Presence of condensation in double glazing, what to do?
Over time, problems with water droplets and fog on interior glass can worsen to the point where water collects inside your windows. This excess moisture becomes a problem because it can cause water stains or mildew, and even permanent damage to your frames and furniture if it rots.
If you’re really lucky and have a thirsty cat, he’ll let you know how bad your window condensation problem is by licking the mildew buildup off the glass. Worrying isn’t it?! Let’s see how we can combat this condensation problem and eliminate its harmful effects in your home.
1. Why does condensation form?
You’ll probably notice condensation on your double glazing in the winter when it’s cold outside. You’ll especially notice window condensation overnight when everyone’s home and the heaters are running to keep your family and pets warm. And in summer, the same phenomenon occurs with lower temperatures inside and a hot and muggy outside temperature.
The seriousness of the condensation problem varies according to its location in the double glazing: from the outside, from the inside or between the two panes. Quickly discover the cause of each type of condensation as well as the tips for combating this problem effectively.
2. Condensation on the outside of the windows
Condensation on the outside of the glass (or your window pane) is not a problem. On the contrary, it is a sign of good window insulation. Indeed, when a room is well heated, the outer surface of the glass remains cold. When the outside air heats up and takes on moisture, it condenses on this cold surface. This is not worrying; as soon as the window regains the temperature of the outside air, the droplets will slide and disappear. In the meantime, you can always intervene:
A rain repellent
Most people are familiar with using rain repellents on their windshields, but it can also help reduce condensation on your windows. By applying a rain gel such as ‘Rain X’ to the exterior glass you can reduce exterior condensation. This causes the water to collect and flow out the window.
To be patient
As the sun warms the windows, the condensation will evaporate. Just as dew evaporates from your car, it will also evaporate from your windows.
3. Condensation inside the window
Condensation on the inside of your windows is mainly due to excess humidity in the room. This excess may be due to water-laden air after a shower, a sports activity in your living room accompanied by intense breathing, or even when boiling water for cooking in the kitchen. This condensation will take time to disappear, if it persists, you have a serious air circulation problem in your property. Here are some tips from experts http://artisanvitrier.paris/ to get rid of this annoying problem:
Buy an anti-humidity product
If you suspect there is excess moisture in certain areas of your home, you can purchase a moisture-repellent product, such as DampRid, Mold Control, Starwax, or others. These products often come in buckets that you can place on your floor or in bags that you can hang up, usually in your closet. They will remove moisture from the air.
Bathroom and kitchen fans
Use the wall-mounted fans in your bathroom and kitchen whenever you cook or shower. The shower and the kitchen release a lot of moisture into the air and sometimes this moisture cannot easily escape from your home. Exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom help remove this moisture from the air.
Open your windows!
If it’s not too cold, you can open your windows. This will release some of the warm, humid air trapped in the house.
Raise the temperature
Raising the temperature of the windows will reduce condensation on them. Condensation occurs when warm air hits a cold surface (the window). You can use blinds or curtains to increase the window temperature.
Move your plants
Plants release moisture into the air. Therefore, if you have several plants near your windows, move them to another location to avoid condensation on the windows.
Buy a dehumidifier
Buying a dehumidifier is an easy and expensive way to remove humidity from your home. If a complete dehumidifier, which costs between 300 and 400 euros, is too expensive for you, you can also buy a mini dehumidifier. Some dehumidifiers will need to be turned on and off, while others will turn on automatically when the humidity level in the home reaches a certain point.
4. Condensation in the middle of the windows
Condensation between the panes is a real problem. The double glazing is manufactured to be super tight and does not let anything escape its internal cavity. The appearance of condensation between the panes then supposes the existence of a leak or a defect during installation. The danger of this type of condensation comes from the possible development of mold and damage that can affect frames and sashes and even harm health.
Try cleaning the windows
If you suspect there is condensation between the windows, be sure to clean them first. In fact, blurring may be due to product buildup, such as cleaning product or grease (in the kitchen).
Replace the windows
Unfortunately, if you have condensation between the panes, you will need to replace the panes. This may or may not be possible, depending on the type, age and manufacturer of the original window.
Replace the window
In some cases, you will not be able to replace the glazing and you will have to replace the whole window. This is generally a good idea, especially if the windows are old.
If you are considering replacing the windows and doors in your home, consider our glazing company! One of our professional glaziers can answer all your questions about window condensation and meet your window replacement needs.
As you now know, humidity is the cause of many problems in a house. Come and read our tips and tricks on this subject: Tip for removing humidity in an apartment.