Argon filled double glazing?

shevybabs

Does anyone else get condensation on the outside of Argon filled double glazed panels? We had front bay window replaced by Safestyle in July. Now the colder nights have started i am wakening up to lots of condensation on the outside, which clears when the sun reaches it. I`m thinking its going to get worse in Winter and Safestyle say they can`t do anything about it. My standard double glazed windows don`t do this. Anyone else having the problem? Any suggestions on what i can do to cure it?

Wig

This post belongs in the DIY section, but don't worry, I'm sure someone will move it soon.

I think they are right that nothing can be done, cold night warm interior, = cold glass, upon which condensation will form.

I think you mean "outside" as in inside the bedroom side of the glass.


Only thing to stop this would be better windows, with a greater gap between the glazing panes, do you know what the gap in your is? I think it's like 20mm is supposed to be the best, and cheaper stuff has a 12mm gap. Better than a larger gap would be triple paned but you don't get that in the UK very much.


I think you're stuck with having to use a tissue each morning. Surely your old windows did exactly the same? Were they single or double glazed?

woody2007

if you only had the work done report them to trading standards and they will make safestyle do something about it. Dont let them away with it

sra

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Frostygills

I noticed a couple of days ago we had condensation on the outside (eg outside of the house) of our windows, we only had ours put in a few months ago too. The gap between the panes is pretty big at least 2cm, no condensation build up on the inside. I thought it was odd that this was on the outside of the house.

Wig

If it's condensation on the real 'outside' then google found this
http://www.windowstoday.co.uk/external-condensation.htm

Seems ok to me. Just like when you have condensation/dew on your car in the morning, or on plant leaves. It's perfectly normal.
http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=63145

thebaldwindowfitter

i had the same problem on a bay window we did as explained it is the double glazing doing its job .we cured it by applying rain ex which is used on car windscreens to stop water sticking to the screen

shevybabs

Frostygills wrote: »

I noticed a couple of days ago we had condensation on the outside (eg outside of the house) of our windows, we only had ours put in a few months ago too. The gap between the panes is pretty big at least 2cm, no condensation build up on the inside. I thought it was odd that this was on the outside of the house.

Glad its not just me, I`m just hoping it doesn`t get any worse when the really cold weather comes, never had this problem with the standard double glazing which was installed before the Argon filled window.

shevybabs

Wig wrote: »

This post belongs in the DIY section, but don't worry, I'm sure someone will move it soon.

I think they are right that nothing can be done, cold night warm interior, = cold glass, upon which condensation will form.

I think you mean "outside" as in inside the bedroom side of the glass.


Only thing to stop this would be better windows, with a greater gap between the glazing panes, do you know what the gap in your is? I think it's like 20mm is supposed to be the best, and cheaper stuff has a 12mm gap. Better than a larger gap would be triple paned but you don't get that in the UK very much.


I think you're stuck with having to use a tissue each morning. Surely your old windows did exactly the same? Were they single or double glazed?

These were really expensive units and are in my main front bay window. The condensation is outside...street side....my previous windows were standard double glazed windows, nothing wrong with the but needed the hardwood frames changing....never had condensation on the ouside of those. A bit annoying but it seems from the other replies that its rare but it does happen due to the Low E glass doing its job.

shevybabs

shevybabs wrote: »

These were really expensive units and are in my main front bay window. The condensation is outside...street side....my previous windows were standard double glazed windows, nothing wrong with the but needed the hardwood frames changing....never had condensation on the ouside of those. A bit annoying but it seems from the other replies that its rare but it does happen due to the Low E glass doing its job.

Good to know that i`m not the only one having to put up with this.

HaushinkaGreenDay

Hi Shevybabs,

I think the reason why there's condensation forming on the outside of your glazing is because the units are actually doing their job.

Condensation forms when water vapour meets a cold enough surface. The outside panes of your windows will now be much colder than your previous double glazing, as less heat will be escaping from inside your house.

Therefore, more condensation will form. This is usually more noticable on North-facing windows - is this the case with your bay?

A6windows had some good advice - I've heard the rainex is quite good at preventing water droplets 'sticking' to surfaces. Might be worth a try!

Haushinka