Why do plastic windows sweat? Condensation on plastic windows

With the arrival of cold weather, people quite often come to us with the following problem: condensation accumulates in plastic windows. Maybe at first glance there is nothing scary here, but in reality it is quite serious problem, which is not so easy to solve on your own. Most often, so much seemingly innocent moisture in the windows indicates depressurization of the double-glazed window - with all the ensuing consequences.

In this article we would like to look at the main causes of condensation in plastic windows, and also talk about what to do about it.

Condensation on plastic windows: introduction

So, condensation has appeared on your plastic windows. It flows onto the windowsill, forms puddles, and sometimes ice appears right inside the room. It doesn’t look very aesthetically pleasing, to put it mildly, but it’s even more unpleasant practical point vision. Due to the excess amount of moisture, mold begins to form on the window frame, and the double-glazed window itself no longer protects the room from the influence of the external environment as it should.

You understand that something needs to be done about this, but you have no idea where to start. In order not to waste time, we suggest contacting our consultant. If you go this route, you can fix the problem by as soon as possible.

Advice! If you notice that there is a draft coming from the window or some other misfortune has occurred, it is better to fix the problem immediately. As long as it’s warm outside, most likely this won’t bother you. But when the cold comes, you will understand how serious everything was.

So why does condensation form in plastic windows? The main reason is the so-called “dew point”. When cold air comes into contact with warm air, steam is formed. This same steam is trying to escape by any means. However, there is a plastic window in his way. When warm steam comes into contact with a cold window, it turns into water - this is condensation.

The second most common cause of condensation is leaking interpanel seams. When installing plastic windows, all seams and joints must be sealed. And not only polyurethane foam. Everything must be additionally waterproofed by special means, and finally, be treated with a sealant that will not allow moisture to pass through. Then the design will serve faithfully for a long time. If this is not done, then the insulation that is located in the panel will begin to collect moisture and then release it to the room. This is where condensation will appear on the windows. It is difficult to cope with such a scourge on your own, since it is difficult to detect leaking seams without special equipment. Warmth of Home professionals will always come to the rescue.

Condensation on windows: causes of formation and guidelines for action

So, why does condensation still form on PVC windows? Causes and methods of control:

• High humidity. Of course, high indoor humidity comes first. If the humidity in the room is more than 60%, then the formation of condensation on the windows is inevitable.

Solution. IN in this case You can get rid of excess moisture in the room using normal ventilation. It needs to be done regularly. If this is the only problem, then when the humidity in the room returns to normal, condensation will stop forming.

• Wide window sill. Oddly enough, a wide window sill can also cause the above problem. If the window sill covers the radiator by more than 1/3 of its width, then it can thereby impede the flow warm air. As a result, the window sill cools, the glass cools, the frame cools - the result: condensation inside the PVC window.

Solution. What to do? Select a window sill that will not block the radiator.

• Double-glazed window design is another reason for window freezing. It just seems to you that plastic windows are the same type. In fact, they differ from each other in many ways. Sometimes an incorrectly selected double-glazed window can become the very reason for the formation of condensation on it.

Solution. . How to avoid such a situation? You need to order plastic windows only from a trusted company, whose specialists will do it for you necessary calculations, will take into account all requirements and perform the work efficiently.

• Low temperature in the room, as well as high temperatures can cause condensation. This happens when it is already cool outside, but the room has not yet begun to be heated.

Solution. You can move away the “dew point” by simply raising the temperature in the room.

• Poor installation. Perhaps the most common cause of condensation in plastic windows is poor-quality installation. Today, many inexperienced companies that are simply unable to be responsible for their work have begun to operate in this area. As a result, incorrect installation manifests itself quite quickly. The owner faces problems that sometimes end in failure.

Solution. In order to understand how to solve this problem, you need to know what exactly was the mistake made when installing the plastic window. If you cannot cope with the current situation on your own, then you should seek help from our specialists. They will quickly identify all problems and offer you several options for solving them.

• . Sometimes condensation appears inside plastic windows due to lack of regular window maintenance.

Solution. Adjust the window, lubricate all hardware mechanisms, and possibly replace the seal. In fact, the problem could be anything. To say for sure, an individual inspection of the metal-plastic structure is necessary.

In fact, the problem could be anything. To say for sure, an individual inspection of the metal-plastic structure is necessary.

Thanks to the table below, you can determine the “dew point” temperature yourself. To make calculations you will need to find out using a hygrometer and thermometer relative humidity room and air temperature.

Why condensation forms in a plastic window: video

We have prepared a video especially for you, in which we talk in detail about what can become one of the reasons for fogging of a plastic window from the inside. The specialists of the Teplo Doma company promptly responded to a call from one of the clients and decided to capture their work on camera.

So, in our article we figured out why condensation appeared in plastic windows. In the vast majority of cases, this is due to depressurization of the double-glazed window, which means the need for its further replacement. To clarify the “diagnosis” and solve the problem, we recommend calling a specialist: independent struggle with condensate most often does not lead to desired results. You will certainly feel the consequences of this approach next winter.

Where to order repairs?

We are a company for which window repair is not just a profession, it is a life choice. Without exaggeration, we know everything about plastic windows. And if you don’t understand how to get rid of condensation on windows, then Teplo Doma specialists will be happy to help you with this. Don't put off window repairs until later - consult our consultants today!

Dew drops on window glass in cold weather this is a common problem. The opinion that wet windows inside an apartment is normal is wrong. There are specific factors, after eliminating which everything will return to normal again.

Condensation is a consequence design features glass unit. Hermetically sealed windows, on the one hand, mean comfort, warmth, absence of noise, street dust and soot, and drafts. On the other hand, blocking natural ventilation through window frames, which can lead to constant fogging of the glass. Reasons why it is necessary to eliminate condensation from the inside of the window:

• an unfavorable atmosphere in the apartment in the form of high humidity and poor ventilation can cause respiratory diseases;
• a high moisture content in the air will lead to damage to furniture, wallpaper and other materials;
• water that has formed on the window sills can cause the formation of mold and mildew, which are very harmful to health: their appearance in a children's room is completely unacceptable;
• V winter time water quickly turns into ice;
• Foggy windows look unattractive and collect dust and dirt.

High humidity due to condensation creates an unfavorable atmosphere in the apartment

According to building regulations 2.04.05-91, the average temperature in residential premises should be 20-22 degrees. Approximate moisture content is 30-45%. In such conditions, condensation will not form on PVC windows, it will become comfortable to stay in the apartment and it will be easy to breathe. If water continues to collect on the glass, this indicates a poor microclimate; the cause must be identified and eliminated.

To better understand why condensation collects, let's understand the term dew point. This is the temperature value at which steam becomes water. The lower the humidity level in the room, the lower the dew point will be. The indicator is influenced by the following factors:

• density of materials in the “filling” of the wall;
• temperature outside and inside the room;
• humidity outside and at home.

At the dew point, moisture can settle inside the room, both on the wall and on the windows. Accordingly, the problem is in the wall structure, double-glazed windows, or appears for external reasons.

When it comes into contact with a cool surface, the vapor becomes a liquid. Condensation forms because plastic windows are the coldest objects in the apartment. It's about about the winter period - it is at this time that the problem of moisture on glass becomes relevant. There is always a certain level of humidity in the air. During washing, cooking, taking water procedures, wet cleaning this figure is increasing. The optimal microclimate in the room is maintained by the ventilation system. It is mandatory for both private and apartment buildings.

To maintain an optimal microclimate in the apartment, it is better to take care of the ventilation system in advance

At first glance, useless, small barred holes in the kitchen and bathroom serve important function– the air gets rid of excess moisture. If ventilation efficiency decreases, condensation will occur. You can try to get rid of it:

• First of all, check the operation of the ventilation. To do this, take a lighter, lit match or candle and bring it to the ventilation grill. If there is a noticeable deviation of the flame towards the hood, proceed to the next steps. If the light burns straight, it means the ventilation shaft is clogged and you need to contact the utility service.
• It also happens that condensation on double-glazed windows occurs when the shaft is working perfectly. Check how well the room is ventilated - open the windows slightly. If the kitchen is actively preparing food, use an electric hood. It is placed above the stove. This convenient device It pulls out not only excess steam, but also strong odors. In winter, when you can’t open the windows wide, kitchen hood- a real salvation.
• If many people live in an apartment, then it would be advisable to install a pressure valve in the bathroom and toilet. This device will force air out of the room. You won’t have to worry about the quality of your “native” work.

If drops of water form on the glass periodically, pay attention to exactly when this happens. If you are cooking or taking water procedures, a hood will help get rid of condensation on the windows. If the windows fog up constantly, then the problem is different.

Ventilators – useful devices, widely used in residential and production premises. The most common is the model mounted in outer wall.The structure consists of:

• air duct – plastic pipe, through which air comes from the street;
• a ventilation grille that protects the device from foreign particles;
• the inner housing where the filter is installed.

The pull-out valve is usually installed in an external wall

Inside the supply valve there is a sound insulation insulation, which prevents the wall around from freezing and reduces noise from the street. Some models are equipped with:

• hygroregulation;
• air temperature sensor;
• fan;
• air heater;
• remote electronic remote control.

Air wall valve provides an air flow of up to 30 cubic meters per hour, which corresponds to the norm for one person. The supply of oxygen from the street will increase if there is less of it in the room. This explains the principle of operation of the valve - it occurs due to the pressure difference created. The device itself regulates the desired flow. Advantages:

• no need to constantly open and close windows;
• less noise is transmitted than through slightly open window sashes;
• you can regulate the amount of incoming air;
• the device can be installed anywhere, for example, near the battery;
• it is almost invisible in the room; it can be covered with a curtain.

Flaws:

• you need to make a hole in the wall;
• installation is carried out by a master, because mistakes will lead to freezing of the wall;
• not suitable for regions with severe and prolonged frosts, because the room will become cold.

If you have sufficient experience in construction work, then you can install the ventilator yourself. For this you will need: a marking tool, a diamond drill rig, glue, a screwdriver, a hacksaw, PVC film, a respirator, and glasses. Select the location where the device will be located. This could be an area near a window, radiator, or at the bottom of a wall. Drill a hole in the wall using a drill at a slope of three to four degrees so that moisture does not accumulate inside. On inner surface make holes in the walls for self-tapping screws to secure the ventilator body. Try on the air duct. Insert the pipe into the hole, mark desired length, cut off the excess pipe.

The hole in the wall for the valve is made using a drill

Place a sound insulator inside the pipe, and insert the pipe back into the hole. Attach a ventilation grille to it from the outside - partitions horizontally and downwards. Assemble the inner body, cover it from the side of the room with a decorative grille, and screw it to the wall. Supply valve must be cleaned once a year, preferably in the summer. To do this, remove the filter with insulation and wash them. Wipe the inside of the pipe with a damp cloth, a large number of Remove dust with a vacuum cleaner.

No time to mess with the installation additional systems hoods or contact the Housing Office for cleaning work ventilation shaft? Try the simplest method - open the windows slightly. First you need to measure the total humidity in the room. If it exceeds 60%, then the problem is a lack of fresh air.

The easiest way to get rid of condensation is to open the window slightly

All modern double-glazed windows made of plastic are equipped with a function that allows them to be depressurized or to create a mini-gap. It's convenient when outside strong wind or frost. In order for a microgap to form between the sash and the frame, you need to turn the handle 45 degrees and pull the sash towards you. It will immediately become easier to breathe in the room, but there will be no draft.

An invisible assistant - a ventilation valve

What to do if there is condensation on the windows, but there is no way to constantly ventilate the room? What is the best way to be with a nursery, where the microclimate should be ideal? Install a special ventilation valve in the window. Advantages over an open window:

• ventilation occurs at closed windows– protection against opening;
• increasing the service life of window fittings - no need to constantly open and close the sashes;
• ease of use and maintenance - it is enough to clean the device from dust once a year;
• lack of draft - convenient in case a strong wind blows, for example, at night;
• possibility of adjusting the air flow from the street.

There are three types of ventilation valves. Slot machines are further divided into automatic and mechanical. Easy to install without dismantling window units. The machine is interesting because it has a built-in hygroregulation sensor. It monitors changes in air humidity levels, opens itself wider or closes, until the window is completely sealed. It is convenient to use the mechanics in tandem with a household hygrometer. You yourself monitor the moisture level and adjust the position of the valve. For rebated valves, special cutouts are made in the window block. They allow less air to pass through than the slot type, maintain the level of sound insulation, and cost less. Overheads provide maximum air flow and require special installation.

To ensure that the cause of condensation is eliminated, when choosing a ventilation valve, adhere to the following criteria:

• the device must provide about 30 cubic meters of fresh air per hour per resident, otherwise its effect will be ineffective;
• maximum level of transmitted noise from the street – 35 dB;
• the design must be adapted to winter period;
• The ability to regulate air flow is important, because the temperature outside the window changes.

You can also choose between valves that are mounted in a window or in a wall. It all depends on your budget and your preferences.

Fogging may occur due to the constant penetration of cold air inside. It cools the glass very much, and a crust of ice forms on the bottom. How to get rid of condensation in this case? The places where the glass comes into contact with the frames are coated silicone sealant. This procedure is suitable for both plastic and wooden windows.

Condensation can also appear due to the constant entry of cold air into the room

Special sealants can be applied to the areas where the sash joints are located. Self-adhesive types are suitable for this. Fighting condensation on plastic windows is only advisable when it appears on them. inside. If the windows sweat from the street, this indicates the high quality of the double-glazed windows.

The classic location of heating radiators in houses and apartments is under the windows. This arrangement is well thought out, because the windows are the coldest part in the house. They often cause drafts and low temperatures in winter. Radiators located below give thermal curtain, which rises up to the ceiling. This prevents cold from penetrating into the room. The direct action of hot air from heating pipes prevents windows from fogging up.

If you have wide window sills, they create a barrier to the heat generated by radiators. The windows become overcooled and drops of water appear on them.

You can make a ventilation hole in a wide window sill

This is not a reason to refuse a wide window sill. You can easily make holes in plastic or wood, thanks to which the upward flow of heat will be restored. Buy suitable grilles in the store building materials. Choose the design, size and color you want. Keep in mind that the strength of the window sill should not be affected, so it is better if the holes in it are narrow. Appearance Some models of grilles allow you to use them as decoration. There are adjustable types on sale that make it possible to close the hole in the warm season.

Using a jigsaw or fine-toothed saw, cut holes in the window sill according to the size of the purchased grilles. The markings should correspond not to the top, but to the bottom of the grille, because the first one will cover the cutout like a lid. Drill the corners first, then use a hacksaw. Insert the grilles into the holes and, if necessary, secure them with self-tapping screws. If moisture still remains after the procedure, move on to eliminating other possible causes.

Do windows on the side of the slopes fog up? The reason lies in their insufficient insulation. Cold turns steam into water. can be easily upgraded. To do this, remove the PVC panels from the slopes. They are easy to pull out if you pick them up and pull them out of the profiles. Carefully foam the space between the opening and window frame so that the inside of the slope is filled with foam. Cut off the remaining material along the slope of the slope. Before the procedure, clean the surface from dust and moisten. Occupy large hollow spaces mineral wool- it will serve as insulation. Put plastic panel slope into place.

If the windows fog up from the side plastic slopes, you should remove the panels and foam the space between the opening and the window frame

In the case of plasterboard slopes, the structure cannot be reused. To solve the problem, you will have to dismantle the old structure, carry out insulation according to the instructions and install a new one. If the windows are single-chamber, you will not be able to get rid of fogging. The reason is in the double-glazed windows themselves. In most cases, they are not able to provide sufficient thermal insulation due to an insufficient number of air layers. The problem is solved by forced heating of windows or replacing them with new ones quality windows PVC from several chambers.

Are you expecting guests and need to quickly give your foggy windows a shiny look? Use auto chemical products. This is any anti-fog spray designed for car windows. First, rinse the window, dry it and apply the product. After active kitchen work, steam will not come out immediately. The windows will remain clean and beautiful for the entire time you are receiving guests.

If you need to quickly get rid of condensation before guests arrive, you can use a car anti-fog spray

Another extraordinary way for those who love experiments. One of the materials is suitable for it: nichrome thread, conductive film, foil. Attach any of the materials around the perimeter of the window and pass a current of 12-24V through it. A little heating will get rid of two problems at once - fogging and freezing.

We get rid of moisture at minimal cost

Deal with moisture without extra costs Candles or a fan will help. These methods will appeal to those who prefer natural and simple methods. They are convenient if the windows fog up only periodically. Place burning candles on the windowsill near the glass - preferably thick ones, because... they burn longer. The fire will cause natural convection - excess moisture will gradually disappear. Do not forget about safety measures; do not leave candles unattended at night. If you don’t have time to figure out why condensation is forming, take a regular fan and place it on near the window so that the air stream is directed at the glass. It can be positioned to handle multiple windows at once. Use the device at minimum power.

The common cause of wet glass is houseplants, if there are a lot of them on the windowsill. Any plant is a source of evaporation of moisture, which is released from the soil in the pot and from the surface of the leaves. The way out of the situation is simple - reduce the number of flowers on the window, leaving the least moisture-loving species. Move plants that need to be watered frequently to another location. If you are an amateur gardener and like your windows to be decorated with lots of green "friends", improve ventilation in the window area.

Fogging of windows is not uncommon, and you should not wait for it. It is enough to carry out simple preventive measures to prevent it from appearing:

• maintain a comfortable temperature in the room;
• provide a natural flow of fresh air;
• insulate the building from the outside;
• dry the basement, repair the roof;
• install convection screens on radiators.

Important in any case systems approach. You will make your home cozy if you try the basic methods in combination.

Today, plastic windows are quite common in apartments and private houses. The design is so popular and in demand that residents sometimes do not notice its main shortcomings. A PVC window does not need to be additionally insulated in winter; it is enough to install a triple-glazed unit; in addition, it perfectly protects from external noise, dust and moisture.

Many residents faced such a problem in the autumn and winter - the formation of condensation on PVC windows. The phenomenon is extremely unpleasant, since black spots of mold and mildew are immediately visible, and the glass itself is covered with tiny droplets of water.

To be able to eliminate such problems yourself, you need to know the main reasons why moisture collects, as well as master preventive methods.

How can condensation affect the microclimate in the house?

Condensation on plastic windows appears in the place where the microclimate is disturbed. The cause may be high humidity.

Moisture is an excellent environment for the growth of fungus or mold. If condensation has formed on the windows, this means that the microclimate in the room is not correct.

Many people have noticed that this problem does not arise on wooden windows. The thing is that wooden windows, first of all, breathe. In addition, there is a large gap between the wooden frame and the glass, which in turn reduces their tightness.

Plastic windows are sealed, so main reason Condensation on windows means that air does not pass through them, so the humidity in the room increases.

How to prevent high humidity in the room?

As soon as the steam comes into contact with a cold surface, it turns into a liquid. The presence of condensation on windows indicates that the window is the coldest surface in the house. Condensation appears in the autumn-winter period, when the difference between the temperature in the house and outside is too high.

After cooking, taking a bath, and also if wet things are dried on radiators, the humidity in the apartment becomes much higher. She has nowhere to go out, she gathers on a cold surface, that is, on the windows.

How to get rid of condensation on windows?

To regulate the humidity in the house, you should set proper ventilation. IN finished apartments ventilation is already available, but it may not work properly; residents do not attach much importance to this and suffer from high humidity.

It is necessary to check how the ventilation compartment works. To see this, you need to place a switched-on lighter near the hood or a match. If the flame deviates to the side, it means that the hood is working properly; if the flame burns vertically, this means that the shaft is clogged or improperly constructed.

It happens that condensation forms on the windows when the hood is working properly. In this case, you should ventilate the room more often; in addition, when preparing food in the kitchen, you should turn on the hood.

If many family members live in the apartment, then it is necessary to install a pressure valve in the toilet. Such a device forcibly draws air from the room and discharges it into the hood.

If condensation constantly forms on the windows in the apartment, which looks like wet drops, you need to pay attention to how often this happens and at what time. If after cooking, then only a hood or forced ventilation of the room will help.

If the windows are constantly wet, then the problem lies in something completely different. It is possible that the double-glazed window is not sealed or the baseboard is near window slopes allows moisture to pass through.

Why does condensation occur when windows are open?

Not everyone knows that droplets of water on windows can appear due to water entering the room. cold air. In this case, the windows become very cold, so they almost become covered with an ice crust.

Many people do not know exactly how to solve such a problem, how to get rid of moisture on the windows. When installing a double-glazed window, the places where the frame comes into contact with the glass are usually lubricated with silicone for better sealing.

This procedure can be carried out both with plastic windows and with double-glazed windows made of wood. Sealing rubber bands are also placed on the windows; you can use a thick self-adhesive film.

It is necessary to deal with condensation only when it appears indoors. If the windows fog up from the street, this indicates that double-glazed windows are installed in the house High Quality and water does not penetrate into the room.

It is necessary to combat condensation between windows, since in the future this can lead not only to the formation of fungus or mold, but also to the destruction of the rubber seals on the windows.

Photo of condensation on windows

Condensation on plastic windows- an extremely unpleasant phenomenon. It not only has an unaesthetic appearance, but can adversely affect human health, as it leads to the formation of fungus and mold. More than 50% of owners of PVC windows face a similar problem sooner or later. Before you panic and make claims to the manufacturer regarding poor product quality, it is worth understanding the nature of fogging and the reasons for its occurrence.

Physics of the process
Condensation is nothing more than the transition of water from a vapor state to a liquid state. This happens due to temperature changes. The thing is that warm air is capable of holding a large amount of liquid, but as the temperature drops, the moisture-holding capacity of the air decreases. Excess moisture begins to accumulate on cool surfaces (for example, glass).

The normal level of room humidity is considered to be from 50 to 60%. Condensation occurs when there is a general cooling of the air or near cold objects. When in contact with cold street air, the glass on the windows also cools. And if the humidity in the room is high, or the window has cooled to a critical temperature, the glass begins to accumulate moisture from the warm air inside the room on its surface.

Factors causing condensation
Reasons for moisture accumulation on double-glazed windows:

• problems with air ventilation;
• insufficient heating of the room, incorrect installation of the heating radiator;
• incorrect choice of double-glazed windows for certain climatic conditions;
• increased moisture in the room;
• poor installation;
• manufacturing defect.

Problems with air ventilation. The design of plastic windows is so dense that air practically does not pass through them. If wooden frames allowed small flows of oxygen to pass through, thereby providing natural ventilation, then PVC windows do not have such a function. In case of insufficient ventilation or malfunction ventilation ducts the process of moisture condensation occurs.

Insufficient space heating also causes windows to fog up. Often, access to the warm flow of double-glazed windows is disrupted due to a wide window sill or window opening cluttered flower pots, toys or other items. A radiator sealed with plasterboard inside a niche and closed may also be a problem. decorative grille. This prevents the glass from warming up normally, its surface remains cold and attracts excess moisture from the air.

Wrong choice of double-glazed windows. In pursuit of savings, you can purchase PVC windows of poor quality or with insufficient functionality. Single-glazed windows are more susceptible to moisture accumulation than triple-glazed windows.

Increased moisture in the room. In rare cases, condensation on windows is caused by excess moisture coming from inside the room. This could be fumes from cooking, growing flowers or animals, sometimes even a large number of people in the room.

Manufacturing defect. In 10% of cases, condensation on double-glazed windows is formed due to poor-quality installation or manufacturing defects.

Solution
Daily ventilation eliminates fogging of windows in 90% of cases (if we are not talking about defects or poor-quality installation). It is carried out at least 3 times a day (10–20 minutes each). Or you can leave the doors in the “depressurization” position (“winter ventilation”) by turning the handle up 45 degrees. The procedure not only solves the problem, but is beneficial for health.

When faced with the problem of fogging of plastic windows, it is necessary to clear the window sill of flowers, clothes and other objects. This will facilitate the flow of warm air to the double-glazed windows. Before installing plastic windows, you should make sure that a wide window sill is really necessary. It is advisable that it does not hang over the radiator and does not interfere with the heating of window openings. If a wide window sill is already installed, you can drill holes in it for the flow of warm air and cover them with decorative ventilation grilles. Also, do not cover the radiator with anything - this reduces its heat transfer.

Incorrect installation of plastic windows and manufacturing defects to correct on your own is not only difficult, but also unnecessary; by interfering with the design of the window, you will lose the warranty on it. It is better to contact an installation company and demand that the double-glazed windows be replaced or errors during installation be corrected. In general, you need to know that according to building codes (GOST R 52749-2007), the window should not be recessed into the wall by more than 2/3 of the wall thickness, and in walls with insulation it should be installed in the insulation zone.

The formation of condensation on plastic windows is an unpleasant problem. It should not be ignored. It is important to carefully choose the seller and manufacturer, monitor the installation process and regularly ventilate the room.

The appearance of condensation accumulating on window glass is a problem familiar to owners of PVC windows. With the onset of cold weather, in many residential areas the windows begin to collect moisture, puddles form on the window sills, and dampness begins to be felt in the apartment. This phenomenon worsens the comfort of living, so there is a need to remove fogging from the glass.

The basis of glass fogging is a physical process when, under the influence temperature regime, the liquid changes from one state to another. Warm air contains some moisture in vapor form. When cooling occurs, the liquid changes its state, which causes it to settle on surfaces with low temperatures. Since the window in the apartment is the coldest place, the steam settles there.

When humidity levels are high, condensation on windows can become a serious problem as fogging dampens building construction, and as a result mold appears. And in winter, condensation quickly turns into frost.

Dew point concept

The dew point is the temperature value at which cooling steam becomes liquid. This point can be located anywhere in the thermal insulation layer of the wall. The dew point cannot be adjusted. It cannot be seen in double glazing or on windows. It can only exist on a chart. And the main thing that is worth remembering and clearly realizing is that condensation is equally influenced by the temperature factor and humidity. The lower the moisture content in the room, the lower the dew point.

The following factors influence the dew point:

• ambient temperature;
• density of wall pie materials;
• room temperature and humidity;
• humidity of the external environment.

Danger of condensation

Installing a sealed double-glazed window not only provides comfort and warmth inside the room, but also prevents fresh air from entering the home. For this reason, the owner independently worsens the microclimate of the room.

Condensation on plastic windows is evidence of an unfavorable atmosphere in the apartment. High humidity air contributes to the appearance various types bacteria, mold and fungal formations.

According to SNIP 2.04.05-91, in the living space the temperature should vary within 20-22 °C, and the moisture content should not exceed 30-45%. These conditions are optimal for a person’s comfortable stay in the room and there is no risk of windows fogging up. Therefore, condensation on the windows is the first sign of a violation of the microclimate of the room.

Causes of condensate sedimentation

Fogging occurs due to lack of heating when steam begins to condense on the surface of the window. There are several reasons why there is condensation on windows:

1. The difference in temperature inside the living space and outside, and the high moisture content of the air inside the room. These causes of condensation on windows are the most noticeable.
2. Moisture release from low-quality finishing materials such as paint or plaster during renovation work.
3. Unscrupulous installation of window slopes when the tightness of the structure is broken. The result is a noticeable drop in temperature and fogging of windows. Often this problem occurs when self-installation slopes.
4. Installation wide window sills, which form obstacles to the entry of warm air from heating system to the window opening. When the ambient temperature is low, condensation collects on the window.
5. Installation of a double-glazed window with one chamber. Such structures are inferior in thermal insulation properties to their two-chamber analogues.

Condensation and wooden windows

Condensation on wooden windows is absent due to the fact that they are able to pass air due to natural material manufacturing. In addition, they are not as airtight as plastic double glazed windows. This ensures that the indoor humidity level is normal.

Modern plastic bags are ultra-tight and restrict air flow. Such parameters block the natural ventilation in the space, which was laid down earlier when designing residential premises.

To maintain natural moisture content, it is necessary to ventilate the room daily. Modern double-glazed windows also provide the option of gentle ventilation. It implies that the air flow between the room and external environment carried out through the air valve.

Prevention of condensate sedimentation

Before you start fighting the problem of window fogging, dampness, mildew and mold in window opening, it is necessary to consider several simple ways preventing moisture from settling on windows. The appearance of condensation on windows and what to do when it first settles on the glass can be prevented by the following measures:

• maintaining a comfortable temperature in the living room;
• ensuring natural ventilation and fresh air flow into the room;
• insulation of the building from the outside;
• reduction of indoor moisture content by up to 50%;
• eliminating all sources of moisture entering the living space: eliminating dampness in the basement area, repairing a leaky roof, etc.;
• increasing the heating of a double-glazed window by installing a powerful radiator under the window or cutting off the window sill;
• lack of plants from the windowsill.

Methods for eliminating condensation

You can learn more about the causes of window fogging and methods to combat this phenomenon by watching the video: