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?
The first signs that your double glazing needs attention are usually quite evident. Recognising the early signs that your double glazing needs repair can save you time and money in the long run. Here are some key indicators to watch out for:
- Draughts coming through the frames
- Condensation between panes indicates that the seals have failed
- Difficulty opening, closing and locking windows
- Foggy or cloudy glass suggests failed insulation properties
- Physical damage like cracks or chips
- Increased Energy Bills indicate windows might be letting out heat
- Whistling or rattling noises from gaps around your pane or frame
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?
The time taken to repair your double glazing can vary depending on the issue at hand. If you’re looking to replace a window, typically it can take as little as 30 minutes. However, more complex problems may require more time for a thorough evaluation and remedy.
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 on 0800 182 2045 – 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.
