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Failed Double Glazing Units

failed glass units replacements
Double glazing glass view
Repair for failed glazing units

Sorting Out Failed Sealed Glass Units

Our Bolton glaziers know why double glazing sealed units can fail.

Triple or double glazing sealed glass units can fail over time whether fitted to a uPVC profile or a wooden frame. Your house may have the older type of glazing which are not as efficient as the more modern variants and fail to perform to the higher specification require by the emerging energy aware consumers.

So what are the obvious signs of a failed glazing unit? Inspect your window to see if you can spot the following factors that indicate an ineffective sealed glass unit:

  • Leaking window
  • Condensation inside panes
  • Draughts and escaping heat
  • Chipped or broken glass

Recognising Faulty Units

The signs of double glazing failure are not very common, but it is likely that most people would have experienced such trouble at least once in their lifetime. Failed double glazing units repair is available to remedy some of the problems experienced, yet the simple and cost effective solution for most cases is glass replacement.
In some cases, it may be a simple thing like a blocked drainage. Our expert fitters can check to see if the water drainage part is causing the problem. They can remove any blockage which may just be an accumulation of debris and clean the surrounding area to allow water to drain as it should.
Glass replacement is recommended for:
  • Cracked glass
  • Broken hermetic seal
  • Misty glass panes
  • Incorrect sizing

Fail, Causes & Fixes

  • 1
    Leaky Window Seals

    When rain or water leaks in, it could mean that the window weather seals are no longer effective and need replacing. A quick inspection by our approved glazier can reveal whether the weather seals are actually replaceable or if they are of a discontinued type, although we may be able to install a universal sealing material.

  • 2
    Leaks Through Gaps

    Sometimes, water can leak in through a gap between the uPVC frame and the structure it is fixed to. Our professional repairer can easily sort this out by filling the gap with the appropriate substance to make it watertight and draught proof. This should be done as soon as possible to prevent the adjacent wall areas becoming compromised. If the leak is due to poorly fitted or incorrectly sized window units, then we will advise you on the best course of action.

  • 3
    Misty Glass Units

    Condensation On External Outer Panes

    Condensation in the glass panes is also referred to as misty windows or steamy windows. What you see is condensation forming on your window glass and looking through the glazing is just a misted vision.

    However, please note that when condensation is formed on the internal outer layer of the glass unit of which you can physically touch, then it does not mean that there is a failure in the uPVC window or glazing. Rather, it is more of a problem with the ventilation in the room or the alternating temperature inside and outside.

    Any condensation that is built up on the outside outer glass pane is normally cleared up as the temperature changes. It does happen on some occasions and is actually a good thing as it shows that your home is well insulated. It is nothing to worry about.

  • 4
    Condensation On Glass

    Condensation On Inner Glass Panes

    Where condensation is formed inside of the glass, it will mean that the hermetic seal which contains the gas between the panes has been breached. Your window can no longer function as a highly efficient glazing unit. A replacement double glazed glass will be required.

  • 5
    Draughts From Window

    Draughty air can be felt from uPVC windows between the frame and the window opening where the sealant has deteriorated. Our glazier can remove failed seals where required and reseal the uPVC profiles to form an airtight closure.

    If draught is coming in from the area between the glass and the frame, then it is likely that the weather seals have failed and no longer create a proper seal to withstand UK weather. The remedy for this is to replace the weather seals. Our professionals can ensure that the correct type of rubber strips are used to endure regular use.

  • 6
    Scratched, Smashed Glass

    Glass can get scratched and only the minor scratches will buff out by our expert glaziers. As a rule, any damage to double or triple glazed glass, including cracks, holes and chips, will likely to result in replacing the whole glass unit. It is often cheaper to replace than to spend more on time consuming repair work.

  • 7
    Damaged uPVC Frame

    Damage to the uPVC frame profile may only be surface deep and not affect the performance of double glazed windows. However, deeper penetration can allow gaps for warm air to escape and compromise the energy efficiency of the property. Depending on whether the damage is, there is also a higher chance for rainwater to leak into the house or business premises. If this is the case, you need to call Bolton Glass Fix to assess the ruined window or door and advise on the best outcome.

To Replace Failed Glass Units Give Us A Call

Let us recommend the best solution for failed window units in your property
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Frequently Asked Questions


  • Do you dispose of our old broken or failed glass window units?

    On instructions, Bolton Glass Fix will complete the specified work at your home or business. As an extra feature, any old broken glass or uPVC window frames from the job will be taken away and safely disposed of.

  • Can you fix my window on the same day?

    We can fix broken windows the sameday. However, it depends on whether a glass replacement is required and it can be made the same day. Our glaziers can cut glass to the required size before the end of day if ordered by noon and is the non-specialist type. Minor repair work is usually done there and then, but anything more can mean removing the failed glass pane and repaired at the workshop. This is an expensive option and may take a few days.

  • What is the cost for replacing failed double glazing units?

    There is no fixed cost to replace failed glass units as we apply a proportionate fee to replace glazing units. At Bolton Glass Fix, we take into consideration, the size of glass, whether toughened or standard glass is required, and the type of glass structure, e.g. triple glazed. Each element brings a level of cost that we calculate and add any extras required to provide an accurate quote. To get a good estimate of how much it costs to replace your glass unit failure, get in touch for a quote.