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 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

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?

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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 .

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.

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

Glad you enjoyed it!

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

Well done.

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

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

Thanks for watching.

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.

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...

I’m glad you enjoyed.

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.

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

Best of luck with your repairs.I too hope the weather comes good very soon.

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

Time is always money and can be directly exchanged for cash in the form of employment and so choices are made amongst dilemmas that present themselves in the course our lifetime. Thanks for the appraisal.

I never knew that, thanks for sharing.

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

I’m glad you enjoyed it, Thanks

Its a bad bodge . Never attempt this .

That’s quite a good price from the information I have received via the comments on this video, better than I expected. It’s disappointing that the recycling centres are being awkward regarding disposal. Good luck with your future repairs.

@@TheRepairer We have several manufacturers locally, so I go direct to them. No doubt the people here are paying for someone to come out and measure them. As long as you remove the trim to expose the unit and measure exactly, you will be fine.

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.

Great point!

That is just a basic dehydrated unit the high end stuff can be gas filled.

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

You’re most welcome, best of luck.

Your welcome, Good luck with your repairs.

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 scraper would have been better.

Best of luck with it.

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

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!

I’m winging it really, but I got a result!

Thank you, I do my level best to repair things and your comment is much appreciated and makes being on KZfaq more worthwhile to me.

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.

Thanks for the feedback and good luck with your repair.

Good luck.

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.

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?

Because they are only twenty quid to make.

That’s costly at £240 a shot inc vat, glad you enjoyed the video.

Fine weather is super important.

Glad you enjoyed it!

You are welcome.

Thanks it’s good to hear from someone with industry experience that’s in favour of these diy repair techniques.

Glad you enjoyed, Thanks

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’d like to see a unit being made too, thanks for sharing.

@@TheRepairer its nothing like how you do yours!

I get lots of it, having a repair channel,thanks for your positive comment.

@@TheRepairer my very first thought when needing to know how to fix stuff is from ppl like you on KZfaq, it's sad that we live in a "throw-away"society.

Its a bodge , do not even attempt this please .

@@julesdowner5585 why, what's so wrong with it?

@@gasgiant7122 There's no gas between the two pieces of glass, reducing the insulation. The dried out desiccant won't last as long as when it was new and the silicone sealant isn't as good as what was originally used in the factory.

Your welcome

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.

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

The window is still good so no need todo anything , I think companies have set up in business drilling and venting windows using very similar or the same techniques.

Argon is some but dried air is more common.

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 👍😉😁😉👍

Wishing you the best of luck

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.

So true

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

​@@michaelfrench5252 Good one Mike! :)

Well done for taking the initiative and using your DIY skills to avoid lining the glaziers pockets. I bet every time you look at that window you can do so with a sense of pride and achievement that you wouldn’t have got if the curved window had been renewed, that’s 3 days we’ll spend in my book!

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 for the information, much appreciated.

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!

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 👍)

I was surprised when I realised repairing was a possibility.

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.

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

Profits and convenience are my best guess.

Best of luck with your repairs.

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.

I think we are on the same page.

Thanks, that’s never been said before.

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.

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

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 thought exactly that too before I looked into double glazing construction deeper,I do wonder if DG salesman had a hand in forming this popular belief.

Some are. You can buy argon gas for £30 and put some in. It’s heavier than air.