Do you still get condensation with secondary glazing?
Condensation can be one of the peskiest problems experienced by the modern home. Just when you think your windows are safe from moisture build-up, letting you enjoy absolute warmth and unobstructed outside views, you start to notice the glass getting fogged up and misty when the wet and cold weather rolls in.
Condensation occurs either when warm air meets a cold surface or when excess humidity inside a home results in the formation of water droplets on a cold surface. This is especially common in winter, when your central heating system comes on in the cooler hours of the mornings and evenings.
Although condensation may not be an issue in itself, neglecting to address it can lead to the development of damp areas where mould can thrive, which can be detrimental to your health.
It is difficult to completely eliminate condensation as it is a natural occurrence when warm air meets a cold surface or when there is excess humidity in the air. However, you can take measures to reduce the amount of condensation in your home, such as ensuring good ventilation, reducing moisture-producing activities like cooking or showering, using dehumidifiers, and insulating cold surfaces to prevent them from getting too cold. By taking these measures, you can minimize the risk of dampness and mold growth caused by condensation.
What causes window condensation?
Condensation on windows can occur when water vapour in the air is able to break through the seals of your window’s frames, causing drops, fogginess, and mist to appear on the surface of the glass. The amount of condensation that forms on your windows depends on a variety of factors, including humidity levels inside the room, inside and outside temperatures and a lack of proper ventilation can also cause unsightly window condensation during low temperature weather.
Most instances of window condensation is caused by high levels of humidity in the surrounding environment. As the outdoor temperature decreases, the temperature of the window glass also drops. As moist air comes into contact with the cold glass surface, the moisture within the air condenses and accumulates as water droplets.
New windows can be just as susceptible to condensation as old windows, and in some cases, they may even increase condensation due to their ability to reduce draughts in the home. However, it is important to minimize condensation on the inside of windows as it can damage the window frames. To control condensation, three primary strategies can be employed: managing relative humidity levels, improving ventilation, and enhancing insulation.
- Control humidity. Control the relative humidity in your home through the use of extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Provide ventilation. Or ensure there is adequate ventilation.
- Add insulation.
How does secondary glazing help to add insulation?
Secondary glazing provides a fully independent internal window fitted inside the frame of your existing window, providing an extra layer of protection against moisture build-up, causing the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the window to decrease. without compromising on the existing attractive style of your property’s windows. It’s a modern double glazing solution that doesn’t require planning permission either, and the installation process is extremely quick and straightforward.
Although condensation can be more prevalent on single glazed windows due to the colder temperature of their internal surface compared to secondary glazed windows, simply replacing them with secondary glazing is not sufficient to eliminate condensation issues. The warmth of the internal surface of new secondary glazed windows can decrease condensation; however, the elimination of draughts can also reduce ventilation, leading to a buildup of moisture and exacerbating the problem.
Although it can be a pain to have limited visibility until the condensation clears, especially on the outside pane, it is a good sign that your windows are extremely energy efficient.
Enhanced protection, same great style
Made from lightweight aluminium, secondary glazing sits neatly inside your existing window’s established framework, while preserving your property’s character.
Enjoy first-class secondary glazing services from Ventrolla
If your home’s windows are currently suffering from condensation issues, get in touch with a member of our team using the online form. We’d be happy to provide a free quote and answer any further questions about the installation process you may have.