Just as fixing glass is important in aluminum fabrication work, replacing old or broken glass when needed without damaging the frame is an equally great skill. Generally, two types of systems are used the most in the market: sliding windows and openable windows and doors. The structure of both these systems is completely different from each other, which is why the technical method for fixing new glass and changing old glass in them is also different. Let's understand both methods in detail.
1. Method of Fixing and Changing Glass in Sliding Windows
The shutters of a sliding window are joined together from all four sides via screws, so its method is as follows:
Method of Fixing New Glass:
- Applying Rubber Gasket: First of all, a U-type glass rubber gasket is mounted on all four edges of the cut glass. The rubber at the corners is given a slight cut so that the corner does not remain bulged.
- Frame Assembly: The cut parts of the sliding material—top, bottom, handle, and interlock—are set around the glass and gradually fixed using a rubber mallet.
- Tightening Screws: Stainless steel screws are inserted into all four corners of the shutters and tightened.
Method of Replacing Old or Broken Glass:
- Removing the Shutter: First of all, lift the sliding window shutter out of the outer frame and place it on a safe table.
- Loosening Corner Screws: Loosen and remove the old screws installed at the corners of the shutter using a screwdriver or drill.
- Separating Aluminum Profile: Using a rubber mallet, lightly tap outward on the aluminum shutters (especially the top or one-side handle) so that it separates from the glass.
- Removing the Glass: As soon as the profiles of one or two sides open up, the old or broken glass, along with the old rubber, will easily slide out. Now you can insert new glass and new rubber in its place using the method mentioned above and retighten the screws.
2. Method of Fixing and Changing Glass in Openable Windows and Doors
To fix glass in openable, meaning hinged, doors and windows, the shutter does not need to be disassembled; instead, it is fixed with the help of a glass beading strip.
Method of Fixing New Glass:
- Hanging the Shutter: The openable door or window frame is mounted on the hinges and brought into a fixed position.
- Placing Glass and Providing Packing: The glass is placed inside the inner groove of the door. The most important technical point here is that small plastic or hard rubber blocks (packing) are placed under and on the sides of the glass so that the weight of the glass does not fall directly onto the aluminum.
- Installing Glass Beading Strip: To hold the glass, thin aluminum strips called "glass beading" are pressed all around and seated inside the lock of the frame. These strips prevent the glass from falling out.
- EPDM Rubber and Silicone: In the empty space between the glass and the beading strip, EPDM rubber (gasket) is pressed and wedged so that the glass becomes tight, and silicone is filled along the edges.
Method of Replacing Old Glass:
- Removing Old Rubber: First of all, pull out the old black rubber installed around the glass using a sharp-pointed tool or a screwdriver.
- Prying Off Glass Beading Strips: After the rubber is removed, the beading strips become loose. Now, wedge a thin chisel or a wide screwdriver into the joint of the strip and apply slight pressure, which will cause the beading strips on all four sides to pop out from the lock of the frame.
- Removing the Glass: As soon as the strips are removed, the glass will become completely free. Take it out carefully.
- Installing New Glass: Clean the groove of the frame, place the new glass inside, tap the old or new beading strips back into the lock of the frame to seat them, and press-fit the new pressure rubber from above so that the glass becomes tightly secured.
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