Category: News

Double glazing isn’t cheap and replacing it all can be an expensive project. That’s why we pride ourselves on only replacing the parts that are broken rather than the entire window pane and frame to save you time and money. So, how do you know if your double glazing needs repairing and what causes the damage? We’ll cover all of this, and more, in the following article.

4 reasons why window seals fail

Window seals have an average lifespan of 10 – 20 years but seals can fail much sooner. Here are 4 common reasons why window seals become ineffective.

Shrinkage from cold weather – ’solar pumping’

Window seals wear down over time through ‘solar pumping’. This is where the sun shining on your windows causes the glass to expand, putting pressure on the seals. As this happens over the years, the glass cools and shrinks each night, causing wear from the repeated pressure and eventually, the seal can fail. The effects of solar pumping are more prevalent in south and west-facing windows, as they receive more sunlight and are more likely to expand.

Wear and tear from time and moisture

Naturally, things wear down over time, and window seals are exposed to some harsh external conditions. Seals must cope with varying weather conditions, high winds, rain, heat, and cold, so they will eventually wear down. Furthermore, if a small amount of damage occurs and moisture finds its way into your home, mold and damp can increase this degradation.

Poorly fitted windowpanes

Whether it’s bad handiwork or windows dropping over time, a poorly fitted windowpane doesn’t sit right and can cause added unnecessary pressure to your sealing.

Accidents and unexpected damage

Accidents happen, and they can happen to your windows. From harsh chemicals used in painting or redecorating wearing seals down to burglaries and break-ins or even things hitting your windows, this can damage your windows and seals.

What happens if you don’t repair double glazing?

It’s completely your choice whether you repair your double glazing or not. However, it’s important to understand that broken or damaged double glazing can have bigger health and financial implications in the future.

It can cause mould and damp

Moisture that enters the home through damaged double glazing can cause mould and dampness. Inside your home tends to be warmer than outside, particularly during the colder months, so condensation forms on cooler surfaces, causing damp. This doesn’t happen with functional double-glazing as the gas-filled gap between the two panes of glass acts as a barrier.

As well as causing condensation on and around your windows, mould and dampness can also result in:

• Crumbling plaster and peeling wallpaper on your walls and ceiling
• Damaged fabrics and furniture resulting in costly replacements or repairs
• Poor respiratory health from the allergens, irritants and toxic substances produced by mould

Mould can be especially harmful to those with asthma as it can cause allergic reactions and harsh respiratory illnesses. However, removing mould and damp as soon as you find it can reduce the chances of contracting these life-threatening symptoms.

You’ll have higher energy bills

We lose around 20% of our heat through windows and doors. Failing to keep heat in by following basic maintenance routines and repairing double glazing as soon as you notice an issue can increase your energy bills. With energy prices always on the rise, every penny helps to keep gas and electricity bills down. Quality double glazing is impressively energy-efficient and environmentally beneficial.

The frames could rot

Rotting window frames are a common cause of failed double glazing in older homes. Much like mould, rot forms from exposure to water and moisture. Wood is an absorbent material that can soak up and retain water. The longer wood is exposed to moisture, the bigger the risk of damage as rot is a fungus which loves damp conditions.

Increased moisture can come from condensation or long-term exposure to severe weather conditions. Discoloured paint or crumbling and softened wood are the earliest signs that your window frames have begun to rot. It’s important to tackle these problems quickly to avoid further damage to your home.

FAQs about double glazing repairs

Do double glazing repairs have to be expensive?

While the notion of repairing your double glazed windows might sound costly, it’s usually far more economical than buying new windows altogether. At Cloudy2Clear, we offer cost-effective solutions that focus on replacing only the glass panes with imperfections. This approach can save you over 50% compared to full window replacements from other providers.

How do I know my double glazing needs repairs?

Blown double glazing has a few tell-tale signs, but it’s easy to confuse it with simpler problems like surface condensation or a scratch in the glass. Work through this checklist to find out what you’re really dealing with.

Check where the moisture sits. Wipe the glass. If the haze is on the surface, that’s ordinary condensation from room humidity. If it sits trapped between the panes and won’t wipe away, the seal has failed.

Look for a creeping haze. A faint mist along one edge that slowly spreads until the pane looks permanently dirty, however much you clean it, points to a failed seal rather than dirt or limescale.

Try the casement. If a window won’t shut tightly no matter how hard you push, this can signal a fault needing repair rather than a simple hinge adjustment.

Listen for draughts and noise. Draughts through the frame, whistling or rattling in windy weather, and more external noise getting through than usual all suggest insulation has been compromised.

Check your bills. A rise in heating costs with no other change in the home can point to blown glazing, since insulation drops once the gas between the panes has leaked out.

Inspect for physical damage. Cracks or chips are a separate issue from blown seals, though either can let moisture in. You can read more about repairing physical damage to glass separately.

Here’s how to tell blown glazing apart from other common window problems:

If you tick more than one of the blown glazing signs, it’s worth getting the window looked at rather than waiting for it to worsen.

Can double glazed windows be resealed?

If you notice broken seals leading to drafts and damp, it is likely the window needs to be repaired or replaced. You should seek professional help to get your windows measured and replaced if there appears to be moisture between the panes due to broken seals.

How long do double glazing repairs take?

A professional double glazing repair usually runs in two visits, with the overall job wrapped up in about a week to ten days from quote to completion.

Visit one: inspection. An engineer assesses and measures the faulty window to confirm what’s actually wrong and order the correct replacement unit.

Between visits: manufacturing. The replacement insulated glazing unit is made to the measurements taken, which is why most jobs need a second appointment rather than being finished on the spot.

Visit two: fitting. The new unit is fitted into the existing frame, so there’s no need for re-plastering or redecorating afterwards, as the frame itself stays in place.

Urgent cases. Broken ground floor windows or patio doors with a security risk can sometimes be prioritised for a same-day callout.

Straightforward jobs can be done quickly once the glass is on site, but the full process, from first inspection to a fitted replacement, can take several days.

Do I need a professional double glazing fitter?

Your double glazing is a key feature of your property, and it’s important to remember that things can go wrong if you don’t source a highly experienced provider. Here are a few of the issues that can arise with DIY double glazing repairs:

• Leaking and water damage from incorrectly installed seals
• Reduced energy efficiency from poor fittings
• Security risks from badly installed or repaired windows
• Invalid warranty, fines, legal action and failing to meet building regulations with DIY installations
• Uneven gaps, misaligned frames, or visibly poor quality
• Draughts and noise from badly installed locks and hinges
• Broken glass and mechanical failures can create pressure points that cause the glass to crack
• Costly repairs and replacements from poorly installed locks, handles, hinges, windows and frames

How much does double glazing repair cost?

The average cost of a full double-glazed window from other providers ranges between £350 and £400. However, we pride ourselves on offering a more budget-friendly alternative.

For instance, replacing a full bay window typically costs around £1300 for three frames and six windows. In comparison, Cloudy2Clear can perform the same task for approximately £599, including VAT, because we only carry out the necessary repairs.

We also offer repair services for locks, handles, and hinges, giving you a well-rounded, cost-effective solution for maintaining your double glazed windows.

Call Cloudy2Clear for a free quote

To have your double glazing fixed, get in touch with our experienced team at Cloudy2Clear.

• We only repair the areas of your double glazing that need it
• Our prices are much lower than competitors who replace entire frames unnecessarily
• Save costs while maintaining the health of your home and your family

Call us now – or fill out our contact form to find out about our double glazing repair services. Operating across the UK, our friendly engineers will provide a free quote before coming out to check the condition of your double glazing.

If you think your double glazing needs replacing, you’re probably wondering whether you can replace only the glass, rather than the entire frame. The short answer is yes, you can replace the glass, but there are a number of things to consider before you reach the point of replacing windows.

Are you experiencing any faults with your windows? Can you replace the windows yourself? How often should you replace your windows? We’ll look at all this, and more, in the following article.

What Are the Most Common Faults with Double Glazing?

Even if you’ve followed all the window maintenance advice, you can still encounter issues with your new windows. A study by Which asked homeowners what common double gazing faults they experienced….

• 34% said their windows became difficult to open or close
• 15% experienced issues with window locks not working
• 18% noticed windows or doors dropped over time and didn’t fit as well
• 12% said the seals around doors and windows failed
• 9% reported the glass was steaming up and they had issues with condensation
• 5% noted that their double glazing had cracked or shattered

We’ll dive into why some of these issues occur below.

Windows or doors becoming difficult to open or close

If your double glazed windows or doors become difficult to open and close, they may need repairing. Your doors and windows can become difficult to open for a number of reasons, including:

• Faulty locks and handles or hinges shifting over time
• Hot and cold weather causing frames to expand and shrink

Windows or doors dropping over time, so they don’t fit as well

One of the key reasons windows or doors become hard to open or close is that they have dropped over time. A double glazed window or door that doesn’t fit the frame correctly loses its energy efficiency. Other signs your double glazing needs fixing due to sagging include:

• Loose hinges that don’t improve when you tighten the screws
• Doors and windows that get ‘stuck’ when you open and close them
• No improvement when you’ve oiled hinges and handles
• Feeling a draught entering the home where the window or door doesn’t fit correctly

Locks not working

The locks on your windows and doors can also fail and compromise the security of your home. To keep your family and possessions safe, repair broken locks as soon as you notice them.

Glass steaming up or problems with condensation

Steamed glass is a bad sign for double glazed windows as the constant presence of water can weaken the seal and result in mould. If you notice condensation or cloudiness between the two panes, your windows probably need replacing. The good news is that there are preventative measures you can take to help avoid condensation in the first place:

• Ventilate rooms with fresh air by opening windows
• Open windows when showering or bathing to let steam escape
• Use extractor fans where possible
• Install ventilation systems – trickle vents and air bricks can help
• Use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity levels within your home

Seals around doors or windows failing

The seals in your double glazed windows or doors can fail for a number of reasons. It’s important that you get these faults fixed to maintain the energy efficiency of your windows.

• Natural wear and tear over time: As our windows age, so does the quality of the seals around them.
• Weather damage: In summer months, fluctuating temperatures can cause the glass to expand and shrink which places additional pressure on the seal. This process can damage the seal due to extra stress.
• Faulty manufacturing: Damaged window seals can occur from faulty manufacturing or poor quality materials so choose a double glazing specialist with excellent reviews. If broken seals occur due to product faults, your manufacturer may have a window warranty in place.
• Improper maintenance: The more care we treat our windows with, the longer they will last. Pressure washers or strong cleaning products can wear the plastic down and damage the seal.

Double glazing cracking or shattering

Windows can break or crack, depending on the weather conditions and the way you treat them. Prevent damage to your windows by:

• Opt for tempered glass when you have your double glazing fitted.
• Choose pale-coloured window coverings avoiding extreme temperature differences.
• Reduce humidity in your home by using a dehumidifier.
• Be careful around your double glazed windows and check for any scratches in the glass regularly. Any damage to the glass creates weak points, which can cause more damage to your windows later on.

Can I Replace My Double Glazing Myself?

You can tackle many home improvement tasks yourself, but even skilled DIYers should avoid attempting to replace double glazing as it’s difficult to get it right. While it can be tempting to cut down on costs, we’d always recommend finding a qualified specialist to avoid further costs later on.

86.7% of UK homes had double glazing installed by 2020 as it’s a great energy saving option. An unsuccessful DIY repair can end up costing more than the professional job would have.

When you’re choosing someone to replace your double glazing, a few checks help you avoid a poor job:

• Read recent reviews: look for feedback that mentions glass replacement specifically, not just full window installs.
• Check their service focus: a specialist who repairs glass units, not just whole frames, can often fix the problem without replacing the frame at all.
• Ask about experience with your window type: conservatories, Velux units, and doors each need different handling.
• Confirm what’s covered after the work: ask about guarantees or warranties offered for the repair.

You won’t save time and the specialist equipment you’ll need is expensive.

Repairing and replacing double glazed windows yourself requires a great deal of effort. The reinstallation of double glazed windows involves specialist skills and insights, particularly when you consider that the replacement of each variety of window will require a different approach.

It would take a long time figuring out how to do it correctly and you’d need specialist tools such as glazing knives, glass lifters, power tools, soft-faced glazing hammers and glazing PPE so you’ll likely be even more out of pocket than you would if you decided to go with a professional. If you cause damage or shoddy work needs to be redone, you’ll have to bear the cost of that as well.

You’ll void the manufacturer’s warranty

Window manufacturers offer a warranty with their products, sometimes providing lifetime warranty policies that can last for decades. The majority of window warranties cover all elements of the window, including hardware (handles, locks), the glass, frame, and finish of your window.

When considering whether you should repair or replace your windows yourself, it’s important to remember that the manufacturer’s warranty will be invalidated if the installation isn’t done by a professional. This is because most DIY replacements by non-professionals are not done to a suitable standard. Even if you think your work seems satisfactory to begin with, mistakes can quickly reveal themselves and render your efforts pointless.

You may lose out on the energy savings.

When it’s done properly, double glazed windows are highly energy efficient as they reduce the amount of heat that is able to escape through your windows. This means you could save hundreds on energy bills every year.

Energy savings are often the biggest appeal when it comes to having double glazing installed. If your DIY double glazing replacement project goes wrong, however, you’ll lose the insulating benefit of double glazing.

What to Expect During a Double Glazing Glass Replacement Visit

Your window frame stays in place. Only the glass unit itself is removed and replaced, which keeps disruption to a minimum.

Replacing multiple glass units typically takes around an hour for four units, so most jobs finish within a day. You’ll just need to clear access to the affected windows beforehand.

Replace the pane, not the frame

If your window frames are in good condition, Cloudy2Clear can repair your window at the fraction of the cost of a full replacement. Whether you have cloudy, misted up glass, or are looking to update your windows, save money by replacing only the parts of your window that are faulty with Cloudy2Clear.

Contact one of our specialists for advice now.