Why plastic window condensation and how to fix it
The contents
Today, among the different types of Windows the most popular are PVC Windows. And this is perfectly understandable, because they do not require insulation in the winter, periodic painting, as well as protect your house from noise and dust. But with the onset of cold weather the plastic Windows, condensation can form. Resulting in troubles such as puddles on the window sills, the frost on the Windows, the dampness in the room and even the formation of mould and fungi.
To prevent moisture condensing on the plastic Windows, did not violate comfortable, you need to know the causes of this process, as well as methods of its prevention and correction. That’s about it and will continue it.
The condensate and its influence on the indoor climate ↑
Condensation is a result of a breach of an optimal microclimate in the room. High humidity is a favorable environment for fungus, mould and bacteria.
Sanitary rules and regulations in paragraph No. 2.04.05–91 «Heating, ventilation and air conditioning» it is established that an optimum humidity in a residential area may not exceed 30-45%, and the temperature should be equal to 20-22 °C. These conditions are most suitable for comfortable human existence. Condensation under these conditions will not occur. So, if you find accumulated on the Windows, moisture is the first sign that a favorable atmosphere in your home violated.
Why old wood Windows are not formed condensate. First, the wooden Windows have a sufficiently large distance between the panes in the frames, therefore, the glass standing on the inner side has a higher temperature than the same glass in a single plastic box. Second, the wooden Windows are not very tight, so the room where they are installed walk drafts, which is similar to the permanent ventilation.
Plastic window is sealed, so do not allow drafts in the room there is increased humidity and, as a result of condensation. Condensation is a common phenomenon of water transfer from the gaseous aggregate state to liquid that occurs with decreasing temperature. When the temperature is high enough water is in the air in vapor form. With decreasing temperature the moisture starts to condense on the surface having the lowest temperature. In a residential area of such a surface are the window.
In physics there is such a thing as «dew point» – this is the level of temperature increase which the air is oversaturated with moisture, and with decreasing – get rid of it.
When the building is «dew point» is either outside it or within its walls, but may always be circumstances that shift the point inside the dwelling. Construction technology takes account of this and creates conditions to prevent such a shift. Such conditions include:
- The location of the battery under Windows, this enables the thermal barrier to the passing street cold air inside the home.
- Installing RAM is closer to the internal aperture of window, for best heating of the glass.
- Such selection of the width of the window sill, so it does not obstruct the rise of heated air from the battery.
Is to make even minor changes, and the balance can be broken. Below is a table showing the temperature directly from the glass, where the plastic window would be condensation.
Causes of condensation ↑
Such reasons may be several:
- A strong temperature difference between indoors and outside together with high humidity.
? - Allocation of moisture in the process of repairing low-quality construction materials such as plaster, paint coatings, Wallpaper and even ceramic tiles.
- The sealing structure of the plastic Windows that result from improper installation of slopes. Often this type of problem occurs when you install PVC Windows on their own. The result is a significant reduction in temperature and condensation.
- Too wide window sills that impede the lifting of warm air from the battery to the window opening.
- Installation of plastic Windows with a single camera. This kind of Windows has lower thermal insulation than triple analogues.
- The marriage of glass. In this case, the fogging is not on the outside and inside of the glass.
How to troubleshoot condensation on the plastic Windows ↑
Consider measures that will help to get rid of the popup on the Windows condensation:
- Provide regular ventilation of the room. Especially important to carry out ventilation in cases where the automatic system fails to provide adequate ventilation. Most manufacturers of plastic Windows equip their products with ventilation valve. Very easy to use automatic valves, equipped with sensors for air humidity.
- Quite an effective method of combating condensation is «winter ventilation». It is a position of opening of the window in which the sash is barely departs from the frames to provide ventilation with simultaneous delay cold air.
- Also in the fight against condensation, you can use the placement on the windowsill lit the candle. Importantly, to comply with all fire safety measures and never place candles close to curtains and other flammable materials. This method is based on a process like air convection, which occurs as a result of receipt of heat from a burning candle. This method is the easiest, least expensive and quite effective. The most profitable to use pillar candles, which is enough for eight to ten hours of use.
- Using a fan allows you to create a moving flow of air near the window that helps to eliminate condensate on the moisture there. The fan is better positioned on the windowsill and turn on minimal power.
- Another effective way of combating condensation is to install a convection screens that represent the plate, guides the heated air from Central heating radiators to the window opening. The recommended angle of mounting of such plates should be in the range of 30° to 60°. If this fight condensation will be suitable for you, the screens can be decorated in such a way that they harmoniously fit into the interior space.
- Some are used to combat the fogging chemicals (various sprays and defoggers). Before you apply this means the window must be thoroughly washed and dried. But this method is unable to completely eliminate the problem, it only partially easier.
- Heated by electricity. This is a rather unusual way of getting rid of condensate. For it will need foil, nichrome filament or film of conducting current. One of those material is secured around the perimeter of Windows and works under the voltage of 12V-24V.
- Replacement single-chamber plastic Windows on two or three-chambered, and even better vacuum can save you from many problems, including from condensation.
Professionals generally recommend that you not apply Windows with one camera in the premises intended for housing, because these Windows retain heat poorly. Weak insulation due to the presence of only one layer and too little distance between the plates.
- Modern solution of the considered problem is the use of dehumidifier. This device eliminates excess moisture.
- In the case of internal fogging of the glass the output can be only one replacement.
Replacement glass is produced in just a few minutes, but this work must engage a specialist. Besides when contacting the seller of defective glazing, replacement should be free.
Prevention of condensation on the Windows ↑
Before you begin to deal with the resulting condensate, you should be familiar with key methods of preventing its occurrence. These methods include:
- The optimal temperature in the room.
- The organization of natural ventilation and airing. Check the efficiency of ventilation in the apartment. To do this, move to the ventilation of a thin piece of paper, if it sticks, it means that ventilation is in order, otherwise you will need cleaning.
- Insulation of the building from the outside.
- Maintain the room humidity level is not more than 50%.
- Excluding the possibility of moisture penetration into the dwelling, namely, repair a leaky roof, reducing moisture in the basement and the like.
- The increased heating of the window by increasing the radiator beneath it, and decrease the protruding part of the sill.
- Cleaning off the windowsill plants, as they and wet soils provoke the occurrence of condensation.
- When installing plastic Windows provide high quality insulation of the slopes, carefully seal the foam from the inside and the outside of the insulation and use only high quality.
- During cooking need turn on the kitchen hood.
- Always check the serviceability of the fittings of the plastic window. If necessary, immediately implement its adjustment or replacement.
To find out more about the problem of fogging of plastic Windows, view the video below: