The Economics of Window Repair
Window repair — specifically sealed unit replacement — is one of the most efficient and profitable services in the glazing trade. The frame stays in place, the work is non-structural, and a skilled installer can complete a standard window in 20-40 minutes. Customer satisfaction is high because the result is immediate: clear glass where there was fog.
For trade professionals, the key to profitable window repair work is a reliable glass supplier. Wrong sizes, late deliveries, and quality issues eat into margins and damage your reputation. That's why precision manufacturing and consistent turnaround matter more than marginal price differences.
Measuring for Replacement Units
Accurate measurement is the foundation of a clean installation. For standard rectangular units, measure width and height to the nearest millimetre at the glass line (not the frame opening). Deduct 2-3mm from each dimension for thermal expansion clearance — our technical team can advise on the correct tolerance for specific glass types and frame materials.
For the thickness, measure the overall unit depth. Common residential configurations are 20mm (4-12-4), 24mm (4-16-4), and 28mm (4-20-4). If you can't measure the existing unit (it's still in the frame), measure the bead depth and frame rebate to calculate the maximum unit thickness that will fit.
Specification Choices
Every repair is an opportunity to upgrade the specification. Most failed sealed units were manufactured 15-20 years ago with basic float glass and air fill. Today's replacement units with Low-E coatings and argon gas fill deliver significantly better thermal performance — U-values of 1.1 W/m²K compared to 2.8 W/m²K for the original.
This upgrade costs relatively little extra but delivers measurable value: lower energy bills, improved comfort, and reduced condensation risk on the room side of the glass. It's an easy upsell that genuinely benefits your customer.
Frame-Specific Considerations
uPVC frames: Bead removal with a flat chisel, clean the rebate, fit new unit with fresh packers, re-clip beads. Straightforward on most systems. Check gasket condition — a new unit in worn gaskets won't perform.
Aluminium frames: Older systems may have screw-fixed beads or pressure-plate systems. Measure carefully as aluminium frame profiles vary widely between manufacturers. We can advise on unit thickness constraints.
Timber frames: Inspect for rot while the glass is out — especially at the bottom rail and cill junction. Putty-glazed frames require new putty and pins; bead-glazed frames are quicker to re-glaze. For listed buildings, check conservation requirements before specifying glass type.

