Glass curtain wall glass replacement guide

The exterior wall of the building is a glass curtain wall. After a long time, you may encounter problems such as glass cracking, fogging, water leakage, or even direct shattering. At this time, you need to replace the glass. But curtain wall glass is not an ordinary window, and it is not that simple to replace! Don’t panic, Zhongdong Curtain Wall will tell you today how to replace curtain wall glass safely and reliably.

1. Before replacing the glass, first clarify these 5 things

1. Don’t rush to do it! First confirm “who is responsible”

Your own glass: If it is the curtain wall glass of your own small building, the property or owner can decide for themselves.

High-rise office buildings or communities: You may need property approval, or even find a professional company to evaluate. Don’t remove or replace it privately, be careful of being fined!

During the warranty period: If the glass is still under warranty (for example, it has just been installed for 12 years), contact the manufacturer first to replace it for free.

2. Why is the glass broken? Find the reason to prevent it from breaking again

Damaged: For example, objects thrown from high altitudes and branches flying in typhoon days
Natural aging: cracks in the glue on the edge of the glass, fogging in the middle (the insulating glass leaks).
Poor installation: For example, the glass size is wrong, and it is deformed by forcing it in.
Thermal expansion and contraction: The glass expands after being exposed to the sun in summer. If there is no gap in the frame, it may be squeezed and cracked.

2. The complete process of replacing glass curtain walls

Step 1: Prepare tools and materials
New glass: must be exactly the same size, color, and thickness as the original! A difference of 1 mm may not be installed.
Safety equipment: safety rope, gloves, goggles (especially for high-rise operations).
Disassembly and assembly tools: suction cup (used to hold the glass), screwdriver, utility knife, glue gun.
Auxiliary materials: structural glue (strong glue for sticking glass), sealant (for waterproofing), pads (to prevent the glass from directly hitting the metal frame).

Note: Don’t save money on safety ropes when replacing glass in high-rise buildings! I’ve seen people use tape to temporarily fix it, but the glass fell down and almost caused a big accident.

Step 2: Remove the old glass (the most dangerous part!)
1. Clean the surrounding area: first cut off the rubber strips and sealants around the glass to expose the fixing screws or blocks.
2. Remove the fixings: Use a screwdriver to remove the metal strips that press the glass (some curtain walls are glued and need to be cut slowly with a knife).
3. Fix with suction cups: Use at least two suction cups to hold the glass, and two people work together to hold it steady.
4. Remove carefully: slowly pull the old glass out. If it is stuck, don’t pull it hard. Check if there are any screws that have been missed.

Blood and tears lesson: Someone did not wear gloves when removing the glass, and his hand was scratched by the glass and had to be stitched with 5 stitches! Be sure to take good protection.

Step 3: Install new glass (the key is to look at the details)
1. Clean the frame: wipe off the original residual glue and dust, otherwise the new glue will not stick firmly.
2. Place pads: Place rubber pads at the bottom of the frame to prevent the glass from directly contacting the metal (otherwise the glass will “clang” when the wind blows).
3. Alignment: Two people work together to put the new glass into the frame, leaving a 23mm gap up and down and left and right (space is needed for thermal expansion and contraction).
4. Glue and fix:
Structural glue: Apply in the gap where the glass and the frame contact, and fill it up without leaving any space (this is the main stress point).
Sealant: Apply another circle of waterproofing on the outer layer, and smooth it with your fingers or a scraper (don’t leave potholes, otherwise it will seep in when it rains).
5. Reinstall the pressure strip: If it is fixed with a pressure block, tighten the screws but don’t use too much force (to prevent the glass from being crushed).

Common rollover: Some people try to apply glue quickly, but the glue is not filled up, and the glass becomes loose within half a year…

III. 6 details that ordinary people are most likely to overlook

1. Drying time of glue
Structural glue takes 24 hours to dry thoroughly, so don’t touch the glass during this period! Some people touch it 2 hours after applying the glue, and the glass is crooked, and the glue is applied in vain.

2. The color of the glass must match
Curtain wall glass may have a coating (such as UV protection, reflection), if the color is wrong when changing, it will look like a patch from a distance, ugly!

3. High-rise operations must be windproof
If the building is more than 3 stories high, it is best to choose windless weather to change the glass. A master once encountered a strong wind when changing the glass on the 6th floor, and the glass was almost blown away.

4. Don’t use ordinary glass instead
Curtain wall glass is generally tempered or laminated. Ordinary glass will break when hit, and changing it is like laying a mine.

5. Check the deformation of the frame
If you find that the frame is rusted or deformed when removing the old glass, repair the frame first and then install the new glass! Otherwise, it will be crooked when installed.

6. Garbage disposal
Broken glass must be packed in thick bags and labeled “Beware of glass”. Discarding it at will may hurt people and may also be fined!

4. In what situations must you find a professional?

Although you can theoretically replace it yourself, don’t force it in the following situations:
The glass is too large: If a single piece exceeds 2 square meters, at least 3 people are required to cooperate.
High-altitude work: If there is no professional hanging basket equipment above 3 floors, the risk is extremely high.
The curtain wall structure is complex: For example, unit curtain wall and point-supported curtain wall, if one part is removed incorrectly, the entire wall may be affected.
Warranty responsibility: If water leakage or glass falling off is caused by private replacement, the property may not admit it.

Cost reference: For ordinary residential buildings, replacing a 1㎡ glass, labor + materials are about 8001500 yuan; high-rise office buildings may cost more than 3,000 yuan (including crane fees).

5. How to inspect after replacing the glass?

1. Shake it: gently push the glass. If it is obviously loose, it means it is not installed firmly.
2. Water splashing test: After installation, wait for the glue to dry, flush with water for 5 minutes with a water pipe, and it is qualified if there is no water seepage inside.

3. Look at the appearance: Observe from different angles, the glass should not be tilted, twisted or have obvious glue marks.
4. Check the noise: Listen for any abnormal noise on windy days (indicating that the pads are not placed properly or the gaps are too small).

VI. Tips for daily maintenance of glass curtain walls

Check the glue joints once a year: If cracks are found, fill the glue in time.

Do not use corrosive cleaners: such as hydrochloric acid, which will corrode the glue strips.

Reinforcement before typhoons: Temporary windproof clips can be added to the four corners of the glass in coastal areas.

Summary: Replacing curtain wall glass seems simple, but it is actually full of pitfalls! The key is to work slowly and carefully, and safety first. If you are not sure, it is better to spend more money to find a professional team, and don’t take risks with your own and others’ safety. After all, the glass can be reinstalled if it falls, but there is no regret medicine for people who have accidents!