Failed Seals And Gaskets In Double Glazing Medway
Failed Seals And Gaskets In Double Glazing Medway – What It Means and How We Fix It Across Medway
Hi, I’m Tim from TS Glazing, and one of the most common problems I come across when visiting homes around Medway is failed window seals and gaskets.
If you’ve started noticing condensation between your double-glazed panes, or your windows just don’t seem to be keeping the warmth in like they used to, chances are the seals have failed. It’s a really common issue, especially in older installations, but the good news is, it’s something we can fix quickly and affordably.
What Are Window Seals and Gaskets?
Every double-glazed window has two panes of glass that are separated by a sealed air or gas-filled gap. This gap helps with insulation and soundproofing. The seal or gasket around the edges keeps that layer airtight.
When that seal breaks down, usually through age, weathering, or poor installation, moisture seeps in between the panes, causing misting, condensation, or even small water droplets inside the glass.
In simple terms, your double glazing stops doing its job properly.
How Do You Know If a Seal Has Failed?
You might spot:
Condensation or fogging inside the glass that won’t wipe away
Drafts or cold spots near the window edges
Distorted reflections or cloudy patches in the glazing
A noticeable drop in warmth or insulation
Damp smells or moisture near the window sill
I was recently called out to a home in Rainham, where the customer thought they needed brand new windows throughout the house. In reality, most of their units just had failed seals. We replaced the affected glass panes and resealed everything properly, saving them hundreds of pounds and restoring that “brand new window” look.
Why Do Window Seals Fail?
There are a few common reasons we see across Medway towns like Gillingham, Strood, Chatham, and Rochester:
Age and wear – most seals naturally break down after 10–20 years
Poor installation – small gaps or uneven sealing can cause early failure
Exposure to heat and cold – the constant expansion and contraction can cause cracks
Trapped moisture – can slowly break down the adhesive bond over time
Medway homes that face the River Medway or are exposed to higher winds and coastal air (especially around Upnor or St Mary’s Island) tend to experience this sooner due to moisture and temperature changes.
How TS Glazing Fixes Failed Seals
At TS Glazing, we don’t jump straight to replacing your entire window unless it’s really necessary.
Instead, we:
Inspect the unit to confirm whether the issue is the glass, frame, or seal.
Remove the failed sealed unit carefully without damaging the frame.
Fit a new double-glazed unit using high-performance glass that’s correctly sealed and energy rated.
Check all gaskets and seals around the window for any wear or damage.
Test and reseal the entire unit to make sure everything’s airtight and secure.
This approach keeps costs down while giving you the same benefits as a full replacement, warmth, clarity, and efficiency, without unnecessary expense.
Real Jobs Around Medway
In Strood, we recently replaced five misted double-glazed units for a customer whose conservatory had become foggy and cold. Within a few hours, everything looked crystal clear again and they noticed an instant difference in warmth.
Over in Chatham, we were called to a property where draughts were coming through a set of older uPVC windows. The issue turned out to be perished gaskets. Once we swapped them out and resealed the units, the difference was immediate, no more cold spots and much quieter inside too.
Can You Repair a Failed Seal Yourself?
This is a question I get asked a lot, and honestly, no, not effectively. Once a double-glazed seal has failed, it needs professional attention. The unit has to be fully replaced or re-gasketed to restore proper insulation and prevent further damage.
DIY quick fixes (like trying to reseal around the edges with silicone) don’t tackle the real issue inside the unit and usually end up trapping more moisture.
How to Prevent Seal Failure
While seals naturally age, there are a few ways to extend their lifespan:
Keep frames clean and free from dirt or debris that can damage seals.
Avoid harsh chemical cleaners that can erode rubber gaskets.
Make sure windows are properly ventilated to prevent trapped moisture.
Schedule a regular inspection every few years to spot early signs of wear.
Why Medway Homeowners Choose TS Glazing
We’re not a big national chain, we’re a husband-and-wife team based in Hempstead, Medway, and we take pride in every job we do. My wife Sam runs the office and keeps in touch with customers, while I focus on the installations and repairs.
Whether you’re in Gillingham, Rainham, Chatham, Rochester, Strood, Wigmore, Lordswood, or anywhere in between, we’ll make sure your double glazing is performing exactly as it should.
We offer:
Honest advice — never pushy sales
Reliable, tidy workmanship
Cost-effective repairs and replacements
A personal, friendly service from start to finish
Get in Touch
If your double glazing looks cloudy or your windows are losing warmth, don’t put up with it, it’s a clear sign your seals or gaskets need attention.
Give TS Glazing Medway a call or message us today. We’ll happily visit, inspect the problem, and give you honest advice and a free quote.
Have a look at our Checkatrade reviews or visit our Facebook page to see what local homeowners say about our work, we’re proud to keep Medway’s homes warm, secure, and crystal clear.