Broken Double-Paned Window

Can a broken double-paned window seal be repaired?

The answer is yes, and we see broken window seals quite often at home inspections!

Your window needs to be repaired when the fog and condensation do not wipe off on either side of the glass.

This happens when the window loses a significant portion of the insulating gas. The resulting condensation ruins the aesthetic and diminishes the view.

The insulating Argon gas is factory installed and is an inexpensive, non-toxic, odorless gas that is heavier than air—thus it is a good insulating product. The window and the view can be repaired by a glass specialist, but the escaped Argon gas cannot be restored, and the soundproofing will be diminished. If energy savings or sound from every window is important to you, then you will have to replace the entire window!

A Recent Home Inspection

A small double-paned window showed a broken seal (arrow points to condensation):

Our client had it repaired for $350: The window frame was in good shape, and only the glass needed replacing. Typically a window of this size would be less than $300 but there was a special colored glass on the exterior that was needed to match the rest of the condominium complex windows. If the frame was damaged, the entire window would have needed replacing, and that would have at least tripled the cost!

Conclusion

Consider all of your options before making these kinds of costly repairs, and seek help.

Contact us if you're looking for help getting ready to sell; we might be able to recommend trusted contractors that can help with these kinds of quick fixes!