double glazed windows and condensation (merged threads)

Poppycat

I get condensation to, but use a humidifer all day/night and keep window open in bathroom for a while when washing and same in kitchen for cooking. Still get a bit of water on windows and even letter box which is very cold metal on double glazed door.

We also have an old double glazed alminium patio door and its terrible for letting water run down it, as its a cold surface. I have to wipe it down every few hours, otherwise water goes on the carpet, which is now ruined.

SammyD_2

across wrote:

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!

The condensation I am referring to is between the glass, so it looks like failed units based on what you are saying. It started off as one unit, but last year we now have another three windows gone. Very annoying!

across

oops yep! if it is between the glass (ie you cant wipe it off, it's steamed up inside then it looks like you need new units) hopefully the frames will still be fine you can replace the glass units alone if the frames are still in good condition or maybe you just dont want them replacing anyway yet to save money, good luck try not to worry!
you could think about just saving for each one and replacing them one by one rather than struggling to do whole lot at once hope this is of help!

SammyD_2

Thanks across, makes me feel a bit better knowing I can do it one at a time. I will add it to my husband's "things to do" list. It only has about 600 items on it...

Poppycat

My suggestions were no good then. Thanks

SammyD_2

Poppycat wrote:

My suggestions were no good then. Thanks

No, but thanks anyway - looks like I have the expensive problem!

buglawton

I remember reading about this in a good home care book, here is the link to the Author's comments on misting up double glazing:

http://www.ask-jeff.co.uk/building-double-glazing.htm

Rex_Mundi

If the condensation is inbetween the glass, then the unit has 'broken down' (very technical terms we use in the glass trade...lol). This can only be cured by replacing the unit with a new one.

You can either get a glazing company in to replace the units for you, or do it yourself. Depending on your system, this is normally an easy job. Either you pop the beading off one side, and can remove the unit, or you have to remove the gasket from one side before you pop off the beading on the other side. In some systems, a double sided glazing tape is also used. This will mean the unit will stay in place even with the beading removed. Run a blade through the tape, and this will have to be replaced with new tape as well (any decent glass/glazing shop should sell you this cheaply).

Getting the size of the unit right is crucial! You don't only have to get the width and height correct. The thickness is about the most important measurement. If the unit is too thick or thin. It wont go back in properly (it wont fit at all if it's too thick). Most UPVC systems I know use 28mm units, but I've also seen 20/22/24/26mm units for PVC windows.

If you do the job yourself and are unsure of the measurements/thickness. Take the glass out, take the unit to the glaziers and they can measure it accurately for you. You can always put the old unit back untill the new unit is ready.

When you put the new unit in. Make sure it is sitting on spacers and not the bottom of the frame. If it sits on the bottom, it will stop water draining away, and speed up the new units breaking down. I would expect AT LEAST a five year guarantee on new units. I know of many companies that do a ten year guarantee as standard now.

If you do it yourself. BE CAREFUL!!!! I've got plenty of scars to prove that glass bites hard!

andrewmoorcroft

If its between the glass then the seals have gone. If its on the inside of the house then it is caused by excess water in the house. most water vapour condenses in the coldest areas of the house. this is usually windows or chimney breast or though there are other reasons the chimneys become damp. it is nothing to do with the double glazing because the inner pane will be warmer than a single glazed window which is more likely to attract condensation. the likey reason for people to have worse condensation after fitting double glazing is that they seal much better and reduce the ventilation.
Silicon crystals are a real micky mouse solution. If you use a dehumidifier you could probably take 10 litres of water a day out a house compared with a few milli litres with the crystals so they have a pothetic impact in solving the problem.
The real solution is to stop the vapour at source. Most vapour comes from the kitchen and bathroom. The best solution to tackle this is a humidity controlled fan. I've already written a couple of articles on these fans and i'm sure somone like nile can find them for you.

OK i found it http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=132031&page=2&pp=10

mindyourlanguage

Hello all

I have a problem with the double glazing in my house. Inbetween the two panes of glass it seems to be collecting water.

Any ideas?

Thanks