple glazing: main features
This design received its name from the number of installed glasses. The triple glazed unit is double-glazed. PVC windows of this type have three glasses, which form two air chambers. Thanks to this feature, Rehau windows retain heat better and provide better sound insulation. If we compare triple glazing with its analogues of the previous generation, the characteristics of a modern window have become significantly better. Triple glazing can be installed in residential, industrial or commercial premises.
Compared to other plastic windows, this option is the most common. Most often, triple glazed windows are used in northern regions and in large cities with high noise levels.
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