Seal gone on double glazing

[Ilovesweatybollocks]

A couple of our windows have condensation between the double glazing so I assume the seals have gone. I know you can yet glass replaced without having to have whole new uPVC casing. Just wondered if it's as cheap and easy as it sounds.

It is relatively simple depending on the route you tale for ‘blown’ glazing units.

Hard way = Assuming the frames are UPVC, pry the frame beading off the frame so the edges of the glass are exposed being very careful that the glass unit does not fall out and cut your leg off as it’s heavy. Measure the exact size of the glass unit very carefully including thickness as they vary.
Put the beading back in to hold the glass pending replacement.
Find a glazing company who will make a new sealed units for you.
Once the units are ready simply replace one unit with the other.
Note I have found the best tool for getting the beading out of the frame out is a large flat headed screw driver and they are quite hard to get out. Putting the beading in is also fiddly and requires some force. I have found its best to hammer the beading in using the handle end of said large screwdriver. Best be careful, glass breaks when you hit it and not the beading.

Or

Easy way = There are always glaziers, double glazing companies or double glazing repairing handy persons who will happily undertake the above for you. If you go down this route I would have a rough idea of the glass sizes for an approx quote so you can compare your estimates whilst choosing your contractor.

I hope this clarifies, it is easier to do than describe but requires confidence and care. Glazing units are heavy and dangerously sharp if you get it wrong.

Good luck

@Grumpyunleashed thanks for explaining what my options are.
I've measured the glass that needs replacing and would really appreciate a rough idea of how much I'm looking at.
It's 3 windows in two units and they're as follows:
48cm x 70cm
43cm x 18cm
43cm x 96cm
I'm not in a rush so whenever you get time would be much appreciated

Sadly I have no idea re costs, it is years since I dealt with the cost side of this. The last time we changed out a unit was in 2017 when we were replacing a UPVC door panel that held an old cat flap with a glass unit from the shed we already had. I would assume a couple of hundred pounds but that’s a guess. Obviously diy will be cheaper than getting someone in but more risky in terms of experience and dealing with nasty sharp heavy glass.

Also remember if you do decide to do this yourself you need the depth of the glass units. I.e. the distance between the two panes of glass to ensure the rubber gaskets fit tightly onto the glass and you can only get this by taking one of the units out.

I hope this helps

I had 7 panes fail in my new ish build and was told by a double glazing company the whole units had to be replaced. Contacted a glazier company and they just changed the glass, total cost £365. This was around 2 years ago.

My DP had some changed in his house and considering how much it costs to have new windows fitted, I was amazed at how cheap just replacing the glass was. As was he as he wished he hadn't left it for so many years before he did it, assuming it was going to be expensive!

We had a crack in one window panel and it was £70 to replace the double glazed unit which was probably a similar size to your unit, maybe slightly bigger. They came out and measured too.

I'm in the North East and approx 2 years ago replaced 3x units (in 3 separate windows) - fairly similar in size to the ones you've mentioned. Cost about £300 for all 3 (one also required 'Georgian bar' to be set into the pane). I was expecting the job to be very expensive and so was pleasantly surprised!

Any competent glazier will do it and you shouldn’t need new windows.

My house had all units blown, my dad measured up for glass panels, ordered them from local double glazing place and ordered new seal. Changed every panel in my house for around £400 so a hell of a lot cheaper than all new windows!
Not only can I now see out of my windows but not more condensation / mould appearing in the winter