
A survey by Which? revealed that one in ten people who have had double glazing installed in their property in the last 10 years have had problems with the installation. In that same survey, it was also reported that 18% discovered issues in the years preceding the installation.
As one of the best double glazing companies along the South Coast, we’ve got over 40 years of experience and are a Which? Trusted Trader company recommended by over 94% of customers.
For a free no-obligation quote on the installation of double glazing on your property, get in touch today.
The Most Common Problems Following Poor Double Glazing Installation

According to the Which? survey, it was revealed that 18% of customers who had problems with double glazing after the installation had problems which fell into the following six categories:
1. Windows or Doors Becoming Difficult to Open or Close
Whilst this can happen with a fresh installation of double glazing and should ease up with time, sometimes the installation can simply make the door or window too stiff to open.
This can cause worry about wear and tear on the handle as extra force is being used to open and close the door or window.
There are a few things to try which can make life easier, such as:
- Lubricating the hinges:
Try using some oil or WD40 to ease the tension on the hinges. This can make the door or window far easier to open. - Adjust some screws:
This option is best done under guidance to prevent voiding your guarantee due to tampering. If extra lubrication does not work, contact the supplier for advice to see what you should do.
2. Windows or Doors Dropping Over Time
This is often caused by a lack of attention from the installer or the quality of materials used by the company.
We use extremely high-quality A++-rated energy-efficient double glazing in our double-glazing projects, and we always ensure our customers receive a premium finish in terms of both the manufacturer’s product and the professional standard of installation offered by our team.
Visit our Checkatrade page to find over 200 excellent reviews.
3. Locks Not Working
If the locks aren’t working on your double-glazing installation, they may have been faulty from the start. Locks can often be overlooked as a minor detail, and people often forget to give the lock a quick check after ensuring the rest of the installation is perfect.
If you notice this with your installation, we recommend booking a lock repair with the company you worked with. As this is a fault caused by that company, there should be no cost for repair.
4. Glass Steaming Up or Problems with Condensation
Although this is a preventable issue which can occur after the installation of double glazing, this is often caused due to installer error or a lack of maintenance.
A majority of windows that fail or become misted are southeast to southwest facing – a configuration which causes the greatest changes in daily temperatures due to the position of the sun.
This causes the window seal and panes to expand considerably more than any other window in the house, which can eventually cause them to fail due to poor installation.
Find out how to prevent condensation on your windows.
5. Seals Around the Door or Window Failing
This problem can occur even without causing the buildup of condensation inside. Even if condensation never appears, it is important to recognise that your windows are being made significantly less energy efficient due to the reduced effectiveness of the airtight seal.
One of the most common reasons for a failed seal is a buildup of moisture which causes the seal to rot and eventually break. It is essential to clean this area with soapy water and dry it thoroughly. Alternatively, if this is a frequent problem, installing some form of ventilation may be a good idea.
Another common cause is that there is a fault in the seal provided. This can be a small puncture or rip, however, this should be prevented with thorough inspection prior to installation.
6. Double Glazing Cracking or Shattering
More common with taller and longer shaped windows, this is often down to the pressure of the gas within the two panes and the climate on the flanks of the window.
There are also certain environmental factors which can play a part in this happening. For example, if you live in a cold region of the country with tall windows which face the sunrise or sunset, improperly installed windows can be at risk of developing cracks due to building pressure within the panes of glass.
Because of this risk, it is essential that you use a well-respected professional double-glazing installer who can ensure that the glass doesn’t have the risk of shattering.
Choose a Which? Trusted Trader to Install Double Glazing
With superior quality products and the dedication and expertise required from our professionals, we can install double glazing in windows, doors, conservatories, and more, all to the highest standard of quality.
With a wide range of energy-efficient window options available to our clients across the South Coast, you can get brand-new windows installed which are suitable to a range of budgets.
For double glazing installed by Which? Trusted Traders and highly rated Checkatrade professionals, get in touch with our team today.