Why plastic windows fog up and what to do about it
PVC double glazed windows are installed for heat retention, aesthetic appearance and ease of maintenance. In the summer, when the windows are constantly open, these characteristics are fully justified. In winter and autumn, when the outside air becomes cold, condensation appears on the glass. How and why plastic windows begin to sweat - this question is often asked by technicians of installation companies.
Main reasons
The reason for the appearance of condensation on the glass can be both improper installation and the peculiarities of the indoor microclimate. The problem can be solved by eliminating the causes that led to the appearance of condensation.
Depressurization
Double-glazed windows are distinguished by a high level of tightness. The material does not let cold air in from the outside, but also does not let warm air out of the room.Depressurization can be detected by several signs:
- the appearance of drops of humidity inside the glazing;
- audibility of street sounds;
- heat loss in winter.
In case of depressurization, it is necessary to replace the windows. The most common cause of depressurization is visible damage or production defects.
Violations of mounting and installation technology
When installing the seam, insufficient foam filling is allowed, the use of low-quality materials. This leads to condensation forming on the glass from the inside or between the glasses.
Incorrect circulation
The windows fog up due to poor air circulation. This is due to the insufficient operation of heating devices, the presence of wide window sills, which completely block the supply of heat from the batteries to the window.
Poor quality fittings
The use of poor quality parts often leads to fogging. They affect the tight fit of the window parts to each other, incomplete closing, causing the joints to swell.
Defective seal
Under the influence of low temperatures, the poor-quality seal begins to swell. This phenomenon causes the window to close loosely. As a result, moisture appears on the glass.
high humidity
Indoors, humidity increases for many reasons:
- frequent washing with hanging laundry;
- cooking food, no extractor hood on the stove;
- ironing, cleaning.
Double glazed window
For regions with cold winters, the installation of 3-chamber double-glazed windows is recommended. The fewer cameras in the window, the more likely the glass to fog up.
Clogged drain holes
The drainage system of a plastic window consists of channels and openings on the lower part, which are closed by special valves. The manufacturer installs special holes, one every 600 mm. When the channels become clogged, condensation begins to accumulate.
How to solve the problem
The reasons that cause the formation of wet streaks on the glass can be eliminated on your own. Only in the event that a factory defect is found or serious damage is present, they turn to specialists.
Aeration
One of the conditions for maintaining plastic windows is to control the level of humidity in the apartment. The apartment is constantly ventilated. Every day, open the windows for 15 minutes in turn, or create a strong through wind for 5 minutes.
Flower pots
Flowers actively evaporate moisture. To minimize condensation, don't clutter window sills with flower pots.
The best option is to keep flower specimens to a minimum, placing them outside the window sill.
Rigorous selection
Selecting a company that is professionally engaged in window installation will help avoid installation and installation problems. One of the warranties is a clause in the contract for a 6 month window maintenance follow-up.
Slope insulation
Polyurethane foam that was used during work is often not sealed from the outside. This leads to a decrease in the thermal insulation properties of the slopes. Therefore, the foam must be cut, and then sealed with special building compounds.
hood
Installing a hood helps to minimize humidity after cooking, washing. Experts advise choosing and setting a suitable mode, leaving the hood on while cooking, ironing.
Checking the ventilation of the apartment
Extractor hoods, especially in older homes, lose their original functions. A specialized technician is called to check the operation of the system.
Winter mode of reinforced plastic windows
In winter, the windows are switched to winter mode, which allows for a tighter fit. Before installation, experts warn about the mode in which the window will be.
Traditional methods
You can get rid of the condensation yourself using the tools available. These methods are successful only if, at the same time, regular ventilation is carried out, monitoring the drainage holes, avoiding blockages.
wax candle
This method is based on the simplest laws of physics. Wax candles are placed on the windowsill, closer to the glass. When burning, they improve the process of air circulation, prevent the formation of moisture droplets. This is done carefully, not allowing nearby objects that can easily ignite.
Proper washing
It all depends on how the windows are washed. In order to avoid the formation of condensation, an alcoholic degreaser is used. At the final stage, the glass is wiped with a sponge soaked in alcohol, left to dry on its own.
Anti-fog saline solution
1 tablespoon of salt is dissolved in 4 liters of water. Clean glass is wiped several times with this solution. A layer of brine protects the panes from freezing and the formation of wet drops.
Glycerin solution
An effective solution of glycerin and alcohol applied to clean glass in an even coat. For 10 parts of alcohol, take 1 part of glycerin. This mixture is shaken until smooth.The treatment is carried out with a soft sponge.
Potassium oil, glycerin and turpentine
A mixture of 40 grams of potassium oil, 20 grams of glycerin and 4 grams of pine turpentine is stirred until a thick homogeneous mass is obtained. This composition is evenly applied to the glass, then a fluffy cloth is used for polishing. This treatment makes the surface of the window water repellent.
Log method
The glasses are wiped with sheets of newspaper after being washed in the usual way. This not only removes traces of soap scum, but also contributes to the creation of a water-repellent effect. It is made possible by treating the windows with ink particles.
chalk
Crushed chalk is diluted with warm water. The glass is wiped with this solution. The disadvantage of this method is that after chalking it becomes difficult to get the glass clean.
Chemical products
In the household chemical market, special products containing weak acids are purchased. The action of these funds is aimed at creating a thin film of moisture protection that prevents the formation of condensation.
Li-lo
Using an inexpensive tool, a two-stage treatment is carried out:
- wipe the glass with a concentrate;
- wash the concentrate with a solution of 1 part product and 10 parts water.
Second
The agent is applied to the glass by spraying. Then rub the resulting stains with newspaper pages.
Electricity
Along the edges of the frame, a conductive wire wrapped in foil is reinforced. The structure is connected to a source and a current of 12-24 watts is applied.As the current flows, the air heats up around the entire perimeter of the window, eliminating the possibility of condensation settling.
Convection screens
Special screens installed at an angle of 30-60 degrees to the glass. They help direct the flow of hot air over the glass.
Fan
Most often, condensation forms due to freezing of the lower part, therefore they allow the installation of electrical devices that warm the air next to the glass. A concomitant technique is to reduce the space of the window sill in order to open access to hot air from the batteries. Install hand fans that heat the air. A hot wind is directed against the glass to dry the condensation and prevent the formation of a new layer.
Tips & Tricks
The resolution of the problem depends on the cause of the formation of wet streaks on the glass. If the drainage system is broken, the foam is poorly sealed, then it is necessary to inspect the structure and eliminate problems with the help of building materials.
Folk methods are suitable only when the cause of condensation is increased humidity in the room, the difference between the temperature outside and inside the apartment.
- Builders recommend using natural materials for interior renovations. Drywall, wood and wallpaper absorb some of the moisture, preventing excessive water buildup.
- To prevent the window from fogging up, daily ventilation is carried out.
- Leaky faucets increase the humidity inside the apartment, so experts recommend checking the plumbing.
- One of the reasons for the increase in humidity is the maintenance of large aquariums, so owners need to ventilate more often, use an extractor hood and install air conditioning systems.
- Closed shutters and blinds intensify condensation - they create a limitation of the space inside which air circulates poorly, so in winter it is advisable to get rid of blinds and hang fabric curtains.
The appearance of streaks on plastic glass indicates violations during the installation of windows or non-compliance with maintenance rules. Daily ventilation will reduce water sludge levels.