Double glazing and condensation

Doozergirl

Thomas1865 said:

Jeepers_Creepers said:

"We naively thought new windows would reduce it." Almost certainly they have. Unless your old windows kept the condensation away by being draughty!

Thats a distinct possibility 😬

Thanks to everyone for the helpful feedback so far 👍

Unfortunately we don't have trickle vents but we'll think about how else we can remove moisture, it sounds key.

We don't tend to dry a lot of clothes inside, mostly in the dryer, and those that we do our in our utility room, so I don't think that would cause a problem.

You might need to look at putting them in retrospectively.   Replacement windows should have trickle vents if you don't have a managed ventilation system. 

The other option is the night latch.  You should be able to lock the windows in position that they are virtually closed.  You won't see daylight but it will let more air in than trickle vents, which are adjustable.  

Phil4432

Thomas1865 said:

Good evening all, 

Apologies if this is the sort of thing which has been asked many times over.

We had new double glazing windows installed during the summer replacing some ancient ones that were here when we bought the house.

We've noticed in the colder weather there's been a lot of condensation on the inside of the panes, in some cases this has led to black mould (where we weren't alert to the fact that there was excess water) 

We're surprised how much condendation there has been. We naively thought new windows would reduce it. We phoned the double glazing company and they said it was to be expected. They even sent us a nice shiny brochure on condensation 😑

As we had quite a few problems with the initial installation, we're a bit reluctant to take the companys explanation at face value. So would anyone happen to know if this is normal or could there have been installation issues? Is it worth asking an independent contractor to review the work done?

Not sure if it's relevant but it does feel like a cold house. I've made a few enquiries about cavity wall and loft insulation, as I dont think we have either.

Thanks very much for any help or advice

Haven't read the whole thread, apologies if I'm repeating another poster.

What's caused your condensation, is increased insulation and lack of ventilation.  This is normal and to be expected with good double glazing, and any additional insulation.

Make sure your house is heated to at least 14C.  Vent(open a window) the house for about 40mins-1hr per day.  Open a window when cooking, showering.  Install extractor fans in bathrooms.  Keep the kitchen and bathroom door closed.  Make a note of the vents in your brickwork; is there enough air moving through your house?  As you increase insulation, you may need to increase ventilation.  

Make sure your home is heated evenly, as colder rooms will draw in warm air from other heated areas of the house and also be prone to condensation, as well as uneven heat distribution(that could actually cause your system to work harder, and result in more energy use).  Or make sure that empty room have the rads on slightly, and the doors are closed. 

Invest in a good dehumidifier.

I've greatly helped condensation in a 1930's semi by following the above.

grumbler

Phil4432 said:

Thomas1865 said:

What's caused your condensation, is increased insulation and lack of ventilation. 

Increased air tightness - possibly, but not insulation.

Jeepers_Creepers

Like Grenage, our house is largely dry for similar reasons, plus the addition of an open chimney in the sitting room.

Some bedroom windows, on the other hand, always have condensation on them in the mornings as they are in closed rooms with sweaty bodies and a lower air temp - and with fully-shut windows. It's part of the deal of comfy modern-day living that we often need to wipe down some windows first thing in t'morn for a few months.

fezster

Thomas1865 said:

We've noticed in the colder weather there's been a lot of condensation [b]on the inside of the panes[/b], in some cases this has led to black mould (where we weren't alert to the fact that there was excess water) 

Do you mean on the inside of the 2 panes of glass? This should not happen on new units (usually the result of a poorly sealed unit or a deteriorated seal).

grumbler

Jeepers_Creepers said:

... they are in closed rooms with sweaty bodies and a lower air temp...

Lower temperature yet sweaty? :

I think, what's more important is that the bodies breath.

neilmcl

grumbler said:

Jeepers_Creepers said:

... they are in closed rooms with sweaty bodies and a lower air temp...

Lower temperature yet sweaty? :

I think, what's more important is that the bodies breath.

I think he was referring to the ambient temperature, you can still get warm and sweaty under a good duvet, but I agree it's the moisture created by breathing that tends to be the issue.

Grenage

grumbler said:

Jeepers_Creepers said:

... they are in closed rooms with sweaty bodies and a lower air temp...

Lower temperature yet sweaty? :

I think, what's more important is that the bodies breath.

I'm sure a couple tucked up in bed can think of something to tick both boxes.

grumbler

Grenage said:

I'm sure a couple tucked up in bed can think of something to tick both boxes.

Did I fail in choosing a smiley to convey the same?