Plastic windows are completely sealed and can guarantee warmth and comfort in your home. The only problem associated with their tightness is when the windows sweat. Why does condensation appear, and how to prevent fogging of windows?
Content:
- What is the problem
- Why do windows sweat
- The concept of dew point
- Why you need to remove condensate
- Condensation and wooden windows
- Condensation between glasses, what to do
- Useful tips on how to deal with condensation
- Mold is a companion of misted windows, what to do with it
- How to get rid of condensate folk methods
- Anti-fogging chemicals
- A bit about window ventilation
- Other Ways to Eliminate Condensation
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What is the problem
What is the problem with foggy windows? In general, condensation appears on windows as a result of a sudden change in temperature. Ordinary physics can explain this, or rather, the transition of a liquid from a gaseous state to a liquid one.
When there is a lot of vapor in the air, when it hits cold surfaces, it turns into a liquid. The coldest point in the house is the window, so this is where condensation occurs.
The windows are foggy from the outside. This situation is extremely rare
Oddly enough, windows can fog up in different ways.
Here are some of the most common scenarios:
- Condensation appears with the onset of cold weather. This situation is the most common, condensation forms when the temperature drops to a certain level. When the air temperature rises, the windows stop sweating
- the windows are sweating in the kitchen. This is natural, because the kitchen is constantly cooking. The temperature in the room is constantly changing, which leads to fogging of the window.
- the window sweats only in one room. This problem occurs due to certain features of the room itself, or due to problems directly with this window.
- the window sweats only in the morning. Closer to dinner, the condensate disappears completely, and the window remains dry.
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To understand how to solve the problem with fogging windows, you need to find out what reasons can lead to this.
Flowers on the windowsill are one of the most common causes of condensation on windows.
Typically, this problem manifests itself for a number of the following reasons:
High humidity level in the room. This problem often causes windows in the kitchen or bathroom to fog up. If there is high humidity in the room, condensation will form on the windows. Frequent cooking leads to a deterioration in the situation, faulty ventilation or exhaust, drying clothes after washing.
Poor circulation of heat from various heating sources. This problem is more common in autumn or spring, when it is still cold and humid outside and the temperature in the room is not warm enough. Warm air does not enter the lower part of the window sill, especially if it is wide, and condensation forms in this place.
Incorrectly installed windows. Experienced installers perform this work in accordance with all standards, so there are no problems. Those who charge less for work cannot guarantee a quality result, they are usually in a hurry and perform installation with deviations from the norm.In such situations, the design is not completely sealed, and cold air can enter the middle of the room. Another problem during installation is level mismatch. Over time, the window frame warps and the tightness is broken. This can cause problems not only in the formation of condensate, but also in the operation of the window as a whole: opening the sash, operating the fittings, etc. With self-installation, the scenario is about the same, without experience, if something goes wrong, you won’t even be aware of this until the first signs of a problem appear.
Poor quality glass. This problem also often arises from the desire to save money. Poor insulation or faulty fittings in windows allow cold air to enter, causing condensation to form.
Double glazing. This so-called cold glazing system, which is used only for non-residential premises. This design does not have sufficient thermal insulation properties, which leads to the appearance of condensate.
Hardware not adjusted correctly. During seasonal temperature changes, the profile can expand and contract. Therefore, window fittings are adjusted according to the season. Otherwise, the tightness of the window may be broken and it will start to sweat.
The insulation was worn out or was initially of poor quality. All window structures are equipped with a seal, which is located along the contour of the sash. It tends to wear out over time or harden. In cheap models, this happens faster, so the window “sweats”.
Clogged drain holes. You can find them at the bottom of the opening sash. Their purpose is to allow water to flow down the outside of the glass when the sash is in ventilation mode. When the drainage holes are clogged, water flows onto the window sill indoors.
Plant on the windowsill. If the flowers are very close to the window, there is a high probability that condensation will begin to form. Plants release moisture, or it evaporates after watering.
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The concept of dew point
The dew point is the temperature at which water changes from a gaseous state to a liquid. This point is located in the thermally insulating layer of the wall, and is at different levels in different situations. This point cannot be visually detected, it is marked only on the graph.
The dew point is directly proportional to the level of humidity in the room.
The most important rule is that condensation forms due to temperature and humidity. The lower the humidity in the room, the lower the dew point.
Factors that affect the dew point:
- outside temperature
- wall thickness
- room temperature
- indoor humidity
- outdoor humidity
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The complete tightness of plastic windows can disrupt the natural microclimate in the room. If wooden structures can "breathe", then fully sealed PVC windows prevent natural air circulation.
Condensation is one of the reasons for the appearance of fungus
If condensation forms on the windows, then the microclimate in the room is unfavorable for human health. Because of this, pathogenic bacteria, fungus and mold can develop in the room.
For a person, the ideal living conditions are 20-22 degrees Celsius and 30-45% humidity in the room. Condensation on the windows is the first sign that the atmosphere in the room does not meet these requirements. To return a favorable atmosphere to the room, this problem must be eliminated.
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Condensation and wooden windows
As a rule, in houses with wooden windows, the problem of fogging is not known. This is due to the very structure of the tree, which allows air to circulate and they are not so much airtight as they are. plastic. So the room maintains a normal level of humidity.
Wooden windows rarely sweat, but if this problem occurs, urgent action must be taken.
Modern window structures are completely sealed. On the one hand, this is good, because the room becomes much quieter and warmer after their installation. This does not allow air to circulate as originally intended.
To get rid of the appearance of condensate, sometimes it is enough just to ventilate the room daily. This will help natural air circulation and prevent fogging. In addition, some modern window systems have special channels for micro-ventilation. But wooden windows can also sweat, but why does this happen?
Why do wooden windows sweat?
With the help of a fan heater, you can organize the blowing of fogged windows
As in other cases, the first reason for the formation of condensate is an excess of humidity in the room. If the air humidity is more than 50%, this is immediately reflected in the misted windows.
Get rid of condensation on the windows - organize them by blowing warm air. To do this, you can use a heat gun, fan heater, dehumidifier, etc.
Incorrect installation of radiators can also cause this problem. If the radiator is located far from the windows, it is most likely impossible to completely get rid of the manifestation of dew. For normal air circulation, the radiator will have to be placed in the right place. In addition, a cold wall that is not heated by a radiator will also cause frost to form on the window.
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If condensation at the bottom of a plastic window, or over its entire surface on the inside of the window, is a common thing, then misted windows from the inside are much less common. Most often this happens due to depressurization of the structure.
Condensation inside glass
This can happen for the following reasons:
- the product was released with a defect. This happens when they want to save money when buying and buy windows from an unverified manufacturer. Another reason may be a violation of window manufacturing technology.
- window damage during shipping. If during the transportation of the product, chips or cracks formed on the window, the gas or compressed air that fills the space between the double-glazed windows could escape. It could also be to remove a layer of sealing sealant
- if the window owner performs some manipulations with the product, dismantled them and assembled them back, the gas also came out, and after assembly it was not sealed back. If the double-glazed window was disassembled, its original properties were lost in 90% of cases
If condensation begins to form between the panes, the only solution is to completely replace the double-glazed window with a new one. A professional can replace a double-glazed window in just half an hour, but this work can be done independently. In addition, a new double-glazed window is not at all expensive.
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Regular ventilation is important for the prevention of “dew on windows” and for human health.
Sometimes the problem catches by surprise, and you have to look for a solution literally on the go.
If for some reason it is not possible to find the root of the problem, professionals recommend preventing window fogging using the following recommendations:
- If you have condensation on your windows, first of all, you should remove all plants from the windowsill. Plants evaporate moisture, after which problems arise
- ventilate the apartment regularly. Give it 10-15 minutes daily, let it become a kind of ritual
- in the kitchen you need to install a hood. With its help, most of the moisture that appears during cooking will be absorbed. This will help reduce the level of humidity in the room itself and prevent condensation. You also need to adjust the thrust of the device, if it is too strong, the result may be the opposite.
- Windows should be inspected regularly for damage. Carefully check the fittings once a year, and the seals for wear. If necessary, defective parts must be replaced.
- once a season, fittings must be switched to winter or summer mode
- try to raise the temperature in the room. In some situations, this is enough, and when the temperature stabilizes, condensate ceases to form.
- make the window sill already. This is true if the "dew" appears mainly at the bottom of the window. This means that the heat from the battery does not reach this area.
- make an additional hole for ventilation under the windowsill. It must be transparent. Additional ventilation will increase air circulation and possibly prevent condensation.
The causes of condensation can be completely different. In some cases, the problem is minor, for example, the same flowers. Therefore, before taking drastic measures, it is worth taking these preventive actions.
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Mold needs to be dealt with immediately.
One of the most unpleasant consequences of the formation of frost on the windows is mold. If you do not pay attention to the formation of condensate and start the problem, this can lead to more serious consequences, or rather fungus and mold. And what to do when the slopes are covered with mold?
When you notice the appearance of black spots around the windows, you should take care to remove this plaque. To do this, you can use various chemical compositions, including bleach or an alcohol solution. After removing the plaque, you need to make it a rule to regularly ventilate the room. Such precautions are taken only in winter.
With the onset of heat, it is necessary to take more serious measures, and completely remove the areas of plaster affected by mold and replace it with a new one. After the new layer has dried, it must be treated with an antiseptic.
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To combat condensate, you can use folk methods. They are more forgiving of the design itself, but these methods effectively deal with the problem.
Method 1
An old and proven way to deal with “dew” and frost on the window is a candle.
In the fight against fogging windows, a regular wax candle can help. It works in the case of double-glazed windows and the formation of frost on the windows. This method has been used for several decades. This method has been used to eliminate frost on windows. Several candles are placed on the windowsill along its entire length. They warm the glass and prevent frost from forming.
Many recommend using thick candles. They burn out more slowly, respectively, will last longer. At the same time, with the help of such candles, you can “brighten up” the interior of the room a little, make it more comfortable. If desired, candles can be scented.
Method 2
Properly cleaned windows will prevent condensation from forming. But for this you need the right solution.
Sometimes cleaning windows properly can help. Depending on the initial cause of condensation, sometimes this is sufficient. Of course, the "success" of such a struggle can be expressed in varying degrees, but sometimes it helps.
For washing you need to use:
- soft, lint-free fabric
- microfiber cloth
- newspapers to wipe
- soap solution
- glycerol
- alcohol (you can use vodka)
- shaving foam
- car window fogging spray
- rubber scraper
A window with a fatty layer is subject to fogging most often. That is why the “fight” with condensate must begin with cleaning windows with alcohol.
This will degrease the surface, and the work is carried out as follows:
- first of all, the windows must be washed in the usual way with a soapy solution
- glass must be wiped dry with a lint-free cloth
- the rest of the moisture is removed from the surface with a rubber scraper
- alcohol is applied to the sponge, and with its help the entire surface of the double-glazed window is processed
- waiting for the window to dry completely
Thus, the surface of the window will be completely degreased, which will not allow condensation to form for some time.
Salt anti-fog solution
Saline solution is applied to a pre-washed window
You need to prepare the solution itself. To do this, take 4 liters of water and dissolve in them 1 tbsp. l.
Wash glass with soapy water, and after it dries, evenly apply the solution.
Glycerin solution
It will be no less effective in case of fogging.
- Alcohol and glycerin are mixed in a ratio of 10/1.
- The solution is applied to a pre-cleaned glass surface and left for a while. After some time, the alcohol will evaporate, and the glycerin will remain on the glass surface as a protective film.
Potassium oil, glycerin and turpentine
First you need to prepare the solution itself.
- 40 g potassium oil
- 4 g pine turpentine
- 20 g glycerin
The mixture will turn out to be quite thick, but it must be applied to pre-washed glass with a sponge. Apply the product in an even layer, distributing it over the entire surface. Using a woolen cloth, polish the glass to a shine.
newspaper method
Cleaning a window with a newspaper
Many generations before us used crumpled newspapers to wipe windows. They help to completely clean the glass surface from dirt and soap stains.
At the same time, few people know about the “miraculous” property of printing ink, and it endows the treated glass with a water-repellent effect:
- wash windows with soapy water
- we start polishing them with a crumpled newspaper
chalk
A solution of chalk (you can use tooth powder, always white), dilute it with water and process a pre-washed window. After surface treatment, it must be washed so that stains do not appear.
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Window cleaner “Seconda”
Folk remedies do not always help to the right extent, and then you have to look for other ways to deal with this problem. Modern household chemicals are another simple way to deal with window fogging.
All chemicals that are designed to deal with condensate work on the same principle. The composition is applied to the glass surface and aged for a certain amount of time (which is indicated on the package, this period is different for all products).After that, the window is wiped dry with a lint-free cloth.
Tested chemicals:
"Li-lo." An effective remedy for fogging and freezing windows. The tool is very concentrated, so you need to work with gloves. You can buy it at most hardware stores. The agent is applied in a thin layer to the surface of the glass, for this you can use a sponge for dishes. After that, you need to treat the surface with an already diluted agent a second time. We breed "Li-lo" with water in a ratio of 10/1. Without washing off the previous layer, apply a diluted product and do not rinse. We are waiting for complete drying.
"Second". The tool is sold in the form of an aerosol, so applying it is much easier. It is evenly sprayed over the surface in several layers. After that, the glass must be carefully wiped with a newspaper.
A bit about window ventilation
The same comb on the window
As mentioned above, most often the most effective way to combat the formation of frost on the glass is high-quality ventilation. Window construction must be equipped with ventilation.
- Windows with a window leaf. Today, windows with a window are extremely rare, they are made only by the individual order of the buyers themselves. But this design is most effective in combating condensate. The flow of cold air from the street is easily regulated, it enters the room at the top of the room, where it combines with warm room air. Thus, the microclimate in the room is getting better.
- Micro-ventilation. It has already been mentioned before, now we will consider this method of ventilation in more detail. This is the name of the ventilation mode, which is available in almost all modern window designs. The window opens quite a bit, and there is a small gap through which the air exchange passes. Through this gap, a lot of cold air cannot enter the room, so airing in this mode will not bring discomfort to the inhabitants of the house, even in cold weather.
- Self-ventilation. This feature is native to all window designs. It is a set of small holes in the lower and upper frames of the window. Air circulation eliminates fogging, at the bottom of the cold air comes in, through the holes in the upper frame, the air leaves the room.
- Combs on the windows. A comb is an accessory for plastic windows, which can be purchased at any specialized store. It helps to regulate the intensity of ventilation and opening of the sash.
- Ventilation channel. Many neglect to install it right away, and install it only after a problem occurs. Such a ventilation duct is installed either under the window sills or in the profile itself. The devices are completely different. The cost of such a channel is quite high, so a professional should deal with the installation of ventilation.
Other Ways to Eliminate Condensation
Convection screens will help in the fight against condensate
But chemistry and folk remedies are far from all that helps to cope with the problem of fogging windows.
Of the other methods, the most effective are:
- With fan you can create air circulation in the room near the window. The device is placed on one of the window sills, and its direction should preferably touch several window sills at once.
- convection screens. This is a special device that directs the flow of warm air to the window and prevents condensation from forming. Install these screens at an angle of 30-60 degrees. If the method in your case turns out to be effective, the device can be decorated in accordance with the general interior in the room.
- Electricity against dew on windows. This method is considered extraordinary, but in most cases effective. Foil, nichrome thread, or other material that conducts current is attached around the perimeter of the entire window. They operate under a voltage of 12-24 watts. This solution warms the windows and prevents condensation from forming.
Fighting condensation on plastic windows
What to do if plastic windows in a house or apartment sweat? Causes of condensation. Ways to solve this problem (Photo & Video) + Reviews
Author, you do not understand double-glazed windows! Yes, mostly correct, but in places there are inaccuracies!
We ordered windows from TZSK just in the winter last year, we saw the condensate right away. At first they sinned on the installation, I even had to call a specialist to inspect everything. It turned out that the problem was only in the curtains, which, as the master explained to us, created a kind of barrier between the cold window and the heated room, the air from the battery was simply blocked by a heavy cloth. This is how it happens)