Getting Ahead of Condensation in Your Double Glazed Windows

Double glazed windows contain two panes of glass instead of the single pane seen in typical windows, but it’s the space between them that keeps your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Air or a dense gas, whose molecules move slowly and maintain the air gap’s constant temperature, fills the space between the panes. As a result, it takes longer for the outside cold to enter your home through the window. Sometimes an absorbent substance is also applied to the sealed area since it can help with moisture absorption, preventing the development of condensation in between double glazing, mould, and mildew. This is First home Improvements’ guide to the cause of condensation in double glazing and how to remove condensation from double glazing.

When will condensation form?

Although insulated glass windows are renowned for performing very well under tremendous pressure, such as temperature changes and severe weather, time will ultimately degrade the seals. The panes may expand and compress as a result of heat from continuous direct sunlight, which eventually compromises the seal’s contact with the window glass. The seal may also be damaged by water retention in the frame and poor drainage. When window seals are broken, moisture seeps into the area between the glass panes, causing condensation to appear in between the double glazing.

What is so bad about condensation?

Since just one pane of glass separates the temperature inside from the outside, condensation is more prone to collect on the inside of single-glazed windows. It is still possible to get condensation in between double glazing, but this is more common if they are old and suffering from damaged or perished window seals. Condensation in double glazing is problematic since it will shorten a window’s lifespan, particularly if the sealed unit is left submerged in a significant amount of water for an extended length of time. Condensation on your double-glazed windows doesn’t always indicate that they are broken. Where the condensation is on your window will determine how to proceed.

How to prevent condensation forming?

When asking how to remove condensation from double glazing, it is important to remember that it is all about humidity. If you have a kitchen or bathroom fan, remember to turn on the for at least 15-20 minutes each time you cook or take a shower. Even in the cold, use ceiling fans. Set them up so that they spin counterclockwise to force warm air downward. Maintaining proper indoor humidity levels is also crucial. Try using a dehumidifier, which draws in air, extracts moisture, and then pumps it back into your home if you find a humidity issue there. Simply keeping the windows open when the weather permits will remove the warm, humid air trapped in the home and avoid condensation.

Main areas where you get condensation in double glazing.

When it comes to condensation in double-glazed windows, it can only really happen in three main locations. On the inside, on the outside, and in between the two panes.

Inside window pane

Internal condensation problems are typically caused by an excessive amount of humidity in the space or by poor airflow. Low room temperatures can also produce cold surfaces, especially on windows, which make it easy for warm air to condense on them.

The easiest technique to handle condensation on a window’s inner pane is to enhance air circulation, which will lower humidity and help to remove moisture from the space. Reduce the number of cold surfaces in your home by maintaining a steady, reasonably warm temperature. This will also make it more difficult for condensation to form.

Outside window pane

Although it doesn’t happen frequently, condensation in double-glazed windows can form on the outside glass. It occurs because the dew point of the air is higher and the ambient air is warmer than the surface temperature of the glazed pane. Low temperatures make it more likely to happen at night or in the early morning.

Even while it is annoying to have restricted vision until the condensation on the outer pane clears, this is not usually a problem that has to be resolved. In fact, it’s a good indicator that your windows are exceptionally energy efficient and made of low-emissivity glass.

The gap between the 2 glass panes

There are several possible causes of condensation in double glazing. The seal that surrounds the two panes and forms the sealed unit will most likely start to deteriorate and fracture. Condensation might enter the space between the two panes of glass as a result. Any moist air or water that enters can soon become absorbed by the absorbent material between the panes if there is even the tiniest flaw in the seal. Condensation first appears as moisture when it can no longer hold any more.

While there may be some DIY quick fixes for this issue, the truth is that once condensation starts to appear within the unit, your double glazing will need to be replaced. Once that inner seal is compromised, there isn’t much you can do to fix the double glazing short of replacing it entirely. Preventing something from happening in the first place is the answer.

Windows need replacing?

In conclusion, it’s crucial to understand how to take care of and maintain your double-glazed windows, especially when it comes to condensation. Buying professionally fitted, high-quality double glazed units with a guarantee that covers your windows for a large part of their expected lifespan will help the cause. First Home Improvements takes pride in delivering you exceptional service and total peace of mind. Contact us for more information or request a free quote for new double glazed windows.