Windows

moneysaver1978

Spotted these in one of our windows:


According to FENSA documents, we think the windows were installed in 2006. Is the seal itself gone or should we consider replacing the whole window? Is DIY possible?

Other windows around the house seem ok.

Albermarle

You just need to replace the sealed unit ( the glass part) . It is very common to have to do this.
A local window company will do it or there more national 'Window Doctors' type companies.
Cost is about £150 depending on the size.
You can DIY, but not sure how easy it is .

WIAWSNB

Does it mist up inside the unit where you cannot wipe it clear?

Do you need to replace the whole window? No. If the rest is ok, openers in good order, all nicely draughtproof, then you'd only need to replace that DG unit, and these are cheap to get - around the £100 mark.

Can you DIY this? Absolutely, if you have a reasonable level of competence - there's bound to be lots of videos out there. 

Do you need to replace this? Ah, well, no you don't. It actually makes no difference to the window, so as long as it doesn't mist up to the point it's annoying, then simply no need to replace it.

Personally, I'd wait... 

moneysaver1978

Now that you mention it - this and 2 other windows do mist up inside! The window frames are OK though so I will give the local window companies a call for a quote for sealed units replacements.

We have one of these thermal cameras, so could check for any cold spots although I have heard that window installers don't put proper sealants or insulation around the window.

WIAWSNB

moneysaver1978 said:

Now that you mention it - this and 2 other windows do mist up inside! The window frames are OK though so I will give the local window companies a call for a quote for sealed units replacements.
We have one of these thermal cameras, so could check for any cold spots although I have heard that window installers don't put proper sealants or insulation around the window.

I'd love to see the results of your thermal camera, as I've always understood that a 'failed' DG unit has next-to-zero effect on insulation value. I've love for that to be confirmed either way.

It's really your call to make, although if there are three failed units, you might get a better deal. But, do you need to do this? Not as far as I understand. 

Swipe

You could pop a couple of beads and measure the internal units (Height x Width x Depth) yourself and get a quote from a local window manufacturer on say an industrial estate. The units just lift in and out. Not sure I'd want to pay a third party window company to take their cut, but would be interesting to see what their markup would be.

Boohoo

Swipe said:

You could pop a couple of beads and measure the internal units (Height x Width x Depth) yourself and get a quote from a local window manufacturer on say an industrial estate. The units just lift in and out. Not sure I'd want to pay a third party window company to take their cut, but would be interesting to see what their markup would be.

Hard to tell from the picture but what type/design are the windows?

From photo I can't see any glazing beads.

They look like a different type of beading to me but that could be the closeness of the photos.

Swipe

Boohoo said:

Swipe said:

You could pop a couple of beads and measure the internal units (Height x Width x Depth) yourself and get a quote from a local window manufacturer on say an industrial estate. The units just lift in and out. Not sure I'd want to pay a third party window company to take their cut, but would be interesting to see what their markup would be.

Hard to tell from the picture but what type/design are the windows?

From photo I can't see any glazing beads.

They look like a different type of beading to me but that could be the closeness of the photos.

Looks like the beading may be on the outside.

bjorn_toby_wilde

I think those are glazing beads that you’re looking at in the photo. They’re plain angled beads.

Bigphil1474

We had 3 misted glazing units in the attic in our old house. They were like that for about 10 years. Only replaced them when we sold up. Cheap to replace just the glazed unit. Didn't notice any thermal difference, just looked nicer.

PurpleGlaze

20 years is pretty good, they typically last 20-25 years, so may just be coming to the end of their life span. You could try replacing the glass only, unless the frames themselves are in need of replacing.