Failed seal in a double glazed window unit

[msfreud]

Is there any reason to get this fixed quickly or does it not matter?

It's the small opening window on top of my bathroom window (UPVC windows) - there is condensation between the glass which I believe is sign the seal has failed. It's not very visible because of the location but just wondering if it's going to cause any harm if I don't get it fixed any time soon... I presume fixing will entail replacing that bit of the window and definitely requires professionals?

You can just get the glass bit replaced. It's not v expensive. Will effect the insulating quality of the window as it's the vacuum in the middle of the 2 sheets of glass that stops the heat transference.

We didn't get two windows fixed for several years because we thought it would be expensive. It only cost a couple of hundred pounds, I was amazed. The man turned up, quoted and measured. Two weeks later it took eight minutes to fit new sealed units. Job done.

We just used a company that advertise in the local paper every week.

If I was you I wouldn't worry too much if it doesn't show, the minute you get it fixed another one will pop.

The people who owned our house before us didn't get their double glazed units replaced when they failed. Pretty much every single unit was failed. They left it so long that the condensation etched the inside of the glass, making the windows (patchily) opaque. We (and the neighbours) just thought they were dirty. We had to replace the whole lot.

The Argon gas that keeps the inner space clear of moisture has leaked out through a faulty seal and the seal needs replacing , or the little moisture absorbing crystals that are inserted below the central spacer bar are saturated.They are the same crystals you find in the little white bags that come in electrical items packaging. Usually the unit has to be replaced ,

what's the cost per unit? I have a few that need doing.

I thought they were just dirty when I bought this house too

I recently had some dg units changed in glass doors for about £150 each, and am having some small windows reglazed for about £30 each.

I think it is a very cheap thing to do.

There will be a local firm near you. It's a very common job. Your windowcleaner may have a recommendation. Avoid yellow pages or internet searches, and look for a local landline number and address. Avoid 0870, 0800, 0845 numbers as they will be clearing agencies, not local firms. If you go to a local glass/glazing merchant they will probably have business cards on a board by the door. Look for one with a local address that is faded enough to have been in business for a while.

They may be covered - do you have copies of FENSA guarantees within your household documents / deeds? I think this became pretty commonplace for glazing companies to guarantee windows and doors at least from about 2007. We had a similar thing and the windows were covered by FENSA certificates which provided a 10 year guarantee. The glazing company had gone bust complete cowboys but FENSA / guarantor stepped in and we got most of the units replaced / all windows resealed etc at no cost under the guarantee. It was a bit of a palaver but didn't cost us a penny.

Obviously its worth checking and doing it sooner rather than later to make sure you're still within the guarantee if there is one.

thanks.

he installed the windows himself and they bought am indemnity policy due to lack of fensa cert.

windows mainly Ok just 3 units that have failed.

will look up someone local. thanks