Fitting Scotland Perfectly 
Blown double glazing is one of the most common issues people face with older windows and doors, undermining the integrity of the unit, increasing condensation, and damaging your home’s energy efficiency.
When the seal of your window breaks and air is able to penetrate between the panes of your window, all the smart energy saving features such as thermo-spacer bars and argon gas fillings become compromised, eliminating many of the benefits of having double glazing in the first place.
Condensation between the two panes of double glazed glass is the most common indication of a blown window unit, but draughts of cold air and a sudden increase in energy bills can also be tell-tale signs of a failed window seal. Read on to learn more about how to repair blown double glazed windows and how to tell when a replacement is the only viable option.
What are blown double-glazed windows?
A ‘blown’ window refers to a window where the seal has failed or broken and condensation has found its way inside the glass unit itself.
If the air seal on your double glazed window has been compromised, air will seep inside the window carrying tiny droplets of water and leaving to misted panes and condensation.
If you frequently see condensation inside double glazing, this is the single biggest sign of a blown window and the energy efficiency of your windows will be severely impacted. With higher heating bills and issues with damp and mould not too far away, you need to take action fast and arrange blown double glazing repair or replacement as soon as possible.
Why are blown double glazed windows a problem?
Blown windows are a problem for several reasons including damaging the aesthetic appeal of the property, dramatically impacting upon energy efficiency and reducing noise insulation.
Some of the biggest concerns regarding blown double glazing include:
Blown Double Glazing Reduces Energy Efficiency
Blown double glazed windows have a massive impact on your home’s energy efficiency and could lead to far higher energy bills than necessary.
Double and triple glazed windows work by preventing heat transfer from the inside of the home to the outside, and vice versa. This is done not only by putting additional layers of glass between you and the outside world but also thanks to a layer of argon gas that is sealed between the panes.
When the seal breaks, this gas will escape and draughts will increase, making it harder and more expensive to keep you home warm in the winter months.
Blown Double Glazing Increases Condensation
Condensation can occur in multiple locations on a double glazed window, each indicating something different.
Condensation on the exterior of your window is nothing to worry about and is actually a sign that your window is working exactly how it should. Condensation on the inside of the window usually suggests a lack of ventilation within the room itself.
Condensation between the two panes of glass, however, is harder to resolve, and is normally the sign of a blown window. Where condensation leads, mould, damp, and structure issues follow close behind so it is important to have a double glazing expert check this out as soon as possible.
Is misted double glazing repair possible?
DIY repair to fix blown double glazing is technically possible, but it is NOT a good plan.
Even if repair or replacement of the entire seal is possible, moisture will likely already have penetrated into the gap between panes and misted windows and condensation will still occur.
To reduce internal condensation, DIY misted double glazing repair involves making a small hole in the window to allow as much condensation between the panes as possible to drain away using a magnetic tool and the insertion of drying pellets. This is an imprecise method that has mixed results and your window will never be as effective as it once was. You will also have to replace the seal on the entire window to prevent a repeat.
Trying to repair a blown double-glazed window will also invalidate any guarantee or warranty that still exists on the entire window unit and owners risk having to deal with any future problem at their own cost.
As one of the leading Glasgow and Edinburgh double glazing installers, we have seen plenty of shoddy repair jobs when it comes to blown double glazed units and the vast majority end up doing far more harm then good.
Do I need a new window frame as well?
Luckily, it is normally possible to replace failed double glazing without having to change your frames, although many people decide to upgrade to a more energy-efficient frame at the same time and replace their entire window.
Our double glazed window experts specialise in replacing blown window panes both with and without a new frame, and can provide no obligation quotes for replacement costs accordingly.
What about my window guarantee?
When you buy from the Advanced Group, you will receive an industry leading 15 year performance guarantee on all your windows and doors. If your double glazing is compromised in this time due to a fault in the product or installation, we will return to fix this issue free of charge.
If you bought your double glazing elsewhere you will have to check with the window installation company to see if blown window replacement is covered in your warranty.
If it is not, the best option is window replacement as the longer you wait the more it will cost you in energy bills and damp in the long run.
Arrange blown window replacement
If you need your blown double glazed windows repaired or replaced, no matter the cause, The Advanced Group are here to help.
Our window experts will be able to diagnose the cause of double glazing condensation in no time at all and let you know if you do indeed have a blown window unit. If the best option is to replace the window, we will give you a full no obligation cost guide for the complete replacement of the windowpanes affected.
If you decide to go ahead, we will replace your window unit with a new one in no time at all, and with a 15 year performance guarantee, you can rest easy knowing that you are covered if internal misting or condensation occurs in the future. We ever carry out work on listed buildings, something that many companies steer well clear of.
