misty windows: Cloudy2Clear or new windows?

[IrmaFayLear]

Suddenly all our double-glazed windows seem to be failing at once (house is 40 years old) and misting over. Currently seven windows have big splodges of opaque mist in the middle. I can't actually see out of the bedroom window any more!

Money is an issue, so replacing the whole house's windows is a complete no-no. Does anyone know if those Cloudy2Clear etc people are worth it, or is it better just to replace the whole pane of glass? The window frames are wooden.

Is the double glazing 40 years old? If it is, I'd dig deep and replace just from a heat and sound insulation Improvement. If the argon gas sealing has failed and the mist you describe is trapped condensation, then I'd have thought resealing is a bit risky as the frames themselves will be so old you'd have to worry about the frame integrity. Don't forget, modern framed units will have better insulation within the frame itself and come with a FENSA guarantee. New units also add to your property value whereas refurbs won't.

Cloudy2Clear and similar franchises do not fix the actual problem, they just treat the symptom. The problem is that the seal between the two panes of glass has failed. The inert gas between the panes has leaked out and ambient air leaked in. I suspect I'm preaching to the choir here!

Go on-line and check the price of replacement panels. It isn't as expensive as you might think.

www.sealedunitsonline.co.uk

There are many others. Or use this as a marker price to source locally.

Replace one at a time to manage costs.

Easy to change panels, plenty of How To's on You Tube. Wooden window frames are the easiest to change. A small pry bar or old screwdriver, to remove the retaining bar, scraper to clean up the recess, tack hammer and panel pins to refit.

Helps to have a second pair of hands!

Gosh, you sound just what I need, GrumpyOlderBloke! I have here one WimpyOlderBird and one CackhandedOlderBloke...

When you say replacement panel, do you mean just the glass, retaining the wooden frame?

The other thing is the wooden frames are very ugly, being 1980s mahogany, and give the house an overall gloomy appearance both inside and out. I am loathe to replace with same but the window sills outside and inside are brown too and I suppose I would have to stick with them.

A glazier can measure up, supply and fit replacement double glazed panes for you. You do not need a specialist company to do it. You can sand, prime and paint the frames if the wood is in good nick.

@GrumyOlderBloke - can you explain what you mean by them only treating the symptoms?

Generally the 'on site fix' franchises drill a tiny hole in the inner pane of glass and purge the damp air from the gap between the panes and seal the tiny hole.

The inert gas leaked out and the damp air got in because the seal between the inner and outer panes of glass failed. This is 'normal aging' of the sealing material.

from here:

www.britelitewindows.co.uk/news/how-double-glazed-windows-are-made/

The manufacturing process is actually fairly straightforward. First, the two panes of glass are separated by a spacer and a hermetically-sealed (airtight) gap is created. Then, it is filled under vacuum conditions with an inert gas such as argon. This prevents condensation from forming and stops moisture seeping in between the panes of glass.

They haven't cured the underlying problem of the failed sealant, so damp air will get in again eventually. The insulating properties are also slightly impaired.

By panel I mean just the two panes of glass as a single hermetically-sealed unit. You should even be able to keep the wooden beads which hold the glazing unit or panel in place. If they are beyond repair the DIY sheds sell beading - but softwood not hardwood.

Really easy job.

With wooden windows the bead is wooden and nailed to the frame with panel pins, rather than uPVC and clipped into a recess..

I very much doubt your windows are Mahogany in the 1980's! More likely mahogany coloured wood stain. Of course you will come back and tell me you live in a listed building and the windows were custom made in the 1980's from recycled 1oo year old mahogany from old churches!

If it is a big glazing panel or you are working in an akward place these are useful:

www.toolstation.com/shop/p23801?r=googleshopping&rr=marin&utm_source=googleshopping&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=googleshoppingfeed&gclid=CjwKCAjw06LZBRBNEiwA2vgMVQojUjjoMQJhGnr70CPqWNl66ZLIXKTR8Kp6Eh6IVwKK5t2d9pVukhoCSPEQAvD_BwE

Can't offer advice on the CackhandedOlderBloke.
Sounds like it's too late to take him back for a working replacement under the 30 day no quibble guarantee

I got a local glazier to fix mine. He came and measured up, went away and ordered the glass and then came back and replaced faulty panes
5 medium sized windows, porch door
Total cost was £420 and they are as good as new

Thanks for that Grumpy. I didn't know they did that. Argon is dangerous stuff too if not used correctly. Anyway - I've had a glazier replace misted DG units. It doesn't need to be a 'specialist'.

Argon is dangerous stuff too if not used correctly

Actully argon is extremely inert, and the only risk it would present would be if you managed to suffocate yourself with it. Highly unlikely given the small amount present in even a large sealed window unit, and no more likely than if you came into contact with a helium balloon of comparable volume.

Depends on the safety of the equipment being used to dispense the argon. I am not for one minute suggesting double glazing is a danger to health, more that injecting argon onsite isn't without risks. People have died through suffocation from argon in industrial settings.

I get sealed units replaced for an average of about £50 each. I think having a patio door replaced in DG Laminated glass (for burglar resistance) cost me several hundred, can't remember. I take the sashes out and carry them into the garden where I put a workbench, so I might be getting get a preferential rate. The fitter should examine the windows and measure the unit dimensions (including thickness) or there will be disputes about whose fault it is when they don't fit.

There are bound to be local specialists, because windows and patio doors are always going wrong, and a simple repair is usually all they need. Ask around for a personal recommendation, and be sure to visit the householder to look at the work and get their opinion on value, timekeeping, reliability. It's usually a one-man business, but mine got his son to help carry the (very heavy) laminated door.

I first met mine when I wanted a wall of DG panels replaced on my commercial premises.

He was recommended by my window-cleaner

Thanks for this everyone! I’ve been considering changing our timber patio doors as one small pane is misty. This will hopefully save me a fortune.

Yes, thanks v much.

Yes, the woodwork is mahogany coloured, not real mahogany! My house is an 80s tribute; brown guttering, brown soffits and fascias, brown windowsills, brown staircase...

I am fervently hoping black ash furniture and red and black striped bedding make a comeback (along with knicker blinds) for the full authentic 80s experience. And a touch of that shiny Antique Pine for good measure.

Don't forget the dried flower arrangements!