UPVC window sealed unit removal.

[dobbslc]

I need to remove this sealed unit from the window as I want patterned glass instead of clear, the firm that in stalled it want over £380 to supply and fit

As I can get the unit on it's own for less than £100 I want to do it myself.
What is the best way to remove these things?

 

[steveo3002]

on mine you lever off the white trim on the outside , then pull the rubber seal and it lifts out

have a look on youtube , isnt too hard at all

 

[Redsailor]

Using a thin blunt tool, like a knife and inserting it in the groove where the internal beading meets the main frame. Start in the middle and spring out the moulding.

Don't use anything sharp as it will damage the moulding. A small scraper or butter knife usually works.

 

[Welderpaul]

Tap a paint scraper behind the bead where it meets the frame. Hold the paint scraper at 45 degrees. Start in the middle of the length of the bead and pop it out.

 

[dobbslc]

So I dont put the blade between the glass and seal then?

 

[Welderpaul]

So I dont put the blade between the glass and seal then?

No

 

[Welderpaul]

The top and bottom bead need to come off before the side ones, top and bottom beads are scolloped around the side ones.

 

[AdventuresInMetal]

Fitted hundreds of windows over the years and always just uses a 32mm wood chisel for removing beads, you don't want it silly sharp (like off an 8000 grit wet stone etc) but you also don't want it blunt either so "reasonably sharp"

 

[MattF]

Remove the rubber seal from the outside, before you remove the beads.

 

[bricol]

Alternatively, how about a patterned film applied to the same unit in-situ?

 

[Bravheart]

A big screwdriver will do it preferably one with a through shaft you can hit(tap) with a hammer

 

[Bravheart]

Alternatively, how about a patterned film applied to the same unit in-situ?

How does this work then will it always look like it's stuck on with peeling edges and air bubbles? Got a plain glass panel looking to revamp.

 

[ukracer]

How does this work then will it always look like it's stuck on with peeling edges and air bubbles? Got a plain glass panel looking to revamp.

Fit it wet and smooth out the air bubbles with a plastic squeegee.

 

[pedrobedro]

Do the longest sides first, I use a narrow scraper to start the removal in the middle of the strip. Tap it in with the heel of my hand then twist it and slide it along. The scary bit is putting it back in with the hammer. Wrap a rag round the head and slide it on the glass and you need to give it a good tap to start it.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

The films work very well...just make sure the glass is nice and clean. Had ours on 12+ years with zero problems. As said above...goes on wet.

If this is all about privacy then the film is the way to go....if you don't like it can always replace the glass but I reckon you'll be very happy.

 

[bricol]

How does this work then will it always look like it's stuck on with peeling edges and air bubbles? Got a plain glass panel looking to revamp.

Got a load of windows at work with anti-glare film on - you can't tell where the film is.

Admittedly, it's useless at the job it needs to be doing - we actually need black-out film, not anti-glare film, as its the sheer amount of light coming through the windows into a CAD office, but you try telling a H&S person who doesn't have to stare at a CAD screen all day (luckily now inflicting their version of H&S on some other company )

 

[Trevorleach]

How does this work then will it always look like it's stuck on with peeling edges and air bubbles? Got a plain glass panel looking to revamp.

We have just this on our downstairs windows/doors, been on there a few years no issues at all, the fitter left a 1 inch gap around the edge so it lets light in plus you can see out.
Tossers in the reserve cut a load of trees down which meant we were on display to any walkers, so trim on the glass/8 foot fence and some bushes and we are god again.

As for dg unit replacement, just look on youtube, one guy uses a stanley scraper which is what I bought and it works well, dg units jut under the toen, tripl glazed units 115 quid delivered, place in Norwich called glasstops uk, no damages and well packaged.

 

[dobbslc]

Alternatively, how about a patterned film applied to the same unit in-situ?

It's a brand new front door so I has to match that.

 

[Beanwood]

If you'd posted this yesterday, I could have done you a video - just removed some from a dor to take to the tip...
Scary is the removal - I used a 32mm chisel as above - but have also used a nice solid wallpaper type scraper.
The trickier part is the reinstatement - getting things reassemebled, and whacked back in with a good solid thwack is fun. Be prepared you may need to do it a couple of times to get the glass spacing right (At least I had to on our very old UPVC windows).

Also, be prepared for the glass once you take the beads out.... It can fall towards you and whack you on the head.... OR It may NOT 'fall out' and you're then stuck with a piece of glass you can't let go of to fetch something else to pull it out, or someone to push it from the other side....DAMHIKT....

 

[Smallfry]

Lot of misinformation here.

Looking at your photos, it is internally beaded, and the beads are NOT mitred, they are profiled, so your top and bottom beads have to come out first, irrespective of which edges are longest.

You do not have to do anything outside or fiddle with any seals unless they are broken.

There are spacers in the channel to space the edge of the glass unit from the frame, so dont lose them.

As said, push a sharpish tool (I use a paint scraper) into the gap between the frame and the bead and pop it out. You can use a hammer to start but go steady.

If you use a narrow tool for this, you will mark the frame, so DONT use anything like a screwdriver.

Once you have done one, and see how it works, it is a doddle.

Also, there are different thicknesses of glazing units, so make sure you measure correctly. The glass company will ask you in any case, they will (should) also ask if you want it toughened or not. This will increase they price. But depends on the height off the floor.

Some units need to fitted a certain way round, so ask them to label it for you if unsure.