Double glazing

[colhut]

Most of this place has no double glazing, but is mostly glazed in 11 X 9 " panels. in one room these panels are mini sealed DG units. It looks like they might a standard sized unit. Anyone know what they are called or where to get them. I'd get further with google if I knew what they are called!

Thanks

Col

[Muddypause]

Do you mean you have windows divided into several smaller panels, like Georgian-style windows? If the windows are mass produced, standard fitments, and you can identify the manufacturer, then there may be replacement units made to size, but this is only likely if they were made with DG units in mind.

But in practice, it's probably easier, and very likely cheaper too, to visit your nearest glazier with a list of measurements and ask for a quote. They will be able to make up units to any sizes.

Generally speaking, it can be a problem fitting double glazed units into sashes made for single glazing. Do some careful measuring. The narrowest section unit you will be able to get is 14mm thick (refered to as 4-6-4; 4mm of glass, 6mm air gap, 4mm of glass). Do not use linseed oil putty, because this degrades the seal of the unit; use butyl putty. This doesn't set, so must be used in conjunction with beading, and you must allow for this as well in your measurements. Generally speaking, this all requires a sash that is about 40mm thick overall, but you may be able to squeeze things a bit.

Also, be aware that a 6mm air gap is not ideal either for heat or sound insulation - 12 or 16mm is more usual for good thermal insulation.

An alternative to double glazing these sorts of windows is secondary glazing - fit a single large pane of glass inside against the frame. It simply clips in place, and in the summer, you can unclip the pane so that you can open windows.

[colhut]

Thanks for that, yes the windows are divided into smaller panels, and where they are fitted it does look like they are 4-6-4 units. So at the moment it looks like secondary glazing might be the simpler and cheaper option. I'll have a close look at the exiting DG units when I get home tonight, cos I think they are just puttied in.

Thanks
Col

[pskipper]

If you need insulation faster than you can get the secondary glazing, places like wilko's do a plastic based secondary glazing film which you stick over the window and then 'tighten' with a hair dryer (I spent last night sealing my draughtiest windows over and there is a noticable change in my flat and just for £10). It's not a permenant fix (as you'll need to pull it all off if we get another heatwave summer) but I thought I'd mention it.

[Wombat]

I have also seen articles on people using "bubblewrap" as a form of double glazing - looks a bit sus but is very cheap!

I was going to try it on ours but it got vetoed by Mrs Wombat!

Nev

[colhut]

Hmm, I think I might suffer the same fate if I tried that. Our place is dark enough as it is, the bubble wrap I think would block out too much daylight.

[red]

too right I would. no bubble wrap on the windows! well maybe the bathroom window...

[colhut]

ok, bubble wrap now officially vetoed

[Wombat]

Fair enough! Just a suggestion........

Nev

[Milims]

The temporary double glazing Does work, but is no where as efficient as polycarbonate sheeting or acrylic. Depends on what sort of frames you have as to which is most appropriate.
Had to fit all the different types as a joiner and if you want a semi permanent fix the poly carb or acrylic method can be better, can screw panels onto the frames direct so that the windows can still be opened.

Have to watch out for condensation in most forms of secondary double glazing though, but you can get a pot of dried silica gel from hardware stores to put into any enclosed areas. Also when it's lost it's effectiveness you can reactive it by drying it back out in a slow oven. Just make sure you are wearing gloves if you are gonna handle the raw crystals!!!