GB2540819A

GB2540819A - Window and/or door

Info

Publication number: GB2540819A
Application number: GB1513475.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Smith Peter; King Ronan
Original assignee: Sash Window Workshop Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Sash Window Workshop Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2015-07-30
Filing date: 2015-07-30
Publication date: 2017-02-01
Also published as: GB201513475D0

Abstract

The window comprises at least one multi-glazed unit 209 sealed to a first frame 205 by putty 219a, with at least one glazing bar 217 sealed by putty 219b to a first major surface of the unit. The window may have a plurality of glazing bars in a grid and attached to the first major surface by adhesive or double-sided tape 218. The window may have second glazing bars 223 opposite the first bars on a second major surface. The window may have two glass panes 222, 213 with spacing members 215 between them and proximal to the glazing bars. The window may comprise a second frame 207 similar to the first. The window may have an outer frame 203. The window may be a sash window, or be in a door. The window may be installed in conservation areas. Also claimed is a method of producing the window.

Description

WINDOW AND/OR DOOR

The present invention relates to at least one of a window and door, for example a window and/or door that is adapted to be used in conservation areas.

In many conservation areas there are strict planning controls on changes affecting the appearance of buildings to safeguard areas of special architectural and historic interest. In those areas special regulations are in place, which need to be considered when undertaking development. This means that in some such areas changes affecting the appearance of windows and doors are not allowed. This has made it difficult to replace draughty single glazed windows and doors with modem multi-glazed windows.

An example of a traditional multi-paned single glazed sash window 1 is shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view, with visual breaks. The window 1 has an exterior side 2 and interior side 4, and includes a frame 3 having at least one central horizontal timber member 5 and at least one central vertical timber member 7, which separates individual panes of glass 9. The central timber members 5,7, which are often referred to as astragals, create a grid like appearance.

Each pane of glass 9 is sealed to the frame 3 by applying putty 11 along the edges of the frame, including along the central timber members 5,7, in the traditional manner.

To upgrade a multi-paned single glazed window 1 to multi-glazed window 101 (typically a double glazed window), it is known to provide a new window that includes a single double glazed unit 109 and a frame 103 without astragals. The window 101 includes an edge trim 111, typically in the form of a timber bead, which is attached to the frame 103 around the edge of the glass 109 using pins. This is to visually simulate the appearance of a traditional putty line around the frame 103. This is illustrated in Figure 2.

At least one glazing bar 105 (sometimes referred to as an astragal bar or an astragal glazing bar) is applied across the surface of the glass, for example in a relatively central position, which is intended to visually represent the astragal and its associated putty line in the traditional single paned window. Each glazing bar 105 is normally attached to the outer surface of the glass 109 using double-sided tape or an adhesive, whereas in a traditional window the glass is divided into small panes by the astragals.

The main problem with replacing single glazed windows with multi-glazed units is that the depth of the double glazed unit 109 is much greater than a single pane of glass 9, leaving a shallower recess within the frame. This affects the appearance of the window. Also, the edge trim 111 and glazing bars 105 give the window a very different appearance as they are set at a much shallower angle than traditional putty and it leaves an obvious joint between the edge trim 111 and the frame 103, and in each of the comers of the edge trim 111.

It is this type of arrangement that conservation officers frequently reject as not being sufficiently close in appearance to traditional windows.

Another problem identified by the inventors is that moisture can penetrate between the glazing bar(s) and the glass, which over time may degrade the ability of the double-sided tape/adhesive to adhere the glazing bar(s) to the glass.

Similar issues apply to single glazed doors.

Accordingly the invention seeks to provide a multi-glazed window and/or door, for example a double glazed window and/or door, that visually resembles a traditional single glazed unit, thus allowing single glazed windows and doors in conservation areas to be upgraded to multi-glazed units without falling foul of planning regulations, and that addresses the moisture penetration problem.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided at least one of a window and a door having a first frame; at least one multi-glazed unit mounted within the first frame, said multi-glazed unit being sealed to the first frame, to provide a weather proof seal, by putty or a putty-like material. The window includes at least one glazing bar, which is sometimes referred to as an astragal bar or an astragal glazing bar, mounted on a first major surface of the multi-glazed unit. The glazing bar is sealed to the first major surface, to provide a weather proof seal, by putty or a putty-like material. The putty like material is similar to putty in the sense that it is a pliable sealant when applied to the window, which subsequently sets.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems by combining a multi-glazed unit with a glazing bar and a surface covering of a traditional sealant. The glazing bar provides the visual impression of a traditional astragal, and the putty or putty-like material better matches the visual impression of the traditional window and better protects the glazing bar mounting. Thus the invention benefits from the acoustic and thermal properties of the multi-glazed unit, improves the longevity of the glazing bar - glass connection, and meets the planning regulations for the visual appearance of the window and/or door.

The invention is applicable to the upgrading of existing windows and also the installation of new windows.

Advantageous optional features of preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims and in the statements of invention below.

The glazing bar includes a substantially rectangular cross-section. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that many different cross-sections can be provided, including decorative profiles. A particular advantage of the rectangular cross-section is that it is particularly suited to accommodating the putty line. Preferably the glazing bar has a depth of around 5 mm to 10 mm and a width of around 3 mm to 6 mm A plurality of glazing bars are mounted on the first major surface of the multi-glazed unit, wherein at least some of the glazing bars are sealed to the first major surface by putty or a putty-like material. Preferably each of the glazing bars is sealed to the first major surface by putty or a putty-like material. Typically the glazing bars are arranged in a grid.

The or each glazing bar includes first and second longitudinal sides and is sealed to the first major surface by application of the putty or putty like material along at least a substantial portion of the first and second longitudinal sides.

The or each glazing bar is attached to the first major surface by at least one of an adhesive and a double-sided tape. Preferably the or each glazing bar includes a substantially planar base. The adhesive and/or double-sided tape adheres the base to the first major surface.

Additional sealant is applied along edges of the or each glazing bar and/or the first frame. The additional sealant is applied towards the base of the or each glazing bar, and is in the form of a heel bead. The additional sealant is applied at the joints between the first frame and the multi-glazed unit. The additional sealant has a relatively small cross-section compared with the putty or putty like material. The putty or putty like material is applied over the additional sealant.

The or each glazing bar is preferably in the form of a bead.

The glazing bar can be made from a material that matches, or at least provides a similar visual impression to, the astragal in the traditional window which is being replaced. For example, the or each glazing bar can include timber. However any other suitable material can be used, for example plastics, MDF, and HDF. A suitable weather proof coating, such as paint, can be applied to the or each glazing bar and the frames. This matches the appearance of the or each glazing bar with the appearance of the frame.

The window and/or door includes at least one glazing bar attached to a second major surface of the multi-glazed unit. For example, the first frame can include at least one inner glazing bar, and the multi-glazed unit can be mounted in the recess such that the second major surface of the multi-glazed is boned to the or each inner glazing bar. Typically the first major surface is an outer surface and the second major surface is an inner surface. The or each glazing bar attached to the second major surface is hereinafter referred to as an inner glazing bar. The or each glazing bar mounted on the first major surface is hereinafter referred to as an outer glazing bar.

Preferably the inner glazing bar is located substantially opposite to the outer glazing bar. The longitudinal centre line of the inner glazing bar is substantially aligned with the longitudinal centre line of the outer glazing bar, for example when viewed from a direction substantially perpendicular to the first major surface. Preferably the number of outer glazing bars matches the number of inner glazing bars. Preferably the outer glazing bars are mounted on the first major surface in a similar pattern to a pattern of inner glazing bars attached to the first frame The pattern of outer glazing bars is arranged substantially opposite to the pattern of inner glazing bars. The second major surface is attached to the or each inner glazing bar by at least one of an adhesive and a double-sided tape.

The multi-glazed unit includes first and second panes of glass, and preferably includes a plurality of spacing members located between the first and second panes.

The multi-glazed unit includes at least one elongate spacing member that is located proximal to the glazing bar. In preferred embodiments the spacing member is substantially aligned with at least one of its respective outer glazing bar and inner glazing bar, for example when viewed from a direction substantially perpendicular to the first major surface. The elongate spacing member provides a visual impression of a connection between the outer glazing bar located on the first major surface and the inner glazing bar located on the second major surface, to more closely resemble a traditional astragal.

In preferred embodiments the or each spacing member is tubular.

In some embodiments a plurality of spacing members is arranged proximal to the glazing bar. Each of the spacing members is substantially aligned with at least one of its respective outer glazing bar and inner glazing bar, for example when viewed from the direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first major surface. This reduces the weight of the glazing unit, when compared with solid spacing members. The spacing elements are arranged substantially parallel with one another.

The multi-glazed unit preferably includes at least one spacing member for each glazing bar. In preferred embodiments each spacing member is substantially aligned with at least one of its respective outer glazing bar and inner glazing bar, for example when viewed from the direction substantially perpendicular to the first major surface.

The or each spacing member is approximately the same length as its respective glazing bar.

The multi-glazed unit includes at least one spacing member located at, and aligned with, an edge of the multi-glazed unit. In preferred embodiments, the multi-glazed unit includes at least one spacing member located at, and aligned with, each edge of the unit.

The window and/or door includes a second frame; at least one multi-glazed unit mounted within the second frame, said multi-glazed unit being sealed to the second frame, to provide a weather proof seal, by putty or a putty-like material; and at least one glazing bar mounted on a first major surface of the multi-glazed unit, wherein the glazing bar is sealed to the first major surface, to provide a weather proof seal, by putty or a putty-like material.

Advantageously the second frame, multi-glazed unit, glazing bar and/or the sealing arrangements can be similar to any configuration described in relation to the first frame.

The window and/or door includes an outer frame, wherein at least one of the first and second frames is mounted within the outer frame. In preferred embodiments, at least one of the first, second and outer frames includes timber. In preferred embodiments at least one of the first and second inner frames is movable with respect to the outer frame.

The window can comprise at least one of a box sash window, spiral sash window, flush casement window, and a storm casement window.

The door can comprise a single door or multiple door arrangement, such as French doors.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for producing a window and/or door, the method includes providing a first frame; mounting a multi-glazed unit within a recess formed in the first frame; sealing the multi-glazed unit to the first frame, to provide a weather proof seal, by applying putty or a putty-like material to the first frame and the multi-glazed unit; mounting at least one glazing bar onto a first major surface of the multi-glazed unit; and sealing the glazing bar to the first major surface, to provide a weather proof seal, by applying putty or a putty-like material to the glazing bar and the first major surface.

The method includes inserting the multi-glazed unit into the recess from an outer side of the first frame.

The method includes mounting a pattern of glazing bars onto the first major surface and sealing the pattern of glazing bars to the first major surface, to provide a weather proof seal, by applying putty or a putty-like material to the glazing bars and the first major surface. Typically the glazing unit is mounted into the first frame prior to the pattern of glazing bars being applied to the glazing unit.

The method includes at least partly forming the pattern of glazing bars prior to applying the glazing bars onto the first major surface.

The method includes attaching the or each glazing bar to the first major surface using at least one of an adhesive and a double-sided tape.

The method includes applying additional sealant along the or each glazing bar, and applying the putty or putty like material over the additional sealant.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view, with breaks, of a prior art single glazed sash window;

Figure 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view, with breaks, of a prior art double glazed sash window;

Figure 3 shows front, horizontal cross-section and vertical cross-section views of a window in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 is an enlarged vertical cross-section, with breaks, of part of the window of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a vertical cross-section, with breaks, of part of a window of a second embodiment of the invention, said second embodiment having a different double glazing unit; and

Figure 6 is a vertical cross-section, with breaks, of a glazing bar and part of a double glazing unit, the glazing bar having a different cross-section from the first and second embodiments.

Figure 3 shows a sash window 201 in accordance with the invention. The sash window includes an outer frame 203, a first inner frame 205 and a second inner frame 207. At least one of the first and second inner frames 205,207 is movable vertically with respect to the outer frame 203 in the traditional manner for a sash window, and therefore is not further described herein.

The sash window includes a first multi-glazed unit 209, which is shown in the form of a double glazed unit 209 in the Figures.

The multi-glazed unit 209 includes an outer pane of glass 211, an inner pane of glass 213 and an arrangement of internal spacers 215, which are located between the inner and outer panes of glass 211,213.

The first inner frame 205 includes a pattern of glazing bars 223 (hereafter referred to as the inner glazing bars 223). The inner glazing bars 223 are fixedly attached to the first inner frame 205, for example by means of a mitrejoints and adhesive. The inner glazing bars 223 are arranged in a pattern, for example a grid-like pattern. The pattern is arranged to visually replicate the astragals used in the traditional window, which the multi-glazed window 201 replaces. Typically the pattern of inner glazing bars 223 includes at least one substantially horizontal glazing bar 223a and/or at least one substantially vertical glazing bar 223b.

The multi-glazed unit 209 is mounted in a recess 210 formed within the first inner frame 205 (see Figure 4). The multi-glazed unit 209 is preferably inserted into the recess 2010 from the outer side. The multi-glazed unit 209is preferably attached to the first frame 205 by means of an adhesive and/or double sided tape 212, located at the base of the recess 210. The multi-glazed unit is attached to outer faces of the inner glazing bars 223 by adhesive and/or double sided tape 224. The adhesive and/or tape is applied to the inner glazing bars prior to the multi-glazed unit 209 being inserted into the recess 210. A pattern of glazing bars 217 (hereinafter referred to as outer glazing bars 217) is attached to the outer pane of glass 211 by an adhesive and/or double-sided tape 218. The pattern can comprise a single glazing bar 217 but preferably the pattern comprises a plurality of glazing bars 217 in the form of a grid (see Figure 3). The pattern is arranged to visually replicate the astragals used in the traditional window, which the multi-glazed window 201 replaces. Typically the pattern of glazing bars 217 includes at least one substantially horizontal glazing bar 217a and/or at least one substantially vertical glazing bar 217b. The arrangement in Figure 3 shows one horizontal glazing bar 217a and two vertical glazing bars 217a.

The pattern of outer glazing bars 217 is similar to the pattern of inner glazing bars 223. The outer glazing bars 217 are mounted on the outer pane of glass 211 substantially opposite to the inner glazing bars 223.

The or each outer glazing bar 217 is preferably in the form of a bead, such as a timber bead, having a rectangular cross-section (see Figure 4. A rectangular cross-section timber bead is preferred in order to more closely approximate the astragal in the traditional type single pane sash windows. However it will be appreciated that outer glazing bars 217 having other cross-sections and/or material can be used, as required. For example, the or each outer glazing bar can be made from a plastics material; High Density Fibre (HDF) bead; Medium Density Fibre (MDF) bead; and/or any other suitable material. A suitable coating can be applied to the bead to match the appearance of the bead to the frame, for example paint can be applied to the bead and frame. Any suitable cross-section can be used, for example any suitable decorative cross-section. A heel bead of adhesive/sealant 220 is applied to the outer pane of glass 211, towards its edges, and to the first inner frame 105, to provide an initial seal between the glazing and the frame 205. This prevents the ingress of water to inner parts of the frame 205. A heel bead of adhesive/sealant 222 is applied along the longitudinal edges of the or each outer glazing bar 217 in order to improve the bond with the adhesive and/or double sided tape 218.

The multi-glazed unit 209 is further sealed to the first inner frame 205, to provide a weatherproof seal, by means of putty 219a or an equivalent pliant sealant. The putty 219a is applied to the outer pane of glass 211, towards the edges thereof, and to an inner surface 221 of the first inner frame. The putty 219a is applied over the adhesive/sealant 220. The putty 219a is applied in lines, in the traditional manner. Thus the multi-glazed unit 209 is sealed, to provide a weather proof seal, to the first inner frame 205 towards its edges.

Putty 219b is applied to the or each outer glazing bar 217 along its longitudinal sides and on to the outer pane of glass 211 adjacent to the longitudinal sides. The putty 219b is applied over the adhesive/sealant 222. Thus the or each outer glazing bar 217 is effectively sealed, to provide a weatherproof seal, to the outer pane of glass 211, thereby protecting the adhesive and/or double-sided tape 218 which adheres the glazing bar 217 to the glazing unit 209.

In Figure 4, the inner glazing bar 213 is shown with an Ovolo cross-sectional profile. It will be appreciated that other profiles can be used.

The spacers 215 located within the double glazed unit 209, are elongate, and are arranged substantially in line with their respective inner and outer glazing bars 217,213, when viewed from a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the major surface of the outer pane of glass 211. The spacers 215 give the visual impression that the outer glazing bar 217 and its respective inner glazing bar 223 form a continuous body, which separates the glazing unit 209 into individual panes of glass. Thus the combination of the spacer 215 and its respective outer glazing bar 217 and inner glazing bar 223 provides the visual impression of an astragal in a traditional window. The spacers also help maintain the separation between the panes of glass 211, 213. Each spacer 215 can be arranged as a solid bar, a tubular bar, or can comprise first and second spacer bars, which are arranged substantially parallel to one another, and preferably spaced apart from one another.

Additional spacer bars 225 can be provided towards the edges of the unit 209.

In some arrangements, the multi-glazed unit 209 can be filled with an inert gas, such as argon.

The second inner frame 207 is arranged similarly to the first inner frame 205. For example, it includes a multi-glazed unit 209 having an outer pane of glass 211, inner pane of glass 213 and spacers 215. Outer glazing bars 217 are attached to the outer pane of glass 211 by means of adhesive and/or double-sided tape 218 and inner glazing bars 223 are attached to the second inner frame 207. Putty 219a,219b or an equivalent pliable sealant, and sealant 220,222 is applied to the outer pane of glass 211, the second inner frame 207 and outer glazing bars 217 in the manner described above for the first inner frame 205.

Thus the sash window is able to benefit from the acoustic and thermal properties of the double-glazed units 209, whilst maintaining the appearance of a traditional multi-paned single glazed sash window. The window also provides additional sealing protection to the outer glazing bars 217.

Typically the depth of the first and second inner frames is in the range 35mm to 80mm.

Typically the glazing bar has a depth of around 5 mm to 40 mm and a width of around 3 mm to 6 mm

Typically, the depth of the glazing unit 209 is within the range 12mm to 22mm, and preferably 13mm to 38mm. The inner pane of glass 213 is typically around 3mm to 7mm thick and preferably around 4mm thick. The outer pane of glass 211 is typically in the range 4mm to 13mm thick. The panes of glass 211,213 are typically separated by a distance of around 5mm to 10mm. The depth of each spacer 215 matches the gap between the inner and outer panes 211,213.

It will be appreciated that the invention is applicable to new windows, for example for jobs wherein substantially the entire existing window is removed and is replaced by a new window.

The invention is also applicable to modifying an existing window to some degree. For example, it may be desirable to maintain much of the existing frame work for conservation purposes while removing the original glass and astragals to accommodate the new multi-glazed unit and glazing bars. During the installation process, double sided adhesive tape is applied to the inner glazing bars and the seat of the recess of the first frame. The multi-glazed unit is mounted into the recess from an outer side of the frame. It is seated in the recess such that the inner pane of glass is bonded to the inner glazing bars and the recess seat. A pattern of outer glazing bars is pre-formed. Double sided tape is applied to the pattern of outer glazing bars, and the pattern of outer glazing bars is mounted onto the outer pane of glass. The heel sealant is applied to the frame and outer glazing bars. Putty is applied to the frame and outer glazing bars over the heel sealant.

Figure 5 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except that the glazing unit 309 has a narrower gap between the inner and outer panes of glass 311,313 and a thicker outer pane 311.

Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of the invention. The third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except that the inner glazing bar 423 has a different cross-sectional profile. In this arrangement the inner glazing bar 423 is in the form of a lambs tongue profile.

It will be appreciated that modifications can be made to the above embodiments that fall within the scope of the invention, for example the invention is applicable to other types of window, such as a box sash window, spiral sash window, flush casement window, and a storm casement window.

The invention is also applicable to glazed doors. For example, traditional single paned glazed doors can be upgrade to include multi-glazed units. The invention is applicable to a single door and double doors, such as French doors. The invention is applicable to units including at least one door and at least one window.

The dimensions and profiles of the frames, glazing bars and / or glazing units are selected to suit the particular application.

Claims

1. At least one of a window and a door having a first frame; at least one multi-glazed unit mounted within the first frame, said multi-glazed unit being sealed to the first frame, to provide a weather proof seal, by putty or a putty-like material; and at least one glazing bar mounted on a first major surface of the multi-glazed unit, wherein the glazing bar is sealed to the first major surface, to provide a weather proof seal, by putty or a putty-like material.

2. A window and/or door according to claim 1, wherein the glazing bar includes a substantially rectangular cross-section.

3. A window and/or door according to claim 1 or 2, including a plurality of glazing bars mounted on the first major surface of the multi-glazed unit, wherein at least some of the glazing bars are sealed to the first major surface by putty or a putty-like material.

4. A window and/or door according to claim 3, wherein the glazing bars are arranged in a grid.

5. A window and/or door according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each glazing bar includes first and second longitudinal sides and is sealed to the first major surface by putty or a putty like material along at least a substantial portion of the first and second longitudinal sides.

6. A window and/or door according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each glazing bar is attached to the first major surface by at least one of an adhesive and a double-sided tape.

7. A window and/or door according to any one of the preceding claims, including additional sealant along edges of the or each glazing bar and/or the first frame, wherein the putty or putty-like material is applied over the additional sealant.

8. A window and/or door according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each glazing bar includes a bead.

9. A window and/or door according to any one of the preceding claims, including at least one glazing bar attached to a second major surface of the multi-glazed unit.

10. A window and/or door according to claim 9, wherein the or each glazing bar mounted on the first major surface is arranged opposite to a respective glazing bar attached to the second major surface.

11. A window and/or door according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the multi-glazed unit includes first and second panes of glass and a plurality of spacing members located between the first and second panes.

12. A window and/or door according to claim 11, including at least one elongate spacing member located proximal to the glazing bar.

13. A window and/or door according to claim 12, wherein the spacing member comprises a plurality of spacing members located proximal to the glazing bar.

14. A window and/or door according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the or each spacing member is substantially aligned with the glazing bar.

15. A window and/or door according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the multi-glazed unit includes at least one spacing member for each glazing bar, wherein each spacing member is substantially aligned with its respective glazing bar.

16. A window and/or door according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the or each spacing member is approximately the same length as its respective glazing bar.

17. A window and/or door according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the multi-glazed unit includes at least one spacing member located at, and aligned with, an edge of the multi-glazed unit.

18. A window and/or door according to any one of the preceding claims, including a second frame; at least one multi-glazed unit mounted within the second frame, said multi-glazed unit being sealed to the second frame, to provide a weather proof seal, by putty or a putty-like material; and at least one glazing bar mounted on a first major surface of the multi-glazed unit, wherein the glazing bar is sealed to the first major surface, to provide a weather proof seal, by putty or a putty-like material.

19. A window and/or door according to any one of the preceding claims, including an outer frame, wherein at least one of the first and second frames is mounted within the outer frame.

20. A window and/or door according to claim 19, wherein at least one of the first and second frames is movable with respect to the outer frame.

21. A window according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one of a box sash window, spiral sash window, flush casement window, and a storm casement window.

22. A door according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a single door or multiple door arrangement.

23. A method for producing at least one of a window and door, said method including providing a first frame; mounting a multi-glazed unit within a recess formed in the first frame; sealing the multi-glazed unit to the first frame, to provide a weather proof seal, by applying putty or a putty-like material to the first frame and the multi-glazed unit; mounting at least one glazing bar onto a first major surface of the multi-glazed unit; and sealing the glazing bar to the first major surface, to provide a weather proof seal, by applying putty or a putty-like material to the glazing bar and the first major surface.

24. A method according to claim 23, including mounting a pattern of glazing bars onto the first major surface and sealing the pattern of glazing bars to the first major surface, to provide a weather proof seal, by applying putty or a putty-like material to the glazing bars and the first major surface.

25. A method according to claim 24, including at least partly forming the pattern of glazing bars prior to applying the glazing bars onto the first major surface.

26. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, including attaching the or each glazing bar to the first major surface using at least one of an adhesive and a doublesided tape.

27. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 26, including applying additional sealant along edges of the or each glazing bar, and applying the putty or putty like material over the additional adhesive/sealant.

28. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 27, including applying additional sealant along edges of the first frame, wherein the putty or putty-like material is applied over the additional sealant.

29. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein the first frame is included in an existing window, and the method includes modifying the existing window by removing at least one existing pane of glass from said window prior to mounting the multi-glazed unit within the recess.

30. A method according to claim 29, including removing at least one astragal from the existing window prior to mounting the multi-glazed unit within the recess.