Can You Repair double-pane windows? Here’s What Surrey Homeowners Need to Know

  February 19, 2025

Double and even triple-pane windows are increasingly becoming the standard in most Surrey homes. For a moderate increase in cost, homeowners benefit from significantly increased energy efficiency and better noise reduction when compared to single-pane windows. But what happens if the glass in one of these pricey windows is broken or damaged? Can you repair double-pane windows?

Yes. Double Pane Windows Can be Repaired

The short answer to the question of whether double-pane windows can be repaired is yes; however, it comes with a catch. Replacing the glass on a double or triple-pane window requires specialized tools and professional installation. To understand why, we’ll first explain how single-pane windows differ from double or triple-pane windows.

Single-pane windows consist of just one sheet of glass, making them simpler and less expensive to replace. Double-pane windows, as the name suggests, include two layers of glass. However, in between the layers of glass is a sealed space filled with insulating gas, typically argon, which improves energy efficiency and noise performance but also makes replacing them more complex than single-pane windows.

How is Replacing a Double Pane Window Different from a Single Pane?

A quick YouTube search will yield dozens of videos on how to replace glass in a single-pane window (if you are handy and so inclined). However, there are a few examples of how to repair a double-pane window.

Double pane windows are a sealed unit comprising two layers of glass and a gas-filled airspace, and any damage to one pane affects the entire unit. If a window is cracked or damaged, this insulating gas immediately escapes, so not only do you need to replace the pane, but you also need to fill the argon, which is a technical job best left to professionals.

While it is possible to replace a single pane in a double pane window, it’s usually recommended that you replace the entire unit. Not only is it more cost-effective, but you’re ensuring the window maintains its energy efficiency.

Signs Your Double Pane Window Needs Repair or Replacement

Modern double-pane windows are extremely durable, and you can expect to get as much as 20 years out of them before they need to be replaced. That said, there are a few common challenges homeowners sometimes have with double and triple-pane windows.

Visible Cracks or Damaged Glass

Any visible damage, even if it’s only to one layer of glass, should be addressed promptly. As noted previously, a cracked windowpane will release the insulating gas immediately, significantly reducing the performance of your window. It’s also a safety concern if the interior glass is damaged, as structurally, it is now less sound and could shatter unexpectedly.

Condensation or Fogging Between the Panes

If you’ve noticed a layer fogging up your glass, you can put away your window cleaner; this is not a cleaning issue; it’s a sign the seal between windowpanes has failed and moisture has seeped in. If the glass itself has not been broken or damaged, a professional may be able to repair the window by replacing the seals and refilling the argon. However, if the window is older or has significant moisture damage, full replacement may be the better option.

How Surrey Professionals Repair Double Pane Windows

The good news is that unless the problem with your windows is structural, it’s almost always possible to have the window repaired rather than replacing the entire unit. And the process is easier than you might expect. For issues like condensation or problems with moisture, rather than replacing a unit, a professional window repair company can come in and carefully remove the failed seal, drying out the interior space and refilling the argon gas before resealing the unit. This can significantly extend the lifespan of your windows and restore their insulating properties.

If the glass itself is cracked or shattered, professionals can replace the installed unit without needing to replace the entire window, which gives you a new window without the new window cost.