Can I Replace the Glass in My Double Glazing?

If you have a broken window pane you might be worried that you need to replace the whole unit. But it’s perfectly normal to replace a pane or two.

What is Double Glazing?

Double glazing consists of two glass panes with a sealed space in between, which provides better insulation and energy efficiency. The two separate glass panes, which are spaced apart and sealed, leaving a small gap or space between them.

The gap ranges in size but is typically around 6-20 millimetres and is essential for creating an insulating barrier. It’s filled with air or, in more advanced double glazing units, a low-conductivity gas, such as argon or krypton. These gases have lower thermal conductivity than air – in other words the cold or hot air can’t pass through as easily.

The gas or air is added during the manufacturing process and the unit is sealed keeping it between the panes of glass. As a result, indoor temperatures are more stable and in the winter you need less energy to maintain a comfortable room temperature.

The Benefits

As we’ve seen, double glazing provides better insulation compared to single-pane windows. The trapped air or gas between the glass panes acts as a thermal barrier, reducing the transfer of heat between the interior and exterior of a building. There are other benefits too.

Thanks to these better insulation properties, double glazing is more energy-efficient. Along with other measures, double glazing helps to lower energy consumption, reducing your energy bills and leaving a smaller carbon footprint.

Double glazing is also effective at reducing external noise, making it a popular choice for homes located in noisy neighbourhoods or near busy streets. The multiple glass layers and the insulating gap dampen sound transmission.

Condensation can be a real problem in homes and even be a health hazard. Because the inner glass pane remains warmer, double glazing reduces the likelihood of condensation forming on the interior surface of windows during cold weather. This in turn reduces the risk of moisture buildup and potential mould issues.

And double glazing windows are generally more secure than single-pane windows. The multiple glass layers and tougher frames make it more difficult for intruders to break through.

Replacing the Glass

While all the above sounds complicated, if you have a problem with the glass, you won’t necessarily need to replace the whole unit. You might just need simple double glazing glass replacement.

• Damaged Glass: If one or both of the glass panes in your double glazing unit are broken you can replace the glass to improve the integrity of the window and improve your energy efficiency.
• Loss of Insulation: Over time, the seals in double glazing units will degrade, reducing their insulating power. This results in reduced energy efficiency and you might need to turn up the thermostat. If you experience a significant loss of insulation efficiency, it’s time to consider replacement.
• Noise Reduction: If your double glazing unit was initially installed for noise reduction, and it no longer effectively reduces outside noise, you might want to replace it with a more efficient noise reduction option.
• Aesthetic Reasons: Scratches and general wear and tear… if the appearance of your glass has deteriorated you might want to replace them to improve the appearance of your windows. After all, windows are designed for looking out too.
• Upgrading to More Energy-Efficient Glass: If you have older double glazing units and want to improve the energy efficiency of your home, you can replace them with newer, high-performance double glazing that has modern solutions such as low-E coatings and argon gas between the double panes.
• Security and Safety: You might decide to upgrade to laminated or toughened safety glass.

Condensation Between Panes

It’s very common, particularly as windows get older. If you notice condensation or fogging between the two glass panes, it usually means the seal has failed, allowing moisture to enter the space. There are quick fixes and DIY options aplenty. But speak to a professional. Often the only long-term solution is to replace the sealed unit.

Final Thoughts

Speak with a professional glazier or window specialist to determine whether you need just your double glazing glass replacing or something more. But the good news is that a simple cracked window needn’t become a pane…