Can Double-Glazed Windows Be Repaired?
We often have worried homeowners coming to us asking what they should expect their window replacement cost to be. The relief when they find out that their windows can be repaired instead of replaced is palpable. The decision of whether a double-glazed window can be repaired instead of replaced comes down to what part of the window system has failed. At Go-Green Windows & Doors, we’ve been working in window repair and replacement for over 20 years, and we want to help you understand your options clearly.
What Is A Double-Glazed Window Unit?
A double-glazed unit (also known as an insulated glass unit, or IGU) is made up of two panes of glass with a gap in the middle. The two panes are sealed together around the edges with the gap often filled with an inert gas like argon. The design provides thermal insulation and reduces noise. The frame, regardless of the material it is made of, is a separate component.
In Canada, where the winters can be long, cold and dry (and summers variable especially in places like the Lower Mainland or the Calgary region), the quality and condition of both the glass unit and the frame matter greatly for energy efficiency. The better the energy efficiency, the lower your utility bills.
When Home Window Repairs Are Possible
If the issue lies with the frame, hardware or weather seals rather than the glass unit itself, a repair is often practical. If the sash isn’t sealing properly, or the weather-strip has worn out, it makes sense to ask for a window sash repair or to replace the weather-strip, instead of replacing the whole window unit.
If there is a minor surface crack or chip in one pane of the double-glazed unit and the seal is still intact (no fogging between panes, no gas loss), then in some cases a glass repairs specialist may remove and replace just that pane.
The most common failure in double glazing is the sealed unit itself — when the seal between panes fails, allowing moisture to enter, causing fogging or misting between panes, and the insulating gas escapes. Once that happens, you’ll often see condensation or fog between the two panes of glass.
If your window has condensation between the panes, then foggy window repair might still be possible. We use a drying agent to get rid of the moisture between the panes before repairing the root cause of the problem.
In some cases, the recommended remedy is to replace the sealed unit (i.e., the double-glazed element) rather than attempt to reseal it. However, it may be possible to replace just that particular unit rather than the entire window.
When House Window Replacement Is Required
Sometimes, there’s no option but to replace a window. For example, when your window shows signs of extreme warping, rot, or water damage. If your double-glazed window is very old, then a full window replacement can be the most cost-effective option.
What We Do At Go-Green
We believe in keeping as many windows out of landfill as possible. What this means is, we’ll recommend repairs over replacements wherever possible.
Inspection
Our technicians check the condition of the frame, sash, weather‐strip, hardware and glazing unit. If the frame is sound and only the IGU is faulty, we may recommend sealed‐unit replacement.
Recommendation
We discuss your options with you, whether that means foggy window repair, window sash repair, sealed unit replacement, or replacing the entire window. We also discuss your financing options if necessary.
Quality & Warranty
We order high quality custom-made window products from local Calgary manufacturers, so you know the replacements you are getting are built for the local weather. We stand by the work carried out by our qualified window repair and replacement technicians, that’s why we offer some of the best warranties in town with a 10-year warranty on labour and 25 years on new windows.
To sum it up, glass in double-glazed windows can often be fixed without replacing the entire window, but only if the failure is in the glass unit (IGU) and the frame/hardware are still in good condition. When the unit’s seal has failed, a reliable option is to replace the sealed unit. And if the frame or other components have reached the end of their service life, a full replacement may be the better investment.
Get in touch with us to know what your options are.