When Do I Need to Repair Glazing?

Glazing can have a number of issues. Just from regular use, your products will become damaged over time, which can then lead to repairs. Whether it’s the locking mechanism, the glazing, or the frame, a lot of issues can be repaired. In some cases, unfortunately, the glazing cannot be repaired and will have to be replaced.

We will always try to repair issues where possible, but if you do require replacement glazing, we offer highly competitive prices and quotes for our work. If you are looking for one of the leading providers of double glazing repair in Essex, then get in touch with our team to arrange for your free quote.

Issue	Symptom	The Fix	Urgency
Blown/Misted Seal	Condensation or “fog” is trapped between the two panes of glass.	Replace the glazing unit: The seal has failed. You don’t need a new frame, just a new glass insert. In some cases, this can be very compromised, and you will need to replace the glazing, but you can keep the frame.	Medium: Reduces thermal efficiency and looks unsightly. You will be losing a lot of money each year on energy bills, so we recommend fixing this when you can.
Drafts	Feeling cold air around the edges of the window even when closed. You can also hear this if you have noise coming from the outside.	Replace Gaskets/Hinges: Usually caused by worn rubber seals or a dropped hinge that prevents a flush close.	High: Spikes your heating bills immediately.
Cracked/Smashed Glass	Visible cracks, chips, or a shattered pane.	Emergency Replacement: Single-pane replacement is required immediately for safety and security.	Critical: Security risk and dangerous.
Stiff Handle/Lock	Difficulty turning the handle or the window won’t lock into place.	Lubricate or Replace Gearbox: Often just needs “3-in-1” oil, or the internal “espag” locking mechanism needs a swap.	High: You could get locked out (or in) if it snaps.
External Condensation	Dew on the outside of the glass in the morning.	Do Nothing: This is actually a sign your windows are working perfectly and keeping heat inside.	None: It’s a sign of quality.
Water Leaking Inside	Water is pooling on the internal windowsill during rain.	Clear Drainage Holes: Check the small slots in the bottom of the frame; they are likely blocked by dirt/debris.	High: Can cause damp and mould in your walls.

Why Do You Need to Fix Glazing?

There are a few reasons why your glazing may need fixing. From an accident with a football flying into the glass to everyday use, the glazing can become physically damaged over time. This can usually be repaired or replaced with new glazing. The seals can also become damaged, which will cause issues such as draughts. It’s very important to fix glazing to keep your home efficient, as these problems will cause you to spend more on your energy bills each year.

When your glazing is reaching the end of its lifespan, you can also get other problems, which means that it’s better to replace the glazing rather than keep it in that condition. Old seals are likely to be blamed for this, and parts of the unit can become brittle, which could then cause the entire unit to fail. Glazing beads could also become brittle, which poses a risk of breaking when they are replaced. If you have any doubts, we can advise you on whether you need to fix your glazing and why.

Do I Really Need to Replace Glazing Every 20 Years?

You will often see suggestions that glazing needs to be replaced after 20 years and that this is the lifespan of the glazing of the unit. This is typically a good time to consider a replacement, as a new unit is going to be a lot more efficient. This is when the seals will start to become worn or have already become worn.