Double Glazing Unit Condensation / Blown DIY Repair. 

Agreed 100%, the real problem is fear of this repair leading to a downturn of business for those who stand to benefit. Eco credentials are likely discarded for profit and convenience. I’ve had the exact same problem with another video I made opening a stuck shut composite door that I strongly suspect has upset many a locksmith! They don’t want a video to be available to the masses that helps solve a costly problem they earn money from!

I wouldnt have said that, but I have to admit I had no idea they were repairable. I had a hunch that there was a dessicant in the surround, but always assumed the air gap had some specific gas or vacuum treatment to minimise the condensation. I have a couple of blown units though. Now I've seen this i will certainly take the plunge on repairing them myself

For most it basically boils down to valuing how much your time is worth? Stripping down a unit like that would probably take many about two hours to do , a new glazed unit is about £20 , so if you're time is worth more than £10 per hour you're better off buying a new unit. Appreciate the video though, found it interesting

@@johnd6487 Bog standard double glazing now is argon filled, I just had some fitted because my old frames were falling to pieces. DG has improved but if you don't need to change them then fixing them makes sense. It takes donkeys years to get the money back, that's if you ever do before they fall to pieces again.

The problem is, we only one day per year when it's not pi55ing it down! lol

Thanks, I’m glad the video proved beneficial.

Thanks I paid £170 for a panel like this to be replaced, after watching this I would be confident to do this. I don’t chase myself as a tight ass I just enjoy fixing things. As a lad I took an alarm clock apart fixed it and rebuilt it and it gave me immense pleasure. I also replaced the mineral glass in my Seiko watch with blue sapphire scratch proof glass and the aluminium bezel with a ceramic one. The next level seiko dive watch with these as standard are £300 more the upgrade cost me £35 so it’s both rewarding and saves you money. But also you can learn another skill.

@@waynetykocki3964 Well done, you will not find me knocking anyone doing this repair - I just said not for me.😉👍

I know what you mean. In my case it would either have fallen to the ground from a great height, or at leant one side would have cracked trying to get it on a large flat surface to clean it. So likely failure and a risk of injury through broken glass, then a panic trip to B&Q to get a sheet of ply cut to size to go in the frame for a week or two before the replacement unit came. Plus if warm moist air gets trapped in the air gap won’t you still get condensate within the glass on a freezing night?

@@jamesrussel1133 before you seal it heat with a hair dryer?

Thanks I will perhaps amend my technique slightly based on this information. I love the block of wood tip!

Tha what I call “nice reply”

Really useful addition. Much appreciated 👍🏽

Fascinating, I was completely lied to when I asked if I could have an extractor fan fitted in a rectangular double glazed unit. I was told no as there needs to be a vacuum between the glass!

@@Bond2025 yep thats a lie, though no one wants to make them as its awkward sealing the unit, but no, no vacuum, glass is quite bendy and a vacuum would actually have the two glass panes touching in the middle on large units, some specialist units are filled with an inert gas but tbh i doubt its more than a sales gimmick

I like your thinking, strangely enough measuring before removing is the last thing I’m considering at the time but it’s quick and easy and worthwhile.

Too long winded

@stellasteve9972 Are you referring to the repair technique or the video?

Kinda cool hearing how different places do stuff different in aus we dont use sillicone or putty on DGU's usually just blocks rubber n beads use sillicone for sealing float and lam tho and for sealing hackhouts to the frame instead of pack putty

They can't be repaired properly like this. It WILL fail again.

@@garrett69 and who's to say the new one won't fail?

A balanced comments section is most valued, thanks for taking the time to communicate.

Heel and toed 😂😂😂😂

If it breaks, then buy a new one anyway. Worth trying out. The manufacturers one didn’t stand the test of time either. If it lasts a couple years, perfect.

You have summed things up nicely many thanks.

It is a waste of time though . Its a bad bodge . You can pretty much guarantee your windows are different to this one . The packersare in the wrong plave fora start , What if your window is not a top hung? . To buy the tools etc necessary to do this is as much as buying a replacement unit or more . Never try this unless you are experienced . This video will encourage people to open a can of worms . Its not worthwhile . Be my guest to try it , i did 30 odd years ago

@@julesdowner5585 . Your name suits you. lol

The car wasn’t directly beneath the window it must just look like that in the video!

I know exactly the comedy sketch, shame there will be no more!!! I never thought of that despite editing the video and rewatching it multiple times over!

Its the Chinese he's after.

They are with Argon so the whole thing is useless and will mist up

@combrogi They are a dehydrated air double glazing unit.

@@TheRepairer then they're very old and inefficient

@@combrogi i mean you can get a cylinder of argon for 30 euro and its heavier than air so will displace it if filled from a small hole at top of frame which can then be sealed.

They all say that, personally I would never trust a double glazing salesman!

Argon is some but dried air is more common.

You’re most welcome, best of luck.

Wow, Thanks for the compliment I am glad you enjoyed the video.

I’m now reading up on low e-glass, thanks for making me aware of it.

Surely it would still work, just not be as efficient as the original, but of course still an improvement on the blown unit

@@markthomasson5077 One of the manufacturing processes of low e-glass is a microscopic, almost transparent coating on the inside of the glass surface. If this were to get rubbed or scratched off, this would be like having scratched sun glasses. Not great, but yes- still usable. The bigger problem would be the thermal conductivity of the unit. My old 20mm double glazed units had a U value of 2. A new low e-glass argon filled unit near a u value of 1. In layman’s terms, a new unit is 100% more efficient at keeping the heat in your home (heat loss through the glass). I worked out that the cost of replacing my windows myself had a payback of 10 year (less if yyou take into account compound interest on savings and ever increasing fuel bills).

@@garyherberson8119 surely the low U value comes from the inert gas filling rather than the tint preventing solar gain?

There are two types of low E coating. A soft one which is easily scratched and a very hard one which is baked into the glass at very high temperature. Argon has no connection with low E, it just increases the thermal insulation compared to air fill.

I’m wishing you the best of luck with the repair, interesting about the gas I have a welder that can use it.

Can’t agree with that, I wouldn’t waste my time doing such repairs if that were the case.

An interesting repair technique, I’m really glad of worked out for you.

That sounds like a great shortcut. One thing that occured to me is that isn't the misting up caused by a breaking of the seal, therefore, unless that hole is located and sealed won't it mist up as soon as the weather turns cold? I note you said you did this several years ago, which has got me scratching my head wondering how it's lasted so long. Cheers.

@@akaWooders Must have got lucky and drilled exactly where the leak was. 😁

@@markrainford1219 😆

Rubbish .

I have repaired units that are now over three years old and still going strong!

That’s exactly the spirit the video was made in and representative of the whole channel.

Your welcome.

Glad you enjoyed it!

Profits and convenience are my best guess.

Thank you Tim, it’s great to receive such a positive comment on this video. I can tell you that the window is still good since it’s repair in June and the other large one I did is good too. Maybe I will do a follow up video at around the one year mark, I have other panes that I first repaired in lockdown that are over 3 years old and still good. Thanks for the Sub they are all much appreciated and good luck with any future repairs!

I didn’t use a paint scraper it’s the correct tool. The repair works very well and is “NOT A WASTE OF TIME”.

I’m impressed you have paid so much attention to detail. It’s really good to receive such a positive comment from a fellow believer in the repair process.

I never knew that, thanks for sharing.

I understand the glazing desiccant is there to absorb any moisture from the manufacturing process.

I wouldn’t wast my time for a week long repair!

I didn’t consider a detergent as the white vinegar seemed to eradicate all traces of it after the multiple passes that were required to clean up the window panes.

Its a bodge , , a dreadful video made by someone who isn't trade and seen by people without a cluev. Never attempt this, it is pointless unless your window is in a shed . Get a new one made and fit it yourself , Which is a lottery in itself

Sometimes the excitement of the chase combined with a good degree of curiosity can outweigh the economics of replacement.

Think you could spend just as long looking trying to find a cheap deal with a product that matches then installation etc, I have the same problem in my Kitchen for a much larger window that's not so easily replaced.

£40? Do you live up north because London would be £100 (at least) and online £80

@@garyherberson8119 I’m out of date then as I replaced mine 3 years ago and they were cheaper. I’m in Cornwall.

You are obviously not retired. When you are, you will be more than happy to spend a lot of your time saving money you haven't got.

Thanks, I do try to ignore the pessimism and focus of the positives to be gained.

Normally armchair experts who prefer to knock others efforts...and are probably just cack-handed, and screw up any job they attempt. Jealousy is a bitter fruit.

Thanks for watching.

Thanks, I will chose to recycle every time and will probably never need to darken a glaziers door again with this issue!

It is a multi purpose tool it can even be used for de nailing.

@@TheRepairer I love mine, use it for literally everything! Purdy make a very good 6 in 1 Painter’s Tool & a 10 in 1 Multi Tool they’re great quality too! The curved part is for cleaning paint rollers and it works a treat.

It’s not vacuum double glazing (VIG) just a standard double glazing unit consisting of dried air as the insulator.

​@@TheRepairerwell bugger me, I was under the impression all double glazing had a vacuum ! I'd been trying to work out if there was an easy way to emulate it (at least partially), perhaps by sealing all but one small section, then heating the glass (hair dryer) to expand the air inside (which would vent out of the opening), then sealing the gap before it cooled down.

⁠@@colinwilson210put argon gas between the panes.

I did my best to avoid breakage’s.

20yrs service Engineer fitter. I agree. So much more to criticise here. The packing just for starters. See other comment.

Syndicalist minded people always feel hurt when someone competent achieves success.

Thanks I gave it my best shot!

Interesting, but a new sealed unit that size isnt that expensive...

Thanks for the feedback, I am wired that same way. I could buy new but where is the fun in that. I’m pleased that you have successfully repaired your window.

Feel free to elaborate further.

@@TheRepairer 1. A properly made insulating glazing unit has a primary and a secondary seal. The primary seal is there to seal the cavity and keep moisture out of the unit. The secondary seal (in the place where you put the silicone in the video) is designed to hold the igu together while allowing expansion and contraction as occurs naturally. Your unit has no primary (moisture) seal. The silicone might hold the unit together, but it would need to be applied properly. Your technique of pushing the tube behing the silicone flow will result in air bubbles and an inconsistent fill. 2. If your igu had a coating inside, you would have damaged it while cleaning it. These things cannot be done by hand when dealing with such complex products. The use of an acetoxy silicone would also have damaged the coating and may be incompatible with the aluminium spacer tube. 3. Your cleaning process could not have ensured that there are no airborne contaminants or worse, organic particles inside the cavity which could start to grow once you "seal" them in: especially since your lack of primary seal will likely allow moisture into the cavity in short order. Of course, you might get lucky. I worked in the glass industry for 26 years and have seen thousands of units made. If you visit an igu manufacturing facility you will see exactly what I am talking about. The level of investment they make in high quality sealants and the machinery to manufacture igus is testament to the need for absolute cleanliness and attention to detail. The process of making (or remaking) an Insulating Glazing Unit is far too complex to be udertaken at home if you want it to last.

Better put, but I’ll gamble on doing the job for less than a tenner!

@@donkeytrousersthe guy literally did it. And he’s done it before saying its lasted a couple years so far with no issues. Sure things can go wrong, but no harm in trying. More fun too.

That's me. I don't think a blown window has less insulation properties. Perhaps allow more noise though.

Your not the only one that does things like that, incase your wondering I have done similar.

Best of luck with your repairs having backup glass is a major advantage well done for hoarding as it usually pays off in the long run! Skip no stages of this video and it should work out fine.

You could make this a new video for the Edward Murdoch repair channel just to show how much easier it is.

@@detiex5576 Having worked with dg units on many occasions and seen them breaking for no apparent reason I would rather not. 🤷‍♂️

If glass is toughened could shatter just with sharp blade or a little bang on the edge with your metal utensil. Wouldn't advise this repair tbh

IMHO it’s not worth risking do this I worked I. The double glazing industry for over 30years .My advice is DONT TRY THIS .just buy a replacement unit. .

A balanced comments section is most valued, thanks for taking the time to communicate.

It’s a likely case of different strokes for different folks, I haven’t had any issues with reusing desiccant and this repair if done correctly works long term. In the words of a legendary Crooner” I did it my way with too few regrets to mention”.

I couldn't see the window packers? What point of the video was this?

I was looking for them too!

Point taken re packers, more exciting to repair than renew.

He’s right about the packers, they shouldn’t be near the vents.

@@garyherberson8119 2.20

I’m glad you enjoyed, Thanks for a positivity.

Just a tip for ya if ya dont already know on timber hackouts and timber bead windows its a good idea to use sillicone to seal the windows in place instead of putty as putty likes to let go as it sets i only use putty on timber and steel hackouts on the outside of the glass

My first off camera attempt had that very same limescale problem and it’s still holding air tight 3.5 years down the line. The solution to the cloudy look didn’t come to me until I repaired the next failed window unit being the one in this video. Well done on your repair efforts.

@@TheRepairer Thanks. I tried strong ‘brick acid’ as well as limescale (calcium) remover spray that work on taps etc, as well as vinegar containing window ckeaners, in the end concluding it was mire than just linescale. I even tried a lot of polishing with farela G3 ambrasive polishing compound.

Your welcome

Thanks for the tip, WD40 left an oily residue on the glass that took some cleaning off.

Your opinions are appreciated and valued,many thanks.

Thanks

@@TheRepaireri think there is nothing wrong with the oven drying of the dessicant. Years ago, i worked in a chemistry lab which did gas chromatography and one of the things we needed to do was to dry the compressed air from a Compressor. To do that the air was filtered through molecular sieve cartridges which contained the same stuff as is used in the double glazing. We used to recondition it by drying in an oven overnight and repacking the cartridges. It was the recommended procedure and worked fine.

Its a rubbish video, did you notice its a tilt and turn window?

Thanks for the sub!

The original factory window unit didn’t last either, hence the repair!

You are correct , its a bad bodge video . Anyone in the trade will tell you . I wouldn't reccomend anyone even take the glass out for they may do more damage to the window!

⁠@@julesdowner5585Yeh well. If it breaks, then just buy a new one anyway. It’s not a bad bodge. The water in the frame is gone!

Nicely summarised, it’s not a task for the faint of heart but fortune favours the brave and capable. I never thought of the desiccant as mustard seed like but you are so right!

I get much pleasure from finding low cost solutions for problems even though I don’t need too!

Is this an impartial opinion or are you involved in the glazing industry?

Thanks Brian, I wish you the best of look with the refurb, just allow plenty of time and tool up well. The video is 4 hours worth of my labour and its not my first window!

@@TheRepairer add the cost of the sealant, makes you wonder if it is cheaper just to get it replaced. Not that I don’t think what you did it an admirable piece of work

It all cost less than £10

You can't do this unless you are extremely lucky . . Please do not attempt it. You can do more damage than you started with .

@@TheRepairerNot when you consider the labour costs. False economy.

The repair works well I repaired a bifold door DG unit back in 2020 during lockdown and I’m am still waiting for it to fail! Thanks for your comments we learn from each other and your right about the poor quality units failing I have some from 1997 and they are still good.

I think you could be onto something with the south facing failures!

It all depends on how the unit is glazed. Some of the older windows are glazed without gaskets, then a wedge gasket is pushed in after the beads are on. More modern windows have a co-extruded gasket on the frame and beads. Not all window systems are the same, some have a double fin bead, but again the more modern ones have a single fin bead system.

I have done bigger jobs than that, I think it’s worthwhile and would do it again.

Fair enough!

@@TheRepairer £40 for a new unit of that size, you can put a 100 in front of that 40 if not more +vat

Definitely not £40 haha way more

It will more than likely be a window fitter with trade connections and prices that came up with that low figure there are multiple similar comments on this video that have estimated the unit replacement price as low as £20.

@@TheRepairer how has the repair held up? Any defects since?. Planning on giving it a whirl.

I repaired double glazing units that are now over three years old and they are still going strong!

The weather does need to be onside, I have waited weeks to find the perfect day when I am available to do this and the weather is bone dry! I had to do the last one indoors because the weather app lied to me and it rained!

You can get sealed units like that, failed seals, when air laden with moisture gets inside, that’s when condensation occurs.

You could purge fill them with argon, which is what most have from factory.

A good idea, I think the wire wool will work well.

Thanks, I did a couple at least two years ago and they are still good and dry.

Do you get condensation in the winter?

No they are both good

Thanks. I’m going to give this a go. 👍

Some expensive ones are argon filled but there is no vacuum. The trick is in the gap size of 12-16mm which prevents convection currents forming in the trapped air. That's what I heard anyway!

I chose to repair as illustrated, my cost analysis is different to yours:- The cost of a tube of sealant say £9.99 worst case scenario and using some cleaning stuff I already had. I put in a part day and sacrificed some of my spare time that I don’t get paid anything for and repaired it!

Thanks, the job took around four hours done at a leisurely pace with a couple of tea breaks thrown in!

@TheRepairer Yeah, that's where most would lose patients & just buy one, because they would assume, it might only take time of the video + the drying out time in the oven. Hello Round Brands! Haha... 👍😉👍

Yes I know someone who used assume the length of the video was the time it took to do the job! When making videos you have to consider the attention spans of the viewers some are surprisingly short!

@@TheRepairer Indeed, Indeed 👍😉😁😉👍

Around four hours.

That’s an interesting repair thanks for sharing , I did hear of company that drilled holes and filled them with vent plugs.

I have units repaired this way that have lasted over three years and are still internally dry. I have faith in this repair technique and that’s all that matters!

Great point!

I have windows from 1997 that are working fine, I won’t have them replaced as they haven’t failed!

I’ve never cut myself doing this repair and I have repaired four! Not all glazing has the gas in it’s just dried air!

Glad you enjoyed, never a truer word said regarding the dry day!

Double sided tape would help hold things together and be helpful putting the spacer frame back together but I had few problems holding the shape true so no need. I don’t charge any labour as they are diy jobs.

Why?

No harm in me trying to give someone a piece of advice , sorry I offended someone of your esteemed knowledge in all types of craft and skills , won’t happen again , ( just scroll past me in future 👍)

Thanks I agree wholeheartedly.

This is a bodge. Its a can of worms . If you are not experienced then do not attempt this please . Its an awful video

That’s one quote I didn’t know, thanks for the enlightenment.

Too true, it’s a perpetual programme of replacement!

I’m glad you enjoyed it, Thanks

Its a bad bodge . Never attempt this .

Eleven that’s some serious work to do good luck, start small with the easiest access.

Glad you enjoyed it!

No vacuum just dried air in this unit.

I’m glad you enjoyed.

No vacuum in this double glazed unit but it is available in high end glazing VIG units (vacuum insulated glass).

I think we are on the same page.

Dried air is what many double glazed unit have it’s the more high end stuff that has gas in.

You are welcome.

No vacuum or gas in this basic dried air double glazing unit but on the higher end glazing both are available.

So true

No where's there a will there's a relative 😂

​@@michaelfrench5252 Good one Mike! :)

Yes I wish I had some at the time.

Glad you enjoyed, Thanks

I think there is a company that puts plugs to vent them and dry them out, I’ll assume the hard water staining could be an issue.

Thanks for sparing the time to watch the repair video and commenting.

The newer high end stuff is gas filled, this is just a common ore garden dehydrated air unit.

It will work, just be prepared to put some serious graft into cleaning up the panes for best results check, check & check again! The baking soda / powder and white vinegar are essential for cleaning as nothing else I have used works as well. Allocate the best part of a free day to do the job and work safely The pane in this video is still good and a couple I have repaired are still good over three years down the line. Do ignore the nay sayers in the comments. I wouldn’t share the info if it didn’t work or I didn’t believe in the process, I have repaired them for family members and they are still good - This video was at my Sons property, it saved him a fortune! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-PzBcH2hqUoA.htmlsi=IxkvlYSAo6DOOzUS