Condensation on Double Glazing in Cardiff and South Wales
Many homeowners believe that condensation is caused by badly fitting windows and can be remedied by fitting energy efficient double glazing. This is not always the case as condensation has many different causes, sometimes it is even a good sign to show that your windows are working effectively!
Condensation can occur on either the internal face of the window, in between the double glazed unit or on the external face of the window. Understanding why there is moisture on the windows can help to fix or reduce the issue:
Condensation on the internal face
The main causes of condensation within the home are excess moisture in the environment coupled with a low external temperature. One of the obvious ways to reduce the issue is to try to create less moisture in the air with the use of dehumidifiers or drying clothes outside. If this is not possible, it is important to ventilate each room well, through opening windows on the vent function daily if possible.
Internal condensation can be reduced with the use of warm edged spacers and Planitherm glass. Both of these additions restrict heat exchange through the glass, keeping the internal pane warmer.
Newly fitted double glazed windows can appear to cause condensation once the weather turns cold. What is actually happening is that the previous windows were not as tightly sealed and would allow air to escape. This air, which contains moisture and warmth, in now meeting the glass instead of escaping through the gaps. Of course the benefit is that your heating is no longer escaping around the windows and is being retained in your home.
Condensation between the units
Condensation on the internal faces of the double glazing shows that the unit is leaking air or gas and is no longer sealed correctly. There is no option other than to replace the unit at this stage as the visibility of the window will gradually reduce due to increased moisture entering the sealed unit.
Condensation on the external face
This occurs when the temperature of the glass reaches a lower point than that of the external temperature. Energy efficient windows fitted with a low e coating and Planitherm glass will reduce the heat loss to the external glass resulting in condensation.
External condensation tends to only happen in certain climatic conditions such as in extremely cold weather, it is also dependant on how sheltered or open to the wind each window is. This makes it possible to have condensation on some windows in your home but not others.
Having condensation on the external face of the windows is not a bad thing; it simply shows that your windows are retaining the heat in your home.
In summary, condensation is not necessarily caused by good or bad double glazing but can be reduced with good ventilation and choosing windows that will reduce your heat loss effectively.
At Inspire Windows, we fit warm edged spacers and Planitherm low e coating as standard on all of our windows. For a no obligation quote in Cardiff, Newport or South Wales please call us on 02920 734573.
