What are glazing beads (mitered glazing beads – straight)
Glazing beads are the aluminum profile piece that holds the glass pane within the sash.
In casement aluminum frames, and more specifically in windows and balcony doors, glazing beads must be installed. Glazing beads are essential for the sash to be properly blocked. This is in contrast to closed sashes (without glazing beads) which are not blocked. There are two types: straight and mitered aluminum glazing beads. See why sashes must be blocked: closed aluminum sashes – a common mistake.
What are mitered glazing beads?
Fenestral uses mitered aluminum glazing beads (cut similarly to the sashes at 45 degrees) in casement aluminum frames. This enhances the aesthetic result, as the glazing beads harmonize with the mitered joints of the sash (45 degrees). Additionally, mitered aluminum glazing beads create a sense of unity. In contrast, straight glazing beads, which are not miter-cut, deviate from the overall aesthetic homogeneity.
See photos with mitered glazing beads and traditional-aluminum-frames
See Balcony Door with mitered glazing beads:
See Balcony Door with straight glazing beads:
Can I install mitered aluminum glazing beads on existing frames?
If your existing casement frames have closed sashes, mitered glazing beads cannot be installed. However, even if your aluminum frames have straight glazing beads and you wish to replace them, the situation is similar. The replacement cost is prohibitive. The company undertaking the replacement would have to dismantle all sashes, and possibly re-block them.
The cost increases because the company would have to perform the replacement in the manufacturing workshop. In summary, the manufacturer would have to go to your home, remove the sashes, then take them to the manufacturing workshop. After repairing them, they would have to return to your home to reinstall them. As you can understand, you need to be particularly careful when choosing the aluminum frames you install in your home.
Read Fenestral’s article: tips before buying to prevent problems from arising.
