In this article we discuss the ways how to stop and to prevent condensation on double glazed windows.
Air humidity has a tendency to condense and fall to the surface of the objects whose temperature is lower than the temperature of saturated steam. A double glazed window is always the coldest place in the house. So, if you’re reading this, you most likely are looking for an answer to the question how to stop condensation on double glazed windows or to prevent its appearance. As a result of joints, angles and slopes getting wet mold fungus can be formed on a window, its appearance may affect the health of the inhabitants of the house in a negative way.
Why does condensation appear on windows?
The main valuation standards of double glazed window units do not imply the appearance of condensation on the inside surface of glazing. If it appears, it means that something is going wrong. The most common causes of appearing condensation are the following:
- Poor ventilation work due to insufficient air exchange. This problem occurs in the case of absolute tightness of windows. It leads to increasing level of humidity
- The presence of an aluminum spacer in the window design. It leads to the formation of condensation along the perimeter of the glazing unit.
- A wide windowsill. In may lead to the weak convection of warm air from the battery to the glazing.
- Errors made during the installation of the heating radiator. This may assume the probability of inaccuracies while installing the heating system which can lead to insufficient heat radiator
- Household consumers mistakes dealing with keeping the house, their habits and hobbies. Very often our own behavior provoke the formation of condensation on the windows. For example, it is not necessary to plant an entire greenhouse on a windowsill. You also shouldn’t dry things near radiators (clothes, shoes and even your loved pets!).
The reason for the formation of condensation on the surface of the inner glazing can be high air humidity in the room or low temperature of the surface of the inner glazing. This phenomenon is rather easy to fight with – just create the normal conditions of use of double glazed windows (proper ventilation and space heating, reducing the level of humidity). Condensation on the outer surface of the single glazed windows can sometimes be observed in the morning (the so-called “dew time”). This is a temporary phenomenon which even confirms the efficiency of the glazing and does not require any special measures.
See also: How many windows a room should have
How to prevent appearance of condensation or to stop it?
Formation of condensation on the window glazing (as well as its transformation into a frost during the lowest winter temperatures) may lead to a number of negative consequences. “How to clear condensation from double glazed windows” is not a question – just take a piece of fabric and wipe it. All the methods dealing with stopping appearance of condensation on glazed windows are prevention methods. The main of them are:
- Maintain the normal humidity in your living space. It means regular ventilation of the room (two ten-minute treatments during the day are quite enough). This technique depends on the temperature of the outside air: the lower it is, the less time you need for ventilation. At the same time it should be clear to you that the probability of condensation is inversely proportional to an increase in air temperature in the room. Airing as a preventive method must become more frequent during the period of any repairing, installing or reinstalling works with your windows.
- A very particular attention should be paid to glazing while purchasing and installation of windows. As mentioned above, this is the weakest part of the structure according to its thermal and physical point of view. So it is necessary to monitor its shortcomings very carefully. The ideal option is the new special energy-saving windows. They allow you to keep warmth in your living space and to avoid a sharp drop of temperature on the surface of the glazing leading to appearance of condensation and frost.
- Pay particular attention to the construction of glazing. The best choice is when your windows is not aluminum, but has a polymer spacer. It retains heat better and counteract the occurrence of condensation and frost.
- Place curtains at a proper distance from radiators. Otherwise window glazing will not receive a proper amount of heat.
- Your windowsill should not be too wide.
- Check up your ventilation systems regularly.
Implementation of the recommendations set above and quite detailed knowledge of the subject matter should contribute to getting rid of the problem of condensation and frost on your windows. In this case your home will be an area of comfort, warmth and coziness.
Condensation problem can worry you quite often, especially in winter, during the period of the maximum difference between temperatures inside and outside. We hope this article helped you to remove condensation from your glazed windows.