New windows & condensation

AuntyCat

Last year we had new double glazing fitted to all our windows. The work was done by a local builder (not a specialist window company) I know he has done plenty of windows before and has done loads of work for us with no problems.

Ok, we didn't pay a fortune so I don't suppose we got top quality windows and yes you get what you pay for, but the problem we have looks to me like the windows are not fitted or sealed properly & I would appreciate any advice or comments before getting back to him.

The bathroom and kitchen do suffer with all over condensation when showering or cooking - I accept that and can open a window to sort it out. The thing I don't like the look of is the rest of the windows - every morning, all the windows have condensation round the edges, even the rooms we have not been in. This has been happening since they were fitted, but in this cold weather they are very wet (just round the edges) but in big droplets - if not wiped up all that water will drip down and could cause other damp problems.

Does anyone have any experience of this? or advice?

It did suprise me that the frames and window panes were seperate when fitted (the window part was a glass block that was fitted into the frame) is that normal? is there somthing that could be missing when it was put into the fram?

Thanks for any help.

missprice

Well I tell ya
I have excellent triple glazing throughout my house and this time of year I get just a little bit of condensation in one of the bedrooms.

Its because there is no heating upstairs at all.
Although it bugs the life out of me there is as yet nothing I can do til the heating system gets replaced and I get radiators upstairs.
So are you heating these rooms enough? Cold air condenses warm air keeps circulating.

And yes every window comes as two separate pieces, a frame and window units.

AuntyCat

Thanks for your reply.

I obviously don't understand condensation! I thought it was caused by the cold air on the outside meeting the hot air on the inside? Thats why you get condensation in the bathrook & kitchen when its hot in there.

We have no heating on at night as I can't sleep with the heat. I will try tonight & see what happens.

penrhyn

Modern argon filled double glazing units should reduce internal condensation.
I'd suggest buying a humidity meter, as you might have other problems.

On a cold day you could expect to see condensation on the outside of the units, showing they are working.

NeverInDebt

Thanks for your informative reply I look forward to your next post with baited breathe

simona777 wrote: »

Thanks very Important Information...

leveller2911

The double glazed units should have Low E glass on the inner pane. These units should be fitted with the Low-E coating on the inside pane.

If they have been fitted the wrong way round you will get lots of condensation. If the builder glazed them it may be the case he fitted the glass units incorrectly. It can be checked out with a "low E glass tester". Ask the builder to test the units.

It is usual to get a small amount of condensation on modern energy efficient glass units and its good practice to open the windows daily and also wipe off the small amount of condensation that builds up on the inside, usually on the top of the bottom rail of a sash.

AuntyCat

Thanks Leveller2911.

Last night we tried to reduce the moisture in the air, no baths, pan lids on, kitchen fan on, kitchen window slightly open when cooking .............no condensation this morning.

I did some reading up on the subject and hopefully that's all it was. More ventilation needed etc

penrhyn

Get one of these.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Thermometer-Hygrometer-Instrument-Room-Control-Anthrazit-White/dp/B002U9U4B4/ref=sr_1_3?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1389691586&sr=1-3&keywords=thermometer+humidity