Releasing DH unit from security tape?

Sep 13, 2009 9 Replies

Got an external uPVC double glazing unit which has a knackered seal. I'm going to change it myself but it will be the first time I've done such a thing. Can anyone offer any tips with regards to releasing the old glazed unit from the grip of the security tape?



Thanks.


DH? Darling Husband? Too many US-centric forums, I know. But made me chuckle. :-)

Same here. I wasn't the only one, then...!

Damned my fat fingers.

DG! Double glazing :)

In article , Davey writes

It's double sided foam tape, cut the bond using a sharp but flexible knife next to the glass.

From past experience (many years ago) Scraper or thin chisel, hammer, dustsheets everywhere and protective clothing, eyeware ect.....

If you have two people, push a piece of thin strong wire through (a cheese wire), and then with one person inside and one outside holding each end, cut through the foam tape with the cheese wire. Watch for the window falling out. The cheesewire will probably knacker the double glazing unit seal, but yours is already, so that doesn't matter. Don't use a rough cutting wire or you might shatter a toughened glass pane and/or mark the uPVC.

When you lift the unit out, be very careful not to ding the corners (particularly against masonary/concrete), as that easily shatters toughened glass, particularly with large windows where you don't get a second chance if you do.

You'll need to clean the remaining window tape off the uPVC frame.

Thanks. Sounds like a plan.

Sounds like a job for the SWMBO's nail varnish remover once I've scraped off the excess.

Make sure any solvent doesn't dissolve the uPVC, or you'll likely end up damaging the visible polished surfaces.

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