Double-Pane Window Replacement: Risks and Rewards

The benefits of double-pane window replacement are many, and it’s an investment that can pay for itself in a matter of years because of the huge energy savings it can provide. 

However, it’s important to replace double-pane windows the right way, otherwise you risk damaging other parts of the windows and hurting their performance, which ends up being more expensive in the long run.

Everything You Need To Know About Double-Pane Window Replacement

When to replace double-pane windows

When installed by a professional, double-pane windows can last for about 20-25 years. Here are some signs you should watch out for to know when it’s time to replace your double-pane windows:

• One or more panes of glass are chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged
• There is condensation in between the panes of glass
• Your energy bills are higher than usual

If there is any physical damage to your window glass, it’s easier for solar heat or cold/warm air to pass through them, so you should replace the windows as soon as possible to maintain their performance.

Condensation in between the two glass surfaces of your double-pane windows is another sign that they are not working as they should. Moisture and humidity gets inside the space when there is damage to the glass or when one or more of the windows’ seals are damaged or degraded.

If you notice that you’ve been running heating and cooling systems more than usual, resulting in higher utility bills, your windows might be the reason why. In this case, inspect your windows closely for any of the physical signs of wear and tear mentioned above to see if any need replacing. 

Even if you don’t see any damage or internal condensation, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect your windows to find issues you might not be able to see with your untrained eye.

Can you replace a single pane of glass in a double-pane window?

If the reason for window replacement is a damaged pane of glass, you might be tempted to try and replace only the damaged glass in an effort to save money. However, you should always replace the entire double-pane unit. 

This is because attempting to replace just one pane of glass can end up damaging the window more. For example, you might damage the opposite pane when you remove the damaged pane, or damage the inner/outer seals in the insulated glass unit.

Even if you are able to replace a single pane of glass and make the window look as good as new, in a short amount of time you might realize it has other issues.

Despite the higher up-front cost of whole double-pane window replacement, it will pay off in the long run because of the energy savings.

Can you replace double-pane windows yourself?

Any type of window replacement, either residential or commercial, should always be performed by a certified and licensed professional. 

Even if you think you have the DIY knowledge and experience to do it yourself, double-pane window replacement requires very specific professional knowledge to do it the right way.

If even one part of an insulated glass unit is not installed and sealed properly, the window will not function as intended, and you won’t be receiving all the benefits of the double-pane glass.

Benefits of double-pane window replacement

Improved energy efficiency is the biggest reason to replace failing windows, but there are also other benefits you might not have considered yet. Some benefits of replacing old double-pane window units include:

• Lower utility bills
• Reduced carbon footprint
• Comfortable indoor temperatures year round
• Improved safety and security

Lower utility bills, a smaller carbon footprint, and steadily comfortable indoor temperatures go along with the energy efficiency of modern double-pane windows, but let’s take a closer look at that last bullet point: improved safety and security.

Replacing old double-pane glass presents an opportunity to harden your property’s security by choosing security glazing for one or more panes of the new insulated glass units.

While there are a variety of different types of security glazing that can be used for this, we often recommend containment-grade polycarbonate glazing for insulated windows.

Containment-grade polycarbonate is especially ideal for commercial facilities because of its incredible impact resistance. In fact, even if riddled with bullets (which would shatter other types of glazing), containment-grade polycarbonate doesn’t diminish in strength or give way.

Double-pane insulated windows with one or more polycarbonate panels protect against a full range of security threats, including forced entry, burglary, smash-and-grab theft, rioting and looting, vandalism, storm damage, earthquake damage, and more.

How much does double-pane window replacement cost?

The cost of replacing double-pane windows depends on many different factors, including the type of glass/glazing chosen, the size of your windows, the framing material, if the windows have a gas infill, and the complexity of installation.

A single small double-pane window unit, for example, should cost under $1,000 to replace. Particularly large windows, such as big office windows, can cost in the thousands of dollars per unit.

It’s worth noting that replacing old double-glazed windows tends to be cheaper the more you replace. So, even if you only have a couple of windows that are failing and need to be replaced, it’s worth considering upgrading all your old windows to modern models.

Glazing technology is constantly improving, so today’s double-pane window units are more efficient than those installed decades ago.

While replacing multiple insulated glass units can have an expensive price tag, you typically get a relatively quick return on your investment because of the energy savings new, top-of-the-line insulated windows provide.

Wrapping Up

If you need to replace your double-pane windows, make sure to get it done by a licensed professional, such as Riot Glass.

We are experts in all things window and door related. We manufacture and install custom insulated glass units, as well as a full range of security glazing products.

Contact us today for more information about our energy-efficient, double-pane glazing options or to schedule a free consultation.