Donate SIGN UP

Double Glazed Windows

Avatar Image
tooj | 20:53 Mon 24th Nov 2014 | Property
11 Answers
Every time we get up the windows in our bedroom are completely covered in condensation. Is this alright or do we need someone to do a repair on them. I don't want some pushy salesman to come round to persuade me to buy new ones if not necessary. My son says its nothing to worry about but my wife is going on about it!
Gravatar

Answers

1 to 11 of 11rss feed

Best Answer

No best answer has yet been selected by tooj. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.

For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.
Inside the window or between the panes of glass. If its the former you need some ventilation in the room.
Question Author
thanks carrust, that was quick, its not between the panes.
A dehumidifier should help, as well.
If the condensation is ON the windows, turn the heating up and open the windows, if it is in-between the panes, the units have failed.
If the condensation is between the panes then the unit has failed. You won't need new windows, you just need them re sealed. Got mine done for £40 a unit so no need for an expensive new window.
If they are decent DG windows they should have a trickle vent, usually at the window head. Make sure this is open so that there is a minimum air flow all the time which should stop condensation.
In a nutshell, condensation is formed when warm moist air, hits a cold surface, so you've several options available to you:
Reduced the moisture in the air, by either circulating the air (opening the windows), or investing in a dehumidifier. I'd highly recommend a dehumidifier - we've got 2 :)
Make the cold surface, warmer. i.e. invest in some better quality panes of glass such as the Pilkington K glass.
Or you can turn the heating DOWN, as warm air can hold more water vapour than cold air - I wouldn't really recommend this option lol :P
It always seems odd to me that we spend a small fortune on double glazing, expensive glass with special coatings, special insulating gas between panes of glass, clever foam round the edges and then we poke a hole in all this insulation and call it a trickle vent... daft !
It's a common issue. Nothing to get overly worried about unless it results in mould. New windows tend to cure draughty old ones so you have less ventilation preventing moisture that the occupants breathe out than before. Leave a window with a gap, or install a vent/fan in the wall, or mop & tolerate.
You need to stop all that breathing and sweating!!
Question Author
It looks like mop and tolerate now wife has seen all these answers, I don't think she'll like the idea of open window and I,ll be happy not having to fork out for new. Thanks

1 to 11 of 11rss feed

Do you know the answer?

Double Glazed Windows

Answer Question >>