double glazed windows and condensation (merged threads)

wazza

i have double glazed windows and doors. we sleep with the interior doors open. nowdays its cold outside. have noticed bad condensation in the front bedroom windows. is this normal on double glazed windows? have not had the heating on today because it is warmish thanks to a gas fire downstairs.

how can i prevent condensation?

cattie

I get condensation on my double glazed windows too. It's something to do with the warm air inside hitting the cold surface of the window I believe. I've seen some advice about leaving windows open slightly or opening airvents if you have them, but being a chilly mortal myself the thought of opening a window in cold weather is a definate no-no.

I have one of those rubber edged things people use on car windscreens & I wipe my windows down with this each day & mop up the water with kitchen towel.

A few years back I had a small box affair that sat on a windowledge. It contained a silicone substance that absorbed the moisture, but after finding it hard to find replacement silicone, I had to give up on that idea.

squirrelz

I thought you just had to put the silicon in a hot oven for a few minutes to revive it's water absorbing qualities (well actually it drives the water out of it so that it can work again, but you know what I mean).

monkmorency

My Nan used to put a little washing-up liquid on a cloth and wipe the windows to prevent the condensation. I'm not sure about the science behind it, but she swore by it.

I've never actually tried it myself...

kingshir

We get it too, like Cattie I just wipe the windows and feel virtuous that I have clean windows all the time (well almost )

SammyD_2

We moved into our house almost four years ago. Since then, four of our double glazed windows have developed condensation. I know nothing about double glazing, as I grew up in New Zealand, where it does not exist, so it is all a bit of a mystery to me. Can anyone help me out with the following questions?

Is this a major expense to get fixed?

Would it be covered by a guarantee - the last owners promised to leave the guarantee for the double glazing when they sold the house, but the didn't and things were not exactly rosy between us after the sale so we didn't follow it up? If so, is there any way I can find out who installed the double glazing - each frame seems to have a number etched into it - would this be any help?

I feel sick everytime I look at the windows thinking that I might have to pay out thousands of pounds...

All advice appreciated.

Nile

Hello SammyD


There is a thread which discusses double glazing condensation here.

Kind Regards

Nile

across

do you mean in between the glass (have they failed) or just inside your window were you can touch?
if it is inside your window were you can touch then you'll probably find this is quite normal i havent met anybody yet who hasnt had condensation at bottom of windows doubleglazed or not.
also if your ironing or cooking then unless you open the window there would be condensation on them because it has to go somewhere, hope this helps it is because it is so cold outside and warm inside and when you open curtains in morning it may be there but will clear up as air circulates, open windows daily for best results! but if it is in between glass then you have failed units and they need changing, hope ive helped put your mind at rest,good luck!

$17mma

Condensation in double glazing is it not because of the seals? around the frame letting in air causing the condensation

across

thanks monkmorency i'm going to get the washing up liquid on later!!!!!!!!

Poppycat

Rex_mundi as a resident windows expert he may be able to help further.

But as said condensation is caused when warm air (in house) meets a cold surface (outside). The warmer the air inside is the more it can retain moisture. As we go to bed, heating goes off, temperature drops slightly and moisture is then released.

You can try and cut down a little of this as said keep a windows open when cooking, showers etc. Or get a humidifier that works similar to a fridge. It extracts moisture in the air into a container.

If condensation is in the actually panes of glass (double glazing) they are normally sealed, I would assume the seal is bust and would therefore need replacing. Can be an expensive job. Rex if he sees this may help further.