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I’m swapping out some window glass (2’x8′) that have lost their seal. The old ones were caulked to the window frames with a silicon like product. On all new work I see them useing a tape product. Should I use caulk? What type? Or a glazers tape? What type
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I am also interested in installation of sealed windows. I have three that have failed...I have replacements, but am shy about doing it myself. I would hire a professional but in my area they are few and far between. The economy has made fine carpentry a busy market, small jobs are hard if not impossible to get bids on or any one interested.. looking forward to answers. Lo
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By the level of understanding of the glazing process by the two of you, my advice is hire a pro. glazer to replace your units before you either hurt yourselves or someone else.
Gabe
*Consider EPDM dry glazing materials.
*Clarification required.Certain questions make us in the profession cringe and this was one of them.Depending on the type of thermal glass used in a 2 x 8 panel, it can weight nearly as much as the installer. The edges are razor sharp and not polished or smooth.There are basic aspects of glazing that the average construction type would know offhand. The various sealants being one of them. We either know these things by actual hands on or by association.When I read a post that doesn't demonstrate a basic understanding, I tend to have a concern that the individual maybe bitting off more than they can chew and may be attempting something dangerous.There are no shortages of glazers, anywhere. Many times the glazers can install a unit for the same amount of dollars than the average person can buy these thermal units for, given their discounts.So why take the risk of injury.I fully realize that not everyone is "Tim the Toolman Taylor" and not amateur ends up in ER, but some do and they all have that sheepesh look on their faces when they explain what happened.Safety first,Gabe
*In fairness -- I didn't notice how large the panel were -- I did watch someone nearly cut his hand off when a large sheet of glass he was carrying struck concrete and fractured up the middle. Fortunately it turns how that tendons can be reattached relatively easily, and it was only afew years before he could play tennis again...
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Thanks for all the thought for my safety. I have handled glass before, although 15 years ago. Finding these windows bedded in silicone stumped me as I was aware it acts as a solvent on the urethane used to join the two sheets of glass. I had never used the epdm tape, and wondered how much things had changed in the last 20 years. I used the tape. I found it to be easy to use, with a very clean finished look. I don't know if it is a better product, but it sure is going to make the next person to swap this glass happier.
Boy am I glad I didn't mention these windows were 25' up. Den
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I'm swapping out some window glass (2'x8') that have lost their seal. The old ones were caulked to the window frames with a silicon like product. On all new work I see them useing a tape product. Should I use caulk? What type? Or a glazers tape? What type
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... people here can be a bit maternal, don't take it too hard ...
Yes, some sealants degrade the glazing unit seal, depending on what it is made of. The EPDM is easy; I'll be watching to see how it ages. Have a pile of it in a box for all the little glazing projects I have waiting for me.