Double glazed aluminium patio doors codensation

Poppycat

We have some very old aluminium patio doors in for many years, god I hate the things in Winter as water runs down the alumium and window (very thin) and collects at the bottom on a upvc strip. It collects water particularly on a night when temps drop and we all tucked up in bed. The upvc strips has only a small dip to collect water which often fills up only on one side and then onto the carpet, its previous made a carpet rotten in a small area and the gripper rods, skirting board. We use a de-humifier on in the hosue to collect the water in the air, problem arises as I said on a night when heating goes off.

Its such a nuisance having to mop the water before it runs over on to the carpet, and as we have a concrete floor water stays there if nothing is done. I tried making the upvc lip bigger with some plastic but although plastic sticks for a while it doesnt last long. Any suggestions as to what to do, perhaps something that can collect the water over a time.

plumb1_2

try drilling a hole in the bottom channnel,to allow the water to escape to the outside.

Poppycat

Hi, thanks for reply. I tried that last year I despite breaking two drill bits, the very thin ones. I gave up in the end I couldnt get the hole right through it some how couldnt get go all the way out.

rizla01

Hi, Poppy.

You need to understand exactly what condensation is and how it occurs.

It is produced by cooking, bathing, breath, body heat and any warm air coming in contact with a cooler surface will condense, particularly in inadequately heated and ventillated rooms.

Double glazing was brought out to illiminate this by forming a pocket of air between outside cool air and inside warm air but in the early days, it seems, no-one thought about the frame.

Nowadays frames have thermal barriers inside that separate out from in.

Would it be possible to lock the patio in a slightly open position. you can purchase shoot-bolts that will alllow you to do this. If not do you have a vent in the top. They help. don't close the curtains across the patio at night, if you can avoid it. Can you lock a window in the same room in a slightly ajar position. You may also find that a thermostatic valve (TRV) fitted to the radiator in that room will help. I.E. reduce the heating at night.

Basically you need air to circulate around the glass and to keep the heat from condensing directly ON the glass and frame.

Failing that build a conservatory.:)

Poppycat

Thansk again for the advice. I knwo a little about condensation having put up with it for years, used to get loads of it running down walls in kids room until I lagged it with insulation, now cured. Its just this blasting patio door. I normally have windows open when shower is on and keep de-humifier on when I can. Cant have a conseveratory I am afraid due to cost and space, if only. I have a look in diy store see if I can find some solution. Cheers for good replies.