Sweating of double glazing is quite a common thing. But what if splashes of water appear even between the glasses? Can something be done about it?
Frost, dew and fogging of windows
Are you also sad that winter has long ceased to cast interesting ornaments on your windows? It’s a shame and it’s not! The frost on the windows looked very nice and romantic. But on the other hand, it means that our window panes are already much better insulated, warm, and therefore frost does not form on them.
If the frost appears on the outside of the windows, then it is probably really hard frost. If water droplets condense on a window inside a room, then the window is cold and the air is warm and moist at the same time. But what if the windows are dewing inside in the space between the window panes?
But from time to time, moisture can appear between the double glass of the window. Double glazing is quite common, and this method of insulation certainly does not only apply to old screw windows, but also to modern, plastic or wooden chamber windows.
You can try washing windows that sweat inside the room using products that prevent fogging and condensation. Ordinary shaving foam is also among the proven ones. But that’s certainly not all, an expert from this post from the American Window Concepts YouTube channel will also tell you something about condensation.
Source: Youtube
There is no air between the window panes
You may have never thought about it, but the fact is that the space between the panes of these double-glazed windows is often not filled with normal air. Only exceptionally is it ordinary air devoid of all moisture. Much more common is the use of gases such as argon, krypton or xenon. These gases are preferred because they have low thermal conductivity. They therefore reduce heat loss, which is especially desirable for windows. It already follows from the just mentioned that moisture and water droplets should definitely not appear between the windows. These are stable gases that do not react to temperature in the same way as water, or extreme temperatures are needed to liquefy. So what does it mean when there are droplets between the window panes?
If dew actually appears between the double panes, this is a seal failure. Air penetrates through some, even quite tiny, hole in the poorly sealing insulation. It also contains a lot of air humidity, or water. The moment this air touches the cooler glass, condensation occurs and water droplets are formed. They can then flow down or evaporate again. However, the problem hasn’t gone away, it’s just not visible right now.
What can be done to prevent the windows from leaking between the panes?
It’s annoying, but by no means does it mean you have to throw out the windows. You should have your windows inspected by a professional. You can then have the window insulation replaced or repaired. Definitely don’t do the repairs yourself.
In the Czech Republic, the standard warranty period is set at a minimum of two years. However, in the case of windows and frames, it is significantly longer. Window fittings and accessories, meaning hinges and handles, have a shorter warranty of 2 to 5 years. Windows and frames have a slightly longer warranty, most often 5 to 10 years. The guarantee for sealing and insulating properties, for example against condensation inside, can be up to 10 to 15 years depending on the manufacturer.
So find the contract with the supplier and see if you are still entitled to a repair within the warranty period. If you decide to buy new windows, also take an interest in how long specific components are under warranty or how complaints are processed.
Sources: glazingrefurbishments.co.uk, dekpartner.cz
