Used plastic windows from Khrushchev - is a second life possible?

A window opening that has served you for a long time and which you decide to replace will not only disrupt the aesthetics of the entire room, but also pose a health hazard to the people living in the room. In such situations, you will definitely begin to think about how to dismantle the old window, since everyone understands that without this operation it will not be possible to install a new one. In the professional sphere, this stage in the window replacement process is the most labor-intensive.

Used plastic windows from Khrushchev - can I take them with me?

The implementation of a renovation program is beginning in Moscow. Many apartments in buildings that are now scheduled for demolition have plastic windows installed. Many of them are less than 10-15 years old, look good, function well and could last for a long time. If the tenants themselves ordered these windows, paid for their production and installation, then these windows are their property, and the owners have the right to take them from the evicted housing. But there are nuances. Until the house is completely vacated and the heating is not disconnected, the integrity of the thermal envelope of the building, of which the windows are a part, cannot be violated. You need to either wait until all the tenants have moved out, or when dismantling the plastic windows, replace them with simple wooden windows.

Photo: plastic windows in Khrushchev buildings

If plastic windows were installed at the expense of the city budget, for example, under a program for the overhaul of dilapidated housing, then the issue has a different legal status. In any case, it is recommended to coordinate the dismantling with the authorities responsible for the resettlement of the house intended for demolition, after consulting with a lawyer.

Preparatory steps before removing the window structure

Dismantling of old PVC blocks must be done correctly, since even minor inaccuracies made in the window opening can create significant problems during the installation of a new block.

In turn, like any other construction operation, the dismantling and installation of PVC windows must begin with preparatory work, namely: clearing the room in the work area from furniture, flowers and household appliances.

It is necessary to protect the remaining large furniture with film in order to protect it from possible damage, and walls and floors from contamination.

An important point when dismantling a window unit is compliance with safety standards. In connection with this, work must be carried out using personal protective equipment and the work area must be fenced off on the street under the window so that parts during dismantling do not accidentally fall on passers-by. To do this, marking tape is stretched along the outer contour of the protective zone.

Areas and limitations of secondary use of used plastic windows from Khrushchev-era buildings

If the windows were not damaged during operation and dismantling, then they can be used in any other place. They can be installed in another apartment, in a country house, in outbuildings, given to friends or relatives, sold, etc.

True, there is an important limitation - the used window must match the size of the new opening. If it is larger, you will need to expand the opening, which is not always possible and not everywhere. But if the window, on the contrary, is smaller than the opening, the problem is easier to solve. For adaptation, additional profiles (extensions) are used, which are available in the range of window companies. To do this, you just need to know the brand and article number of the PVC profile from which the used plastic window is made.

This information can be found by examining the surfaces of the frames and sashes. Profile manufacturers indicate factory markings there. It is not necessary to understand the markings yourself. All you need to do is take a photo and show it to a window company specialist.

Preparing for work

Before you start considering the dismantling technology itself, you should look at how to properly prepare for dismantling. Since dismantling will require responsibility and seriousness from you, you cannot start it without preparation.

1. When dismantling a window in an apartment, measures should be taken in advance to preserve household appliances, interior items, furniture and other valuables . If possible, you should take them out altogether, and large items should be covered with plastic wrap. It is better to cover with polyethylene, because... it will be easiest to clean it of debris later. Even if you dismantle with the utmost care, you will not be able to complete the entire dismantling without generating construction debris and dust. In this regard, it is necessary to take a responsible approach to the safety of valuable things.
2. The immediate work area must be covered with plywood sheets. This will be required to preserve the floor covering. If there are carpets or rugs in the room, you need to remove them. The passage to the workplace should not be cluttered with furniture and other objects that will interfere with the process.

It is better to entrust the dismantling of a plastic window to professionals

Dismantling a plastic window on your own, without special knowledge, tools and skills, can lead to irreversible damage to the structure. In this case, the window will become unusable for further use.

It is best to entrust dismantling to professionals. Window manufacturers are unlikely to take on this work; they make money by installing new structures. Therefore, you should contact companies specializing in the repair of plastic windows.

If you nevertheless decide to dismantle yourself, then you will need to perform the following operations, having first taken care of the appropriate tools:

Photo: removing the bead

• Free the perimeter of the window from decorative elements: dismantle the slopes, remove the ebb (attached with self-tapping screws), remove the window sill, having previously trimmed the mounting foam underneath it;
• Remove (if any) the vapor barrier tape covering the mounting foam around the perimeter of the window;
• Cut the mounting foam around the entire perimeter around the frame;
• Remove all the doors from their hinges (a simple operation described in detail on the Internet);
• If there are blind sections (without a sash), remove the double-glazed windows from them, first squeezing and removing all the glazing beads around the perimeter using a spatula or similar tool;
• Unscrew the fastening elements with which the frame is fixed in the opening (dowels or anchor plates);
• Carefully remove the frame from the opening and thoroughly clean any remaining foam.

If the profile of frames, sashes and imposts is damaged, the window cannot be repaired. If the glazing beads are damaged, then new ones can be purchased where the windows were previously purchased, or from any company that works with the same profile. The information on the label is also useful here. If a glass unit is damaged, a new one can be ordered from any window company. You just need to take the exact dimensions from the old one, and a new double-glazed window will cost quite a lot.

Photo: glass unit removal

If dismantled plastic windows will not be used immediately, but after some time, it is important to take measures to prevent moisture from entering the reinforcement chambers during their storage. All through holes that were drilled in the profile during installation should be hermetically sealed, and the windows should be stored in a place protected from rain and snow.

What does the concept of dismantling and replacing PVC windows mean and include?

Dismantling and replacing plastic windows is included in the general technology of construction work and means the complete removal of the old block and installation of a new one.

Dismantling a PVC window is a labor-intensive process consisting of 2 stages: preparatory and main, which are aimed at completely replacing the structure in order to obtain new operational characteristics of the PVC window.

The main task of dismantling a window block is to remove the block that has become unusable and prepare the work front for installing a new PVC block. The contractor must strictly adhere to the technological sequence of dismantling, ensure safe working conditions and preserve materials from disassembly as much as possible.

Installation of a new unit begins only after completion of the full range of dismantling operations.

Recycling plastic windows is a good chance for users and entrepreneurs

A new plastic window costs 10-15 thousand rubles (without installation). A used plastic window that has served for 10-15 years, after being installed in a new opening, can flawlessly serve for the same amount of time. Moreover, it has already paid for its cost in its old place, and with careful dismantling it will not require restoration costs.

If the owner of used windows has a place to use them, he will save a lot of money without buying new windows. Or he can sell them, but, of course, at a discount as used ones, returning part of the cost. The demand for plastic windows in the economy segment is still great. And the supply is for the most part limited to new, but low-quality designs with low performance. Used plastic windows can enrich this segment with a more diverse assortment with a wider range of characteristics and, surprisingly, good quality.

The OKNA MEDIA portal recommends: Prices for plastic windows in October 2017

We dismantle and remove windows in 1 hour!

Why so fast?

• There are a sufficient number of vehicles in the fleet to be able to process all orders
• Competent logistics and a universal loading system with the ability to “pick up” cargo along the way makes it possible to release vehicles as they are filled. As a result, we go to processing plants less often, we get orders faster, the price for removing old windows is minimal
• A professional team of movers works quickly and smoothly. First we remove the windows and doors, then we load them and take them to the landfill

Video description

In this video, a specialist in the field of installation of plastic windows explains the reasons for the appearance of cracks on a double-glazed window during the installation of clamping beads:
The sash should be hung after checking the frame sash for cleanliness. Additionally, you can carry out a preventive inspection of the fittings for contamination, the presence of lubricant and overall working order. Next, the door is installed in the reverse order: hung on the hinges, the pins and decorative trims are returned to their places.

Video description

In this video, a vinyl window user explains how he repaired a double glazing unit with one cracked pane:
It is important to follow clear instructions to avoid making common mistakes. These include incorrect measurements, the use of unsuitable sealing materials, and careless handling of glazing beads during their removal and reinstallation. Also, the results will not justify themselves if the installation of the double-glazed window is carried out before the applied sealant has completely dried.

What determines the price for work, the rules for drawing up estimates

Estimated prices for this type of work should be taken from the collection FERr56, which is applicable for both stone and wooden window openings. In addition to the dismantling of window slopes, it includes work on their restoration.

The tables are designed to perform work per unit being dismantled:

• with quarter sawing in masonry;
• dismantling the entire frame;
• dismantling ebbs, slopes, window sills;
• removal of bindings, both glazed and non-glazed.

Indicators that are included in the calculation of the estimate for the installation of PVC windows and affect the final cost:

• taking measurements;
• volume of PVC window dismantling;
• volume of required building materials;
• construction workers' salaries;
• transport and overhead costs;
• level of complexity of work;
• number of storeys;
• work completion time;
• standard profit.

In addition, the cost of dismantling work may include unforeseen expenses, the total amount of which is established by agreement of the parties between the customer and the contractor.

Knowing the cost per unit indicators of expense items, the customer can independently determine the total costs of dismantling.

The final calculation differs for PVC windows in size, materials of wall structures : wood, brick and block, and also on whether it will be necessary to preserve the old window during dismantling.

Extraction operation

You need to remove the frame after removing the double-glazed windows. Having gotten rid of the breakable parts, you can begin to remove the frames themselves.

1. Internal slopes made of plastic or plasterboard:
   remove configuration profile F,
2. then unscrew the remaining structural elements in order.
3. The last stage is the dismantling of the starting profile, reinforced with self-tapping screws.
4. Plastered slopes:
   • Knock down with a hammer drill and a chisel. At the same time, work very carefully, without damaging the plastic window surface.

Application for window frame repair

• Call our phone
• Contact us on WhatsApp: 8 (977) 498-97-98
• Write in Viber chat
• Request a call back from a specialist
• Use the feedback form
• Send applications to our email

Creating an application takes place in three steps:

• Call the operator: the essence of the problem is clarified (it is necessary to urgently replace the cracked glass in the window). The operator calculates the order price for Moscow and the nearest Moscow region.
• Carrying out measurements: the operator will send a specialist to the address specified during the conversation. In our company, visiting a specialist to measure a window is a free service.
• Installation: specialists will prepare the material in the shortest possible time, after which they will replace the glass at a time convenient for you. The range of services also includes related repairs of the wooden frame.

Step-by-step dismantling technology

For professionals, this process does not cause any difficulties. The most important thing is to start correctly and carry out dismantling step by step. Dismantling work consists of the following stages:

1. Initially, you will need to remove the window sashes;
2. Cut the frame and impost;
3. Remove the old window frame;
4. Remove the ebb and window sill;
5. Prepare the window opening by cleaning and removing the remnants of the old insulation.

It is worth considering each stage separately.

Design features of double-glazed windows

Window products are prefabricated structures, regardless of their production technology. By analogy with traditional designs, modern ones are represented by frame binding, translucent canvases, which are pressed with glazing beads.

Reasons for replacing double glazed windows

Despite the modernization of double-glazed windows and the increased strength of products, glass is still a fragile material. That is, there are factors due to which the translucent canvas may break or crack. Such phenomena include:

• Production.

This implies negligence on the part of the manufacturer. It can be expressed in the use of low-quality materials, errors in the geometry and dimensions of components, and careless attitude towards work on the part of operators on the factory line.

Section of the production line for double-glazed windows Source government-nnov.ru

• Storage and transportation.

This also implies negligence of those responsible for the safety of finished products. If the established rules are violated, microcracks appear on the canvases and components are deformed. As the window is used before the period stated by the manufacturer, you have to figure out how to remove the glass from the plastic window in order to replace it with a new one.

• Installation.

One of the main requirements for the installation technology of window structures with double-glazed windows is strict adherence to the horizontal and vertical levels in each plane. Deviations from them are one of the most common mistakes made by installers. Due to such negligence, distortions of the frame binding occur. They contribute to the uneven distribution of mechanical load on double-glazed windows. Since the latter are inserted into frames, the canvases burst under pressure over time.

Broken glass due to improper installation technology Source forum-okna.ru

• Mechanical factor.

It is possible that the glass may be subject to impact loads from inside or outside. This could be a falling object, a flying bird, a deliberate attempt to break a window. Localized pressure in most cases leads to a violation of the integrity of the fragile fabric. Here, the dismantling of the double-glazed window must be carried out with extreme caution.

• Temperature changes.

Glass, like other materials by nature, is characterized by thermal expansion. Therefore, during a fire it becomes deformed and bursts. The same can happen due to fogging and subsequent freezing of the glass unit. The appearance of condensation may also indicate depressurization of the products, which is a reason for carrying out repair work or replacing the translucent sheet.

An example of freezing of plastic windows indoors Source oknaul.ru

• Noise insulation.

Less commonly, the cause of window failure is increased noise levels. Modern metal-plastic structures are known for their tightness and ability to block various types of sounds from entering the house. However, due to the low quality of components or their wear and tear with use, this characteristic is inferior to expectations. Often the solution to the problem is a complete replacement of double-glazed windows and window fittings.

• Thermal conductivity.

Manufacturers offer double-glazed windows of various thicknesses due to different sizes and numbers of glass sheets. As a result, this affects the thermal conductivity of the windows and the overall width of the metal-plastic frame profile. In order to save space in the window opening or to save money, preference may be given to thinner structures. This approach is not relevant in the residential sector in all regions. As a result, windows have to be replaced.

Types of double-glazed windows for plastic windows Source strojdvor.ru

Another reason for dismantling work may be the design feature of the glazing. Blind sashes, which are not equipped with fittings and do not open, are an obstacle to carrying out repair work on the facade side. That is, if there is no access to slopes or window components from the street, then you have to remove the double-glazed window.

Example of a window with a fixed and opening sash Source twimg.com

See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in doors, windows and related work

Taking measurements

Before removing a double-glazed window from a plastic window, if a new one is to be installed, you need to order a serviceable sheet. And here you will need to take accurate measurements. It is easier to solve problems using accompanying documents for window products, which users most often save. In them, the parameters of the glass unit are indicated in the form of markings.

Let's look at a few examples:

1. 4-16-4. This implies the presence of two translucent panels 4 mm thick. The spacer between them fills the space of 16 mm.
2. 4-14-3.3.1. This is a triplex type structure. Here the package is represented by a 4 mm canvas, a 14 mm air gap, two glasses 3 mm thick and a 1 mm layer of adhesive between them. The latter is often ignored, so the manufacturer indicates in the documentation that such a double-glazed window is single-chamber with triplex with a total thickness of 24, not 25 mm.

The table provides a breakdown of the letter identifiers that are used to mark double-glazed windows.

The table lists common identifier options. Less common are designations that indicate the glass’s matte finish, texture, and the presence of protective films. There are no special features or symbols regarding other sizes.

Removing the glass unit

Dismantling a double-glazed window begins with removal from the structure. You need to work very carefully and carefully; haste at this stage can result in damage to the glass unit.

If the window mechanism has sashes, then after removing the glass unit you need to remove them. When the sash is installed in the classical way on standard hinges, the steps are as follows for the hinges:

• remove the metal rod from the top,
• lift the sash and remove it from the bottom.

Such fastening and correct dismantling allow the sash to be used for another destination; no window adjustment will be required. In other cases, you will have to unscrew the fastening screws and only then remove it.

Dismantling a fixed window - you also first need to remove the double-glazed window. It is attached to the inside with plastic beads, which need to be disassembled from the long edge. It is convenient to remove the glazing beads with a spatula with a rounded tip. Start working from the middle of the sash. When removing the last bead, be extremely careful when removing the glass unit. Safety net - suction cups for installation - this minimizes the risk of the glass unit slipping out of your hands.

Cost of glass insertion

The condition of each window being repaired must be assessed individually. Therefore, in the case where glass is to be inserted into a wooden frame, the price may vary depending on the specifics of the situation. For further advice please contact our WhatsApp.

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