Double glazing unit replacement only

milobrulee

I have UPVC windows from 1999 that need replacing. Several of them have "blown" (get condensation between the panes). Also several of them don't seal properly anymore (I get wind blowing through the gaps and howling, and some I get a constant breeze through). 

I've read that you can replace just the "unit" so the opening window part and I am wondering if this will help in my situation. The UPVC frames look in fine condition inside and outside, plus I have recently redecorated and want to avoid any messy damage to the interior decoration if I had the full frames replaced. 

Is it worth just changing the opening units? How can the seals be changed, if they are the part attached to the frame? And what about replacing the glass part of the window where it's not a separate component but part of the frame, e.g it's a non-opening window? Some of the worst "blown" ones are the integral ones not the opening parts. 

MikeJXE

Get a quote from at least 3 glazing contractors

All the glass can be replaced and probably the seals if the frames are good

The disruption inside your home will depend on whether the beading is on the inside or the outside 

Albermarle

Normally you can replace the 'sealed units' on double glazing. It is the same for opening and non opening windows.
The sealing is a rubber type strip that can be easily replaced when fitting the new glass sealed units.
You can do it yourself, but you need to be very careful measuring up before you order new sealed units.
Probably better to get your local window firm to do it for you . I think each sealed unit will cost about £200 including fitting ( if they are not too big )

[Deleted User]

Hi,

look for a Window Doctor in your area.

twopenny

I had all the seals replaced on my windows this autumn by our local window doctor.
 Easy enough. I took the old seals out where possible to save on money .
She also puts in new units.
And she adds servicing of all handles and locks. 

Very busy lady so there's a wait for the work.

The glazing firms pass all work to her so your local ones will probably recommend a good one.
Do check they are the busy, reliable ones. Occasionally there's the odd bod who thinks they can do it.

Albermarle

twopenny said:

I had all the seals replaced on my windows this autumn by our local window doctor.
 Easy enough. I took the old seals out where possible to save on money .
She also puts in new units.
And she adds servicing of all handles and locks. 

Very busy lady so there's a wait for the work.

The glazing firms pass all work to her so your local ones will probably recommend a good one.
Do check they are the busy, reliable ones. Occasionally there's the odd bod who thinks they can do it.

Our local window firm sends one of their own people around.

TELLIT01

We used Cloudy 2 Clear when we needed a blown unit replaced and we were very pleased with the service.  It is a franchise operation so service may vary.

35har1old

MikeJXE said:

Get a quote from at least 3 glazing contractors

All the glass can be replaced and probably the seals if the frames are good

The disruption inside your home will depend on whether the beading is on the inside or the outside 

For security the beads should be internal but some of the older upvc windows where external