Sunday 4 October 2015

Deconstructing double-glazing

It is easy to get a load of handy glass panes, for free from cast-offs.

This sized sheet of glass could be £30 upwards to buy, so as I need loads to glaze the summerhouse I am building, savings are to be made...



Where I live, people are ripping out their UPVC double glazed windows and reinstating the original style of window: out go efficient, but arguably incongruous white plastic-framed units and back in go sashes, etc. I'm ambivalent about this. Plastic-framed sealed-unit double-glazed windows generally do look a bit crap in older buildings, but they are great for thermal efficiency.

Whatever the merits of style-conservation versus warm houses, this trend means fruitful skipping. Wait long enough and plenty of quality glass can be found chucked out. Everyone wins.

To get the glass I want has just meant keeping an eye out for window units being chucked out. Sure enough they do. Here's a good one.



To get at the individual panes, you have to remove the sealed units.

This is easy, you just need to pop the seals. I'm using a decorators scraper/spreader blade, but a sturdy chisel works well too. In either case, care is needed to avoid hitting or levering the glass with the metal edges.



By popping the blade in and twisting, the seal can be levered out quite easily.



Thus...



It can be tricky to get started, but once the blade is in, it just needs enough of the seal exposed to grab hold of.



Thus...



Once all the securing seals are out, the unit will ease out quite happily. Generally these units are edged with sealant tapes and are not sharp, but care is advised. Occasionally, you get a unit that has raw glass edges. I've got scars to show for that.



Once it is out, the double glazed unit needs sawing in half to give two panes. The bonding is usually a mix of thin aluminium and polymer sealant. This is easy to saw through. Here I'm using a reciprocating saw, but a jigsaw or even a handsaw would do it.



Close-up, with geraniums...



Once the seals have been sawn through, the two panes come apart easily. Here, you can see that privacy glass units often only use the more expensive patterned glass on one side. The other pane is usually clear.




For normal clear-glass units, you get two matching panes from each unit - handy!



You also get a load of silicon rubber seals, which can also be useful...



12 comments:

  1. Ecostar Double Glazing specialises in UPVC double glazed windows and doors. Double Glazing Quote or URL

    ReplyDelete
  2. Double Glazing
    Which? reports local double glazing installers offer the best prices on replacement windows. Get up to four double glazing quotes from local suppliers
    http://doubleglazingg.blogspot.rs/2016/08/utilizing-glazed-windows-for-uplifting.html

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nice one - I wanted to find out whether I could split the glass on a double glazed unit and here you are with the answer! THANKS.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Select Double-glazed aluminium windows if you want great security for your home. Rylock Windows & Doors are fitted with different security features such as locks and patio bolts, providing greater peace of mind whilst you are asleep at night or away from home. If you’re wanting greater security in your windows, there are additional upgrades we can make to improve their durability. Get in contact with us to find out more.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you for sharing this.
    Manufacturing High Quality Residential & Commercial Doors and Windows, well recognized & reputed by homeowners, renovators, architects and builders. Proudly Australian owned & operated for over 60 years.We can assist you through the entire process of design, supply and installation - leaving you in peace of mind and free of any stress.
    Double glazed windows

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks buddy for sharing this. Nice one - I wanted to find out whether I could split the glass on a double glazed unit and here you are with the answer!
    Double Glazing Window Installation in Coventry

    ReplyDelete

  7. Hello,

    Thank you for this wonderful post.it is very informative and useful information for us. We are Best double glazed window suppliers Melbourne

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow ! It is a nice blog that you have posted. I am really impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout of your blog. It is rare to see a great blog like this one today. You made some good points there.If you need any type of service you can visit our website Double Glazing Brighton

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am really glad to learn a lot of think and new ideas from this blog. You're all designs are so unique, stylish and attractive. Thanks for sharing this post! Over the years, our Sliding Sash Windows has gained a lot of knowledge. We learned a lot learn a lot of think and new ideas from this post and never messed with SEO techniques and Search Engine Algorithms.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great post. I got much knowledge about double glazing windows
    Double Glazing Windows

    ReplyDelete
  11. It's one of the best blog I have came through, keep sharing such updates.
    Energy saving window & doors Chiswick

    ReplyDelete
  12. I recently replaced my home's doors and windows with energy-efficient options, and I'm amazed at how much it has helped with temperature regulation. My home stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, saving me money on heating and cooling costs.

    ReplyDelete