How to forget about condensation on double-glazed windows forever. Condensation on plastic windows, what to do Why does condensation accumulate on plastic windows

Condensation on windows- an unpleasant thing, it is dampness in the apartment and puddles on the windowsills. If you want to get rid of condensation and freezing of glass, you should use these tips. When there are severe frosts, the windows in the apartments freeze quite hard, this is an unpleasant surprise, especially for those who installed plastic windows. If glass is an excellent heat insulator, then metal is an equally good conductor of heat. Freezing of glass takes place exactly along the perimeter of the window. The resulting condensate flows onto the windowsill and slopes, from which numerous puddles and stains form. Even despite the fact that PVC windows are not afraid of water, this phenomenon is extremely unpleasant. How to get rid of condensation?

First of all, you need to understand the cause of freezing. This happens because the temperature of plastic windows is lower than the “dew point” in the apartment, steam condenses on the glass, because it does not warm up. When windows are replaced with plastic or wooden double-glazed windows, the window deepens significantly. The frame with a double-glazed window is generally 90-120 millimeters wide, although the wall thickness is 50-70 centimeters. As a result, the glass turns out to be inaccessible to the convection jet of warm air from the radiator, so that an unventilated zone appears in the window sill area.

Many housewives who grow flowers on window sills, while replacing windows with plastic counterparts, try to make wider window sills so that they protrude another 5-10 centimeters. This still half blocks the convection flow from the radiator, and, accordingly, the ventilation worsens. And the abundance of flowers on the windowsill does not affect the situation very favorably. Condensation on plastic windows This is the result of poor ventilation.

A problem such as condensation can be avoided by making sure that the glass does not cool so much. If you only plan to replace windows with double-glazed windows, you should give preference to the thickest possible frame profile in order to reduce penetration. Of course, a couple of centimeters of the window sill will have to be sacrificed, but condensation on windows will bypass you. In addition, it is advisable to order not a double (the most popular), but a triple-glazed window, or a double-glazed window with additional glass. Such a double-glazed window is not only a guarantee of excellent sound insulation, but also that the windows will not freeze through even at a temperature of minus 35 degrees.

You should not try to expand the window sill, pots with plants will fit on the standard one, but ventilation from radiators will help to avoid problems with “weeping” windows. If you are already facing a problem like condensation on plastic windows, nothing remains but to establish air exchange in the window niche.

How to get rid of condensation on plastic windows

1. One of the most simple ways prevention of condensation is a burning candle. To do this, in severe frosts, a pair of candlesticks with thick, slowly burning candles are placed near the window. When burning, a warm air flow is created, warming the glass, and a romantic mood in the apartment will not hurt.
2. If there are practically no plants on your windowsill, but the option with candles causes dislike, you can try to build convection screens. These are plates of small width that will direct warm air from the battery to the window. You need to fix such a plate at an angle of 30-60 degrees. So that they do not stand out, you can disguise them under the sides of the window sill or a decorative element.
3. The easiest way to create airflow in a niche is with fans. It is enough to turn it on at low intensity so that it captures several windows. You can also use homemade fans with micromotors and wings made of thick cardboard and tin.
4. Some people prefer to solve the problem with chemistry. To do this, just go to the auto cosmetics store and purchase anti-fogging aerosols. Glasses must be washed and dried before being treated with them. The glass will stop fogging like this, but only for a certain time, so this method cannot be called a cardinal solution to the problem. Besides, Chemical substance for cars - not the best option for residential premises.
5. Some craftsmen manage to turn the windows in their own apartment into heated ones. To do this, a foil, conductive film or nichrome thread is glued around the perimeter of the window, and a small voltage of 24 volts is applied to it. The part of the window that freezes the most will be warmed up, this technique also works in cars.

I'm glad you looked at me again!

This winter my teeth hurt. In pasta or in water, the matter is unclear, but one even broke down altogether. While solving the problem with the help of visits to the dentist, I noticed how much the windows in his office fog up. Therefore, today I will tell you how to deal with the formation of condensate on plastic windows.

Condensation on windows: causes, ways to deal

The most accurate diagnosis of the causes is carried out using a television survey. In general, the classification of the reasons due to which “fog” settles on the glasses includes four points.

The problem occurs due to the following factors (one or more):

• changed the microclimate of the room;
• wrong choice of window design;
• installation technology is broken;
• defective double-glazed window, frame.

I propose to study in detail the problem of fogging PVC windows in order to know how to effectively deal with its causes.

Violated the microclimate of the room

What requirements does the Sanitary and Epidemiological Station put forward for the microclimate of residential premises?

The most comfortable living conditions are + 18 + 23 0 C, 40-50% humidity and an air exchange rate of 3 cubic meters per linear meter of the room, if it is used for relaxation and pastime during leisure hours.

In kitchens, air exchange should be 2 or 3 times faster(with electric and gas stove respectively). From these recommendations it follows that a living space can be considered comfortable not only when it is warm, but also if a sufficient volume of fresh air enters it.

Ventilation device

apartment system household ventilation carried out in the kitchen and bathroom. Fresh air enters the rest of the rooms during ventilation and through microcracks in the frames. With the advent of winter in houses with ordinary wooden frames, natural micro-ventilation is blocked by pasting the window panels with paper strips. But even with such protection, the windows rarely fog up. After PVC installations double-glazed windows, the situation changes dramatically if the designs are chosen without taking into account the peculiarities of the regional climate or mistakes were made during the installation process.

What is the essence of such a phenomenon as fogging windows? There is a certain amount of moisture in the air space. And if it comes into contact with a surface whose temperature is less than the "dew point", then condensation forms. If such a surface is the glass of a window, then it fogs up. The degree at which condensation forms does not have a constant value. The dew point is more tied to the ratio of the temperature of the air in the room and the saturation of the air with moisture. The larger the latter and the lower the former, the greater the dew point.

Let's say that the temperature in the room is stable at +15 degrees, then the formation of condensate will begin at +13.38, +7.30, +1.53, if the air humidity is 90, 60 or 40%, respectively. Therefore, it is somehow not surprising that windows always fog up in damp and cold rooms.

But where does the water on the windows in the dwelling come from? We will deal further with the issue of condensation on PVC windows.

Condensation appears in different conditions and depends both on the factors mentioned above and on the processes of our life. Indeed, while we are outside the dwelling, the level of humidity in it is the same, and as the dwelling is filled with households and in connection with our activities under the roof of our house, the amount of water in the atmosphere of the premises begins to grow.

Here are the approximate volumes of water generated in each hour at:

• breath - from 40 to 90 g from each person;
• the presence of growing flowers - up to 10 g from one small bush;
• cleaning and during cooking -1000 g;
• taking a shower or bath - up to 2600 g;
• when washing with a machine - up to 300 g;
• the presence of medium-sized aquariums - up to 200 g.

And how much water is contained in the building mixtures that were used to decorate your home, under washable wallpaper? Moisture can be stored inside such objects for up to two years. If the air in the apartment also rarely warms up above 17 degrees in winter, then there are all conditions for the formation of condensate in the cold season.

About the causes of condensation on the windows in the video:

https://youtu.be/q6vLSYtbu7Y

How to avoid this unpleasant phenomenon?

Here are some proven ways to do at least a couple of times a day:

• keep the window slightly open for a long time to dry the air in the room(option only for apartments with good heating);
• wide open for a quarter of an hour all the windows in the apartment(a lot of heat will not go away, unlike moisture);
• arrange a two-minute airing with opening windows and front door (make sure that with such a drastic change in the level of humidity, all open elements of frame structures and the door are securely fastened, and do not slam, threatening to crumble).

In parallel with this, do not forget to make sure that warm air from the radiators enters not only into the room, but also to the frames, and the curtains are some distance away from the edges of the window sills.

Misses with the choice of PVC windows

If condensate is tortured, and plastic windows are installed, then the problem can be eliminated by replacing conventional structures with energy-saving ones.

But only on condition that the installation will be carried out by a specialist, and not a "comrade from the street."

Problems due to violation of technology when assembling double-glazed chambers

If you attach defective sealing rubber to the glass or incorrectly mount some elements window fittings, then an expensive double-glazed window will not meet the expectations of the owner. In some such cases, the problem can be eliminated by competent adjustment of the fittings.

Problems due to illiterate installation and design of slopes

Are you 100% sure of the window manufacturer? Then the reason for the "fog" on the windows may lie in poor-quality foaming of the frame or poor vapor barrier coating. Sometimes builders generally “forget” about the last factor due to ignorance of the process of properly laying waterproofing in a window structure. That is why I always insist that you, my reader, trust the installation of windows only to professionals and advise other people to do so. Correct errors made in PVC installation frames in openings, very difficult.

Causes of “tears” and “sweat” on windows

Condensation on window glass can form both in designs with PVC panels, and with wooden ones.

The main reasons for the "foggy" windows:

• cold season;
• a large amount of moisture in the atmosphere of the room;
• window construction with poor thermal insulation.

You can’t cope with the cold outside, so either influence the level of humidity in the room or change the double-glazed windows to modern ones. And necessarily with reinforced thermal insulation (with a special coating, with double chambers).

Think they only sweat modern windows, not worth it. Condensation appears on any windows. And the type of material used to make the profiles is not the main reason. It's all about the tightness of the window structure.

The same Finnish windows with a wooden supporting frame and double-glazed windows sweat much less than European standard windows, but with one chamber. This happens due to the different thermal insulation properties of products - in two-chamber windows, the insulation of thermal energy is better.

When I was younger, in my house, and in all houses of that time - with rare exceptions - the window frames were wooden, the glass rarely fogged up. But if modern seals were installed in those structures to ensure tightness, then the windows would “cry in three streams”.

What is causing this inconvenient phenomenon in everyday life?

Water vapor is always present in the air. As the temperature rises, the amount of moisture in the air increases. It is worth bringing something cold into a room with an atmosphere, saturated with moisture, as an invisible “casing” of colder air forms around the object. This temporary envelope does not have the ability to retain as much moisture as the rest of the air in the room, so the surface of the introduced object quickly becomes wet due to "dew".

The more water in the atmosphere, the less "demanding" moisture is to the temperature level of objects, on the surface of which it can fall in the form of condensate. Those. they no longer need to be at the same temperature as, for example, vegetables in the refrigerator or bottles of drinks . If the saturation of the air with water is about 100%, then the steam will begin to settle on all bodies, the temperature of which differs by a degree, or even less, from the temperature of the atmosphere itself.

The manifestation of the so-called dew point occurs when a certain ratio is formed between the air temperature and its humidity.

Indicative data can be obtained from the table below.

When the internal glass in the double-glazed unit chamber has a temperature equal to or below the value at which the race point is formed, and the humidity of the air inside the structure also corresponds to a certain parameter, the glass begins to fog up. That's why "Tears" on the window indicate a strong humidity inside the house.

Possible reasons for this:

• the result of your daily activities on the territory of the apartment;
• disturbed ventilation process;
• problematic double-glazed window;
• violation of the technology for installing a glass-transparent structure in a frame opening.

If the core of the problem is poor air conditioning, then take the manifestations of condensation as a call to ventilate the room. But if, after ventilation, the glass soon becomes cloudy again, and frequent opening of windows leads to an overrun of thermal resources, then it makes sense to stabilize the ventilation system and, possibly, find a replacement for the existing double-glazed window.

Choose a new design taking into account the temperatures typical for your region during the cold season.

If the fall of the mercury thermometer to -20 is quite a standard phenomenon for winter, then purchase a double-glazed window taking into account the dew point occurrence parameter and the level of humidity and heat in the room that is comfortable for your family. If the acceptable air humidity is about 60%, and you try to keep the air temperature around +20, then under such conditions the dew point is +12. At the same temperature, but 40% humidity, the dew point is +6.

How can the relationships I just described be used in practice?

When studying the range of double-glazed windows, pay attention to the indicator with the C / W value. With the initial data described above (-20 outside, +20 in the room and humidity at 40%), the thermal insulation index of the window structure (Ro) should exceed 0.35-0.36 m2 ° C / W. With an increase in humidity, for example, up to 55%, the lower limit value Ro = 0.54 m2 ° C / W.

What else you need to remember when choosing a double-glazed window?

If Basic structure with a spacer frame made of aluminum, then cold bridges will form at the edges of metal products.

Because of this, when it gets cold, condensation may form on the glass near the contact lines of transparent elements with aluminum profiles.

Additional measures to reduce the likelihood of condensation on PVC window panes:

• find out if near all the windows the heated air from the radiators gets to the glass(the strongly protruding edge of the window sill and the close location of the curtains can interfere with the process);
• ventilation valve installation, which allows portions of fresh air to flow to the glass surface, also helps to combat the formation of condensate.

I will summarize my "lecture" on the topic of combating condensation on windows.

Tips for dealing with condensation and mold on PVC windows in video:

https://youtu.be/BotwVGyYUwA

How to deal with fogging glasses?

Best of all, even before installing new double-glazed windows in the window openings, the data from the first table will help you navigate the choice of the desired design.

Having determined the appropriate level of tp (dew point), tell the manager serving you that you want to buy a double-glazed window with a tp indicator higher than the parameter you found in the table. To insure against ignoring your request by the executor of the order, ask to include it in the contract and make sure that it is really done. If they are very stubborn, then maybe it is worth changing the executor of the order? Why would you buy double glazing specifications which will be similar to those of the replaced design?

I decided everything, the double-glazed window was correct, the installation was done according to the instructions. But bad luck, with the advent of cold weather, light “clouds” of condensate appeared near the profiles. What to do? Change again? No. Small spots are natural and not problematic, unlike what I will discuss below.

Happening in secret from our eyes:

• window openings disguised by decorative slopes have cold bridges, due to which moisture gradually accumulates under the panels, which can provoke the growth of mold and the loss of the technical qualities of insulating gaskets);
• the slopes themselves prevent warm air from reaching the glass surface(you can peep the solution of the problem without damaging the appearance of the window on the page about preventing the appearance of moisture on the windows);
• Soviet windows were remembered for the number of cracks from which it blew mercilessly in the cold season - however, these micro-holes participated in the process of natural ventilation of apartments disappearing when installing hermetic plastic windows(the problem is significant, requiring the urgent invention of a new effective ventilation scheme for residential premises).

Windows first "sweat", and then covered with an ice crust

Few of the owners of apartments with metal-plastic windows have not encountered the formation of condensate on the windows. This inconsistency happens for a variety of reasons. And even a professional is not always able to quickly determine where the legs of such a problem come from. To identify the causes, some knowledge of physics and practical experience are needed. But the elimination of the reason why the windows “cry” will help to forget about such a phenomenon as fogged glass for a long time.

Explanation of the cause of fogging windows from the point of view of physicists

When the window fogs up, you see the actual result of the conversion of atmospheric moisture in the form of vapor into liquid form due to the effects of low temperatures. After all, cold air is not able to hold a lot of water, so its excess settles on everything that has a lower temperature than air. If the window glass is the coldest part of your apartment, then this is where the moisture from the cooled air will settle.

With significant volumes of condensate formed, it becomes a problem. Not only do building structures get wet, mold can also appear. And if there is a severe frost outside the window, then “icebergs” can grow on the window at all. And all because of the high humidity!

However, excessive dryness of the atmosphere leads to health problems.

So how to behave in order to get rid of condensation on the windows, but not harm yourself and your loved ones? Apply the old-fashioned method - ventilate more often.

Why are there no problems with condensate in apartments with old-style window structures?

Double-glazed windows are airtight and do not give air currents outside the window a chance to penetrate into the room. Because of this, the natural ventilation of apartments disappeared, which, by the way, was taken into account as a phenomenon in the design of buildings. And the air masses, even though they penetrated through the cracks in small volumes, dried the air in the rooms and prevented condensation from forming on the windows. With the replacement of ordinary window frames with modern ones, not necessarily with metal profiles, but with a hermetic porch, natural ventilation ceased, and excess moisture began to settle on the glass.

In order to achieve normal humidity in the room, it must either be systematically ventilated on its own, or entrust this process to windows, equipping them with double-glazed windows with delicate ventilation systems. Then the microcirculation of air masses will be restored and the windows will stop "crying".

Additional Factors Affecting Window Fogging

Very often, an excessively wide window sill is “to blame” for the formation of condensate., which prevents warm air flows from radiators from reaching the vertical surface of the window opening. The presence of several flowerpots, which are also sources of moisture evaporating, only exacerbates the problem. No opportunity for normal convection? Then get ready to run with a cloth from window to window and open the window more often.

If, in addition to the fact that natural ventilation does not occur due to the tightness of the window, and even the hood is broken or completely absent, then you will encounter almost no fogging of windows. all year round. So the kitchen hood over the stove is not a whim of the wife, but a useful household item that maintains a normal level of humidity in the house. Do not forget about this device when you start the repair - you should not turn it on when the wallpaper has just been pasted. But activate more often later, when the repair is over - even when you are not preparing food.

Even more sad consequences happen in those apartments where the owners incorrectly reconstructed, or even completely dismantled the existing ventilation system. Condensation, freezing of glasses will not keep you waiting. Although such a nuisance can also happen in an apartment with a hood - if double-glazed windows are installed cheap, unable to provide good thermal insulation.

For example, in the northern regions, single-chamber double-glazed windows can only be built into the walls inside the premises. For window openings in the outer walls, two-chamber structures with three glasses are needed. And it is desirable that one of them be an energy-saving "I" or "K" type. Such glasses not only reduce the risk of condensation, but also help to avoid excessive consumption of heat resources.

To make it clear to you the difference between an ordinary double-glazed window and an energy-saving one, I will give an example, talking about a standard metal-plastic window and a single-chamber, but with i-glass. Using a pyrometer, I will get temperature data.

Measurement result (ordinary double-glazed window with a heat-shielding property of 0.54 sq. m. C / W.):

• in the room +22.7;
• on the street -17.2;
• near the glass +14.

Measurement result (single-chamber heat-saving double-glazed window with a heat-shielding property of 0.64 sq. m. C / W.):

• in the room +22.8;
• on the street -17.5;
• near the glass +19.

As you see, a single-chamber double-glazed window can be more efficient than a double-glazed window in terms of energy conservation.

If there are some features in modern windows, why do the latter “cry” and overgrow with ice with the advent of frost?

Yes, the aluminum spacer is cooler than the rest of the window. Therefore, near the edge of the double-glazed windows, condensate falls most abundantly.

I think that this problem is unknown to you if the humidity level in your apartment is within 60%, there is a properly working ventilation and you heat the house well. But if one of these conditions is not met, then remember the rationalization proposal: order a double-glazed window with a polymer spacer frame. This material will not allow cold bridges to form, therefore, condensate will not fall out. And if there is no condensation, then there will be no frost on the windows either.

Another reason for the formation of condensation on the glass is the residual manifestations of a recent repair. Therefore, if a new double-glazed window was installed at a time when the premises or the entire territory of the apartment were being renovated with the help of some kind of construction work, or you moved into a new building, then it is not surprising that condensation appears on the windows. And the quality of the double-glazed window has nothing to do with it.

Newly erected concrete or brick walls are additional source moisture for 2 years. Slowly but surely, dry-looking surfaces give off water through microcracks, and it is impossible to resist this process. It is more reasonable to adapt to it using moisture traps, using frequent ventilation and double-glazed windows with pre-installed ventilation elements. Without all this, in apartments in new buildings, excess air humidity, which affects both well-being and the transparency of windows, will be present for at least a year. Especially if you live in a region where summer is not characterized by an abundance of sunny and really hot days.

And, I think that you didn’t think at all about the connection between the condensate on the windows and the side of the world they look at.

It turns out that the glass of the northern windows does not dry out longer from condensation than the southern ones.

About methods for eliminating condensation on plastic windows in the video:

Mistakes during installation and construction work

It's a shame, of course, if having spent money on the purchase of high-quality double-glazed windows, you do not get the expected result after their installation due to errors in the installation of structures. Therefore, I strongly advise you to hire only qualified installers.

Typical installation errors:

• insufficient filling of the assembly joint with construction foam(the interlayer will become thinner under the influence of moisture and wind, which immediately or over time depends on the thickness of the seam, will lead to a decrease in the thermal insulation properties of the structure);
• non-observance of recommendations for the design of junction nodes leads to the formation of "cold bridges", which in winter will contribute to the formation of condensate;
• gaps between walls are found not only in buildings built under the Soviets, but also in more modern ones (if such a problem is found during the installation of a window structure, the hole needs to be filled mounting foam- so that the double-glazed windows are not exposed to undesirable contact with the cooled air in the area of ​​​​the junction points).

The easiest way to remove condensation

The old way of freshening up the air in a room with ventilation is the best way to deal with excess moisture in the room air. By accustoming yourself to open the window several times a day, you are guaranteed to protect the windows from condensation., and the room from mold and musty atmosphere. Then there will be no need to change or upgrade existing double-glazed windows. You will be free from the obligation to update them until the end of the operational life of the structures!

If there is a desire to replace windows, then I advise you to opt for two-chamber products. When replacing balcony door on a plastic, single-chamber can be placed only if the balcony is glazed. Otherwise, with the advent of winter, condensation on the windows, and then ice, cannot be avoided. And yes, make sure that the new or old window sill does not block the heat from the radiators to the window surface.

The duration of each ventilation is determined taking into account humidity room air . If the pots didn’t steam in the kitchen and the washed clothes don’t dry out in the bathroom, then the humidity in the apartment will be much less than, for example, after the “change” at the stove.

Do not want to take on the responsibility of being responsible for fresh air in the house? If ROTO fittings are installed in metal-plastic windows, then you can leave the windows in the micro-ventilation mode - the heat will not leave the apartment, and fresh air will seep in gradually, but constantly. All you need to do is rotate the sash handle 75 degrees. A small gap will save the glass from condensation, take care of maintaining the temperature in the room at a useful level of 21-23 degrees and prevent mold from growing on the surface window slopes.

Cause of fogging

Are the windows crying?

This phenomenon is faced not only by owners of budget double-glazed windows, but also by luxury designs.

Someone correctly defines this phenomenon as condensate, and someone mistakenly states that the windows in his apartment began to sweat. However, the first definition is correct, and I will tell you why and how condensation forms on windows.

The most common cases of fogging windows:

• only in the morning, somewhere in the period from 8 to 10;
• only with the arrival of the cold season;
• only in one room, despite the fact that in all rooms there are structures from one company;
• the windows sweat so much that there are puddles on the windowsill.

What does window glass with condensation look like?

In most cases, condensate in the form of a cluster of droplets different sizes, appears on the entire surface of the window, but there is noticeably more moisture along the edges near the profiles. When, under the influence of gravity, the drops roll down, then along the way they merge with everyone they meet into one stream. If, along the route of a drop rolling down, she meets a lot of “sisters”, then a small puddle will appear on the windowsill. And how to resist such a disgrace? After all, it is not difficult to remove one puddle from the window. But the thing is, she won't be alone.

Maybe you have already encountered fogging windows, and even expressed claims to the company from which you bought double-glazed windows. Like, why did they sell me a defective product, adding a catchphrase like “the old windows didn’t sweat”.

I can assure you that the sellers of double-glazed windows are to blame for the fogging of the latter only in 3-5% of cases. Other incidents happen for completely different reasons.

Where does the condensate come from?

Condensation is moisture from the air that has settled on a surface. That is, this is a manifestation of a change in the state of water when it is under the influence external factors ceases to be a vapor and becomes a liquid. And the lower the surface temperature, in our case, this is window glass, the greater the amount of condensate that will appear on it. But the temperature difference between the air and the surface of the object is not the only factor in the formation of condensation. From excess moisture in the air of the room, it also falls out, reducing the transparency of the glass.

Speaking purely scientifically, this happens due to the coincidence of the factors necessary for the manifestation of the dew point. How is dew visible on the grass of the lawn in the morning here and there? Because the low grass has a lower temperature than the air quickly warmed up by the rising sun. And at a certain moment, the temperature difference forms favorable conditions for dew to fall out - the converted moisture from steam in the atmospheric air.

Why does condensation occur on plastic windows in the video:

The windows in your apartment sweat the same way.

Using a special table, I mentioned it earlier, you can calculate at what air temperature in the room near the glass, on the street and in the room itself, condensation will occur on inner surface window. Use a hygrometer to measure the humidity level in a room. Sometimes such a device is sold in combination with a thermometer and a clock - very convenient, by the way.

The old windows did not sweat, but the new ones are constantly reproached - this statement has set the teeth on edge for all managers working on claims from customers who have purchased metal-plastic windows. The secret of the lack of condensation on old-style windows lies in the lack of tightness in such structures. And also in the fact that their external and internal glasses are removed at a greater distance between themselves than the transparent elements in modern double-glazed windows. Therefore, the temperature of the internal glasses is higher and condensate does not collect on them. However, the old windows protect the heat of the rooms poorly.

Trouble usually starts because of:

• one chamber in a double-glazed window(if this is not a heat-saving product with a protective coating on one of the glasses, then the appearance of condensate is not far off - in this case, only replacing the double-glazed window with a design with a more suitable camera arrangement will help);
• too wide window sill a, which does not allow heat from the battery to get closer to the window glass (the solution to the problem lies in replacing the window sill with a narrower one);
• room ventilation does not provide sufficient air exchange(check the patency of the ventilation grilles and passages - the former quickly become overgrown with a fatty layer and dust, the latter may be blocked by crumbling plaster or even a stuck animal, bird);
• too many flowerpots with houseplants(a lot of moisture evaporates from the surface of the foliage, so take care of upgrading the ventilation system);
• double-glazed windows are modern, but not converted to winter mode(when reconfiguring, the thermal insulation properties of double-glazed windows will increase - switching to a new mode will take a couple of minutes);
• rare airings(if double-glazed windows do not have special elements for micro-ventilation, then do not forget to open the sashes for 10 minutes daily - when it is very cold outside, just do not open the window, but just move it slightly away from the main frame);
• Not correct installation (alas, there are still technical incidents when installing window structures and slopes to them, which is why the products are not able to justify the hopes placed on them - you first need to determine the type of error, and then eliminate the shortcomings made during installation);
• your own life(for example, the kitchen is always humid due to systematic cooking, washing dishes - you can avoid condensation on the windows with a good ventilation system or a double-glazed window).

I hope that my descriptions of the main causes of condensation will help you solve the problems of fogging windows.

And, I hope, you understood that the windows themselves do not emit dew - only moisture from the air can accumulate on their surface, changing the vapor state to liquid.

Causes of fogging plastic windows

Few of the owners of apartments or houses with metal-plastic windows have passed the fate of observing condensation on the windows. Moisture drops impair the visibility of windows, because of it, puddles form on the windowsill, and mold appears on the window slopes. The reason for such misfortune may be unskilled installation of the window structure, unfavorable microclimate of the room and other factors, which I will mention below.

Wherever the legs of this problem “grow”, the average user of a PVC window hopes that it can be eliminated. Therefore, the question “sounds” so often on the network about why windows sweat a lot and how to deal with it. Some people think that structural manufacturers or installers are to blame. In fact, the fault of the latter can be traced only in 5% of all cases of window fogging.

Under what circumstances do windows most often sweat:

• with the onset of the cold season (condensate ceases to form only with the arrival of stable heat);
• windows "cry" only in the morning;
• glass gets wet only in the windows in the kitchen;
• Condensation is observed on the window in only one room.

And no matter how much you wipe the windows, they again lose their transparency due to condensation.

But you still need to remove the moisture. Otherwise, until you solve the problem, the frogs will not start on the windowsill, but the mold will definitely go along the slopes.

Origin of condensate

When the window glass becomes cloudy due to fogging, it means that the surface of the glass has become covered with condensate. It appears when the warm air of the room comes into contact with the window glass, the temperature of which is much lower. Contributes to fogging of windows and high humidity in the room.

When the apartments were wooden windows, then there was almost no condensation on the glasses. And those people who still remember what ordinary window structures looked like keep in mind the fact that such windows almost did not sweat. Therefore, the question why modern double-glazed windows lose in this to old-style windows is periodically voiced.

This feature of old windows is based on a significant distance from each other of the outer and inner glass. And since the second, internal, heated up more from room heat, there was almost no condensation on it. But when comparing thermal insulation characteristics, old frames lose to PVC structures.

Causes of fogging of PVC windows in the winter and methods of struggle

Glasses begin to "cry" for various reasons. And only in rare cases, the problem begins due to the fact that the design is defective or the installers screwed up when glazing the window opening.

Why do windows sweat?

• due to the arrangement of a thin double-glazed window with one chamber(if this product does not have glass with an energy-saving coating, then in winter it will certainly be covered with condensate - to correct the situation, it is enough to change the plug-in design itself to a more efficient one);
• due to poor ventilation(examine the condition of the ventilation grilles, channels and clean if necessary);
• due to the excessive width of the window sill a, preventing the flow of air heated by the radiator from getting to the outer glass and drying its surface (fix the problem by replacing the window sill, connecting an additional radiator or moving the existing one a little forward);
• due to the excessive number of plants in the house and on the windowsill in particular(do not get rid of green pets for the sake of eliminating condensate, it is better to set up a ventilation system);
• from forgetting to ventilate the room every day(even with high-quality double-glazed windows, arrange a little forced ventilation every day by opening the windows);
• due to errors in window installation(call a specialist who will find out where there are inflation points and close the "hole").

If the problem window is in the kitchen, then condensation is a consequence of high humidity and high room temperature. If you put a two-chamber double-glazed window, then the window will stop "crying".

When “tears” appear on the inner surface of the camera glasses, this is a clear sign of a design defect or an installation error. Then submit claims to the company that supplied the defective product or provided would-be specialists to install a normal design.

However, in most cases, neither the manufacturer nor the intermediary company that provides window installation services is to blame for fogging your double-glazed window.

He sweats due to insufficient ventilation of the room or due to the abundance of plants on the windowsill.

How to solve such problems, I described in detail above.

For an example of condensation on a PVC window in the kitchen, see the video:

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

Condensation is a consequence of the structural features of the double-glazed window. Hermetically sealed windows, on the one hand, are comfort, warmth, absence of noise, street dust and soot, drafts. On the other hand, blocking natural ventilation through window frames, which can lead to permanent fogging of the glass. Reasons why it is necessary to eliminate condensate from the inside of the window:

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

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

According to building codes 2.04.05-91, the average temperature in residential premises should be 20-22 degrees. The approximate moisture content is 30-45%. Under such conditions, condensation will not form on PVC windows, it will become comfortable to be in the apartment, it will be easy to breathe. If water continues to collect on the glass, this indicates a poor microclimate, it is necessary to identify and eliminate the cause.

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

• the density of materials in the "stuffing" of the wall;
• temperature outside the window and inside the room;
• humidity outdoors 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 window or appears for external reasons.

During contact with a cool surface, the vapor becomes a liquid. Condensation forms because plastic windows are the coldest objects in the apartment. We are talking about the winter period - it is at this time that the problem of moisture on the glass becomes relevant. There is always a certain level of humidity in the air. In the process of washing, cooking, taking water procedures, wet cleaning this figure is increasing. The optimal microclimate in the room is supported by the ventilation system. It is mandatory for both private and multi-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 perform an important function - the air gets rid of excess moisture. If the ventilation efficiency is reduced, this will cause condensation to form. You can try to get rid of it:

• First of all, check the operation of ventilation. To do this, take a lighter, a lit match or a candle and bring it to the ventilation grill. With a noticeable deviation of the flame towards the hood, proceed to the following steps. If the light burns directly, then the ventilation shaft is clogged, and you need to contact the utility.
• It also happens that condensate on double-glazed windows occurs when the mine is ideally working. Check how well the room is ventilated in general - open the windows. If the kitchen is actively cooking, use an electric hood. It is located above the stove. This convenient fixture It draws out not only excess steam, but also strong odors. In winter, when the windows cannot be opened wide, the kitchen hood is a real salvation.
• If a lot of people live in the apartment, then it would be advisable to install an inlet valve in the bathroom and toilet. This device will force air out of the room. It will be possible not to worry about the quality of work of the "native" hood in the apartment.

If drops of water on the glasses form intermittently, pay attention to exactly when this happens. If during cooking or taking water procedures, an extractor hood will help get rid of condensate on the windows. If the windows fog up constantly, then the problem is different.

Ventilators - useful devices widely used in residential and industrial premises. The most common is the model mounted in outer wall.The design consists of:

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

The suction valve is usually installed in the outer wall

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

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

The air wall valve provides air flow 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 oxygen in the room. This explains the principle of operation of the valve - it occurs due to the created pressure drop. The device itself regulates the desired flow. Advantages:

• no need to constantly open and close windows;
• less noise is passed through than through ajar window sashes;
• you can adjust the amount of incoming air;
• the device is 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 errors 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 the installation of the ventilator can be carried out independently. This will require: a marking tool, a diamond drill rig, glue, a screwdriver, a hacksaw, PVC film, a respirator, glasses. Select the location where the device will be located. This may be an area near a window, a radiator, or at the bottom of a wall. Drill a hole in the wall with a drill at a slope of three to four degrees so that moisture does not accumulate inside. On the inner surface of the wall, make holes for self-tapping screws to fasten the ventilator body. Try an air duct. Insert the pipe into the hole, mark the desired length, cut off the excess pipe.

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

Place a noise insulator inside the pipe, insert the pipe again into the hole. Attach it to the outside ventilation grill– partitions horizontally and downwards. Assemble the inner case, close it from the side of the room decorative grille screw it to the wall. The inlet valve must be cleaned once a year, preferably in summer. To do this, remove the filter with insulation and rinse them. Wipe the pipe inside with a damp cloth, remove a large amount of dust with a vacuum cleaner.

No time to contact the installation of additional exhaust systems or contact the housing office to carry out cleaning work on the ventilation shaft? Try the simplest method - open the windows. First you need to measure the overall humidity in the room. If it exceeds 60%, then the problem is the lack of fresh air.

The easiest way to get rid of condensation is to open a window

All modern double-glazed windows made of plastic are equipped with a function that allows them to be depressurized or to arrange a mini-gap. It's handy when outside strong wind or frost. In order for a micro-gap 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.

Invisible assistant - ventilation valve

What to do if there is condensation on the windows, but there is no way to constantly ventilate the room? How better 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 takes place with the windows closed - protection against opening;
• increase the service life of window fittings - you do not 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;
• the ability to adjust the air flow from the street.

There are three types of ventilation valves. Slotted are further divided into automatic and mechanical. Easily installed without dismantling window blocks. The machine is interesting in that it has a built-in hygro-adjustment sensor. It monitors the change in the level of air humidity, opens wider or closes itself, up to the complete sealing of the window. It is convenient to use mechanics in tandem with a household hygrometer. You yourself monitor the level of moisture and adjust the position of the valve. For folding valves in the window unit, special cutouts are made. They let in less air than the slotted type, maintain the level of sound insulation, and cost less. Overheads give maximum air flow, require special installation.

To eliminate the cause of condensation, when choosing a ventilation valve, adhere to the following criteria:

• the device must provide about 30 cubic meters of fresh air per hour per tenant, otherwise its action will be ineffective;
• the maximum level of transmitted noise from the street - 35 dB;
• design must be adapted to winter period;
• the ability to control the air flow is important, because the temperature outside is changing.

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

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

Condensation can also occur due to the constant ingress of cold air into the room.

Special seals can be applied to the areas where the joints of the valves are located. For this, self-adhesive types are suitable. The fight against condensate on plastic windows is only advisable when it appears on their inside. If the windows sweat from the street, this indicates the high quality of window glass.

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 lower temperatures in winter. Radiators located at the bottom give thermal curtain that rises up to the ceiling. This prevents the penetration of cold into the room. The direct action of hot air from the heating pipes prevents the windows from fogging up.

If you have wide window sills, they create a barrier to the heat that radiators provide. The windows get supercooled and water droplets appear on them.

In a wide window sill, you can make a ventilation hole

This is not a reason to abandon a wide window sill. Holes can be easily made in plastic or wood, thanks to which the flow of heat upwards will be restored. Buy suitable gratings in the shop building materials. Choose your desired design, size and color. Keep in mind that the strength of the window sill should not suffer, so it is better if the holes in it are narrow. Appearance some models of lattices allows you to use them as decoration. There are adjustable types on sale that make it possible to block the hole in the warm season.

According to the size of the purchased gratings, cut holes in the window sill with a jigsaw or a fine-toothed saw. The markup should correspond not to the upper, but to the lower part of the lattice, because the first will close the cutout like a lid. First drill the corners, then use a hacksaw. Insert the grids into the holes, if necessary, fix them with self-tapping screws. If moisture still remains after the procedure, proceed to eliminate other possible causes.

Do windows fog up on the side of the slopes? The reason lies in their insufficient insulation. Cold turns steam into water. Plastic slopes can be easily upgraded. To do this, remove the PVC panels from the slopes. They are easily pulled out if you pick them up and pull them out of the profiles. Carefully seal the space between the opening and window frame so that the inside of the slope is filled with mounting foam. Cut off the remaining material along the slope of the slope. Before the procedure, clean the surface of dust and moisten. Take large hollow places mineral wool- it will serve as a heater. Put the plastic slope panel back in 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 drywall slopes, the structure cannot be reused. To solve the problem, you will have to dismantle old design, insulate according to the instructions and install a new one. If the windows are single-chamber, it will not work 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 insufficient air gaps. The problem is solved by forced heating of windows or by replacing them with new high-quality PVC windows from several chambers.

Waiting for guests, and you need to quickly give a shining look to misted windows? Use auto chemicals. This is any anti-fogging spray designed for windows in a car. First rinse the window, dry and apply the product. After active kitchen chores, steam will not come out immediately. The windows will remain clean and beautiful for the entire time of receiving guests.

If you need to quickly get rid of condensation before guests arrive, you can use an anti-fogging spray for cars.

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 run a current of 12-24V through it. A little heating will save you from two problems at once - fogging and freezing.

We get rid of moisture with minimal cost

Candles or a fan will help to cope with moisture at no extra cost. 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 windows - thick ones are better, because. they burn longer. The fire will cause natural convection - excess moisture will gradually go away. 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 an ordinary fan and put 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.

A commonplace cause of wet glasses are indoor plants, if there are a lot of them on the windowsill. Any plant is a source of evaporation of moisture, which is released from the ground in a 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. If you are an amateur grower and you like your windows to be decorated with lots of green "friends", improve the ventilation in the window area.

Fogging windows is a common occurrence, and you should not wait for it. It is enough to carry out simple preventive measures so that it does not appear:

• keep comfortable temperature regime in room;
• provide a natural supply of fresh air;
• insulate the building from the outside;
• dry the basement, repair the roof;
• install convection baffles on radiators.

In any case, a systematic approach is important. You will make your home cozy if you try the basic methods in the complex.

The most accurate diagnosis can be made using a television survey, but in general, the classification of the root causes, due to which it will begin to settle on the glasses, includes four points. The problem may arise due to one or several factors at once: Causes of the appearance and fight against condensate on plastic windows, Reasons for the formation of condensate, ways to deal with it. The most accurate diagnosis can be made using a television examination, but in general, the classification of root causes,

General information

The problem may arise due to one or more factors:

We suggest that you familiarize yourself in more detail with why condensation forms on plastic windows, in order to find out later how to deal with it effectively.

Detailed analysis of the causes of condensation

Violations of the indoor climate

So, what are the requirements put forward by SanPin for the microclimate in a residential area?

Please note that the most comfortable for living is the temperature from +18 to +23 degrees, while the humidity should be from 40 to 50% and the air exchange rate should be from 3 m3 for each running meter indoors, if it will serve for rest and spending time during leisure.

But keep in mind that in the kitchen room, air exchange should be 2-3 times faster (with an electric and gas stove, respectively). From the recommendations, we can conclude that a living space can be considered comfortable not only when it is warm, but also if enough fresh air enters it.

Problems due to illiterate installation and design of slopes

If you are 100% sure of the window manufacturer, then there are suggestions that the cause of the “fog” may lie in poor-quality foaming of the frame or poor coating. Sometimes builders can completely “forget” about the last factor, because they simply do not know how to properly fit waterproofing into window construction. For this reason, only professionals should be allowed to install windows. Believe me, it is much more difficult to correct the mistakes that were made during the installation of plastic windows.

Other reasons

Condensation on glass can also form in constructions with plastic panel, and with a wooden one. The main causes of "fogging" are:

• Seasonal cold.
• Lots of moisture in the room.
• The window structure has poor thermal insulation.

Since you definitely won’t be able to cope with the cold outside, it remains to either affect the level of humidity inside the room, or replace the double-glazed windows with more modern ones, moreover, they must be with enhanced thermal insulation (with special coating and dual camera). Do not think that only modern windows can “sweat”. Condensation can appear everywhere, and the type of material that was used to create the profiles will not be the main reason. It all depends on the tightness of the selected window design.

Even the same windows from a Finnish manufacturer with a load-bearing wooden frame and double glazing will sweat less than windows made according to European standards and having one chamber. This is due to different thermal insulation properties - in two-chamber windows, the insulation of thermal energy is much better. There is water vapor in the air, and as the temperature rises, so does the amount of moisture in the air. If you bring something really cold into a room that is saturated with moisture, then an invisible "casing" of cold air will immediately begin to appear around. Such a temporary shell is not able to retain much moisture, as the rest of the air in the room does, so the surface of the introduced object will very quickly become wet due to the very “dew”.

The more water in the atmosphere, the less "demanding" moisture will be to the temperature level of objects, on the surface of which it will fall as condensate. It turns out that they no longer need to have the same temperature as vegetables from the refrigerator or a bottle of drink. If the saturation in the air is approximately equal to 100%, then the vapor will begin to settle on all objects, the temperature of which will differ by 1 degree or even less from the temperature of the atmosphere.

When the inner glass in the double-glazed chamber has the same temperature at which the dew point begins to form or even lower, the humidity inside the structure will also correspond to a certain parameter, and there will be even more condensate on the plastic window. For this reason, the "tears" on the glass are direct evidence that inside the house elevated level humidity.

There are the following possible reasons:

• The result of daily activities throughout the apartment.
• Broken process.
• Double-glazed window with damage or flaws.
• Violation of installation technology glass construction in the frame opening.

If the essence of the problem lies in the fact that the air is poorly conditioned, then the appearance of condensate can be taken as a call to ventilate the room once again. But if, even after ventilation, the glass starts to become cloudy again, and frequent opening of windows will lead to the fact that you will end up with excessive heat consumption, then it makes sense to start stabilizing the ventilation system, and even find a replacement for the already installed double-glazed window.

Important! Try to find a new design that takes into account the typical temperature fluctuations for your area.

If in your area the temperature in winter is -20 degrees is quite normal, then the double-glazed window should be taken taking into account the parameters for the appearance of the dew point and the level of humidity and heat of the air inside the room that is comfortable for you and your seven. If the normal air humidity for you is 60%, and the air temperature is about +20 degrees, then in such conditions the dew point will be +12 degrees. At a similar temperature and humidity of 40%, the dew point will be +6 degrees. How to use this knowledge in practice?

When studying the range of double-glazed windows, one should pay attention to the indicator, the measure of which is C / W. With the initial data described above (outside -20 degrees, in the house +20 degrees and humidity 40%), the thermal insulation indicator of the window design, i.e. Ro must be greater than 0.35 m2oS/W. When humidity increases, for example, up to 55%, the new value will be 0.54 m2oS/W. What else do you need to know when choosing a new double-glazed window?

Please note that if the supporting structure with a spacer frame is made of aluminum, then cold bridges will appear on the edges of metal products.

Because of this, when the cold starts, there is a possibility of condensation on the glass near the line of contact between the transparent elements and aluminum profiles.

We propose to consider additional measures to reduce the likelihood of condensation on the glass of PVC windows:

• Find out whether near all (or not) windows, heated air from the radiator enters the glass (the process can be hindered by a strongly protruding edge from the window sill and closely spaced curtains).
• Install a vent valve that allows a portion of fresh air to flow to the glass surface, which will also help in the fight against condensation.

Now let's look at how to deal with this.

How to deal with sweating

In order not to have to fight again with condensate on the glass of plastic windows, it is better even before the start installation work in the window openings of a new double-glazed window, navigate with the selection of good and robust design. Determine the ideal dew point level for you, and then tell the obtained data to the manager who will serve you, and say that you want to purchase windows with an indicator higher than the parameter that you calculated.

In order to make sure that your request is not simply ignored, ask to add this parameter to the contract, and make sure that everything is really exactly that way. If the sellers refuse, then perhaps it is worth changing the company? Why would you buy a double-glazed window, the technical type of which will be similar to the windows that are in your house and are not satisfied with the quality?

When everything is ready, the double-glazed window was made the one that was needed, and the installation was carried out according to the instructions, you can rejoice, but after the first cold snap, not earlier. Sometimes it happens that at the very first cold, small clouds of condensate appear - what to do in this case? Change again? No. Small spots are quite natural and not problematic, unlike what we will talk about next.

This is what can be happening in secret from your eyes:

• Window openings, which are masked by decorative slopes, have cold bridges, and because of them, moisture gradually begins to accumulate under the panels, and this can provoke the appearance and further growth of mold, as well as the loss of technical quality of the insulating gasket.
• Slopes prevent warm air from reaching the glass surface (tips that describe how to prevent moisture from entering will help here).
• Soviet old windows are remembered by many because they have many cracks, from which it blows strongly in the cold season - but at the same time, such micro-holes participated in the process of natural ventilation of the apartment. At the moment, all this is disappearing faster and faster due to the installation of metal-plastic windows (the problem is quite significant, it requires the urgent creation of a new and efficient ventilation scheme inside the dwelling).

Let's look at a few more possible problems and ways to deal with them.

First, the windows sweat, and then they are taken by a crust of ice

It is extremely rare that those who installed metal-plastic windows did not encounter condensation on the glass. Such a nuisance can happen for various reasons, and even professionals cannot always say exactly what caused such a problem. To identify the causes, you will need certain knowledge of physics and practice, experience. But the elimination of the reasons why the windows “cry” will make it possible to forget for a long time what fogged windows are.

Explanation in terms of physics

When the window begins to fog up, you see the real, actual result of atmospheric moisture being vaporized into liquid due to exposure to low temperatures. The fact is that cold air cannot hold much water, so the excess of the latter settles on everything that has a temperature lower than that of air.

If the window is the coldest area in your apartment, then moisture from the cooled air will settle on it. With a large amount of condensate received, it can become a real problem, since not only will the building structures begin to get very wet, you may have mold in your house! And if there are severe frosts outside the windows, then “icebergs” may appear on the window at all, and this is only because of the high humidity of the air. But keep in mind that with excessive dryness, problems can also arise, but already with health. How can he get rid of condensate, but at the same time not harm either loved ones or himself? The grandfather's method will be ideal - to do airing more often.

Why is there no condensation in apartments with old windows?

The current double-glazed windows are airtight and do not allow air flows to get inside. Because of this, the natural ventilation of the apartment completely disappeared, which, by the way, was taken into account during the design of the building. The air masses, although they got into the apartments a little, dried the air in the room, which did not allow condensation to form on the windows. When replacing conventional frames with modern ones (it is not necessary that they be from metal profile), but with airtight porches, natural ventilation was stopped, and excess moisture in the apartment began to settle on the glass.

To achieve normal humidity, ventilate the room or install windows that have a delicate ventilation system, and then the air microcirculation will be restored, and the windows will no longer “cry”.

Additional factors that may affect fogging

Interestingly, very often wide window sills are “to blame” for the formation of condensate, which prevent warm air flows from the radiator from reaching the vertically located surface of the window opening. The presence of flowerpots can also exacerbate the situation. If you do not have the opportunity to create normal convection, then get ready to constantly run around with a rag to wipe and open the window as often as possible.

If, in addition to complete tightness, natural ventilation does not occur, and the hood is broken or it does not exist at all, then you will face fogging all year round. For this reason, the range hood over the stove is not a whim, but a useful household item that is able to maintain a normal level of humidity inside the house. Don't forget to purchase this device when you start repair work- the main thing is not to turn it on when just pasted. And, finally, the consequences are even sadder when the owners incorrectly completed the reconstruction or even completely removed the ventilation system. In this case, freezing and condensate will not take long to wait.

Of course, we all know perfectly well that metal-plastic windows and doors can keep heat in the house much better than wooden ones.

Since wood can pass cold air through the gaps between the frame itself and the glass, just like the tree itself, it perfectly passes air.

But any wooden frames - be it balcony or window - have one indisputable plus, and this plus lies in the fact that they are made of natural material - wood.

Which, unfortunately, cannot be said about metal-plastic structures.

Yes, they do not allow cold air to pass through, but the ventilation process in the room is also disturbed.

Preparing a sleigh in the summer

When carrying out repairs in the room, you need to think about increasing thermal insulation, which will save you money in winter, and about proper ventilation, which will protect you from dampness and mold. Having provided for the repair and replacement of windows in the room all of the above, and some other possibilities, you can save time, money and health.

When replacing windows summer period You may or may not face the problem of condensation. In the summer heat, the room is almost constantly ventilated, the air circulation is excellent and, whether it is damp or not, moisture on the windows can only be seen during rain. With the advent of cold weather, the problem becomes obvious. In the absence of heating in autumn, we often cannot ventilate the room - saving heat and trying to close ourselves from bad weather. Such a process inevitably leads to increased humidity inside the room, which in turn will invariably affect your glasses.

Where does the condensate come from

It is the tightness factor, but only in conjunction with the violation of heating and convection of air in the room, that causes the formation of condensate. Condensation begins to appear on the windows when the air temperature in the room drops below +18 degrees. As a rule, it actively begins to appear in the autumn-winter period, when the heating is on, and the temperature outside is much lower than indoors.

How does heating affect condensation?

Have you noticed drops of condensation on the windows? Moisture usually appears in the corners of frames or at the bottom of the glass. Most often, the appearance of moisture indicates insufficient thermal insulation of the room, or shortcomings in the heating system. Having thoroughly approached the solution of this issue, you can permanently get rid of drops of water on the glasses. “Drying” the surface of the window is quite simple; for this, it is necessary to install an additional heating radiator in the room. In this way, you will raise the room temperature in winter and your windows will no longer be covered with moisture drops.

Fighting condensation by insulating walls

If it is not possible to install a radiator for technical reasons, you can consider insulating the walls from the inside. True, at the same time you will have to repair the walls in the room, however, your costs will pay for themselves in the next heating season. Another solution could be external wall insulation. However, to do this, you will have to hire professionals to perform high-altitude work. However, the effect of such insulation will be double. In winter you keep warm, in summer - a cool atmosphere in the apartment. And most importantly, if you live in a private house, do not forget about the insulation of the attic, because it is through it that a huge amount of heat escapes.

Good ventilation prevents moisture loss!

However, you can think about the issue of indoor air ventilation in advance. Forced ventilation devices that you can install in the ventilation grilles during repairs will help you. Also, when ordering metal-plastic windows, you can provide the opportunity to set the window to micro-ventilation mode, or order a ventilated glass unit profile. As we have already said, it is necessary to take care of heating radiators in advance, without blocking the access of hot air to the room. Knowing that the room is often damp, try to minimize the presence of flowers in the room.

Mold and mildew removers

Answering the question of what to do and how to get rid of mold on windows, we will consider all possible combinations of actions. The most common ways to remove fungus on plastic windows are as follows:

• Mechanical ways to eliminate the fungus:
  • mechanical cleaning,
  • ultraviolet irradiation, carried out with the help of professional irradiators,
  • as an option, the affected areas can be treated with a quartz lamp,
  • heat treatment with a jet of hot dry air - for example, using a hair dryer.
• Treatment of affected areas with special means, for this traditionally used:
  • Long-acting fungicides - they process window openings, as a result of which the disappearance of mold and fungus on assembly seams and window slopes is guaranteed for 5 years.
  • Bleach solutions are also very common and are used to permanently remove the fungus on the slopes of plastic windows.
  • Among the folk remedies for the destruction of mold, the most common are hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, citric acid, copper sulfate, boric acid.
  • Separately, it is worth noting such a tool based on sodium perchlorate - not only is this substance itself dangerous to humans, it is completely unsuitable for treating porous surfaces, for example, window slopes made of drywall.
  • From modern means tea tree oil can be noted, which is very economically consumed and is suitable for treating areas large sizes. It is enough to dilute 1 tbsp. oil in 1 glass (standard, 200 ml) of water, pour into a spray bottle and carefully treat the area affected by the fungus. After removing the plaque, there is no need for a thorough rinsing of the product in the future. Grapefruit seed extract is used similarly.
  • Remedy from blue vitriol(100 gr), bleach (100 ml) and water (1 liter)
  • Good old alcohol is also used for disinfection.
  • If the depth of the lesion is high, and the fungus has penetrated the concrete, you will have to remove the damaged part using a perforator or spatula.

Preparing and treating moldy surfaces

As a rule, the fungus is eliminated quite simply. You will need:

1. Thoroughly rinse and clean the affected surfaces, trying to wash off mold deposits as much as possible,
2. Prepare and apply a fungicide or other substances recommended above,
3. Rinse it thoroughly with water
4. Dry the treated area thoroughly - it is best to use a dry cloth for this (then you need to throw it away), and then a hairdryer, which will dry the surface with a stream of hot dry air.

This algorithm applies to those cases where traces of the fungus were found on the windows.

But what to do if the fungus appeared on the slopes of plastic windows? In this case, the following cleaning measures should be carried out:

1. First, we disassemble the slope,
2. We additionally insulate the existing voids with mounting foam, the excess of which must be cut off after hardening,
3. We process it with some fungicidal agent or bleach solution,
4. Dry the treated area
5. Restoring slope.

If dark spots began to appear at the junctions, you need to proceed as follows:

1. First, we clean the joints,
2. We check if the mold has got even deeper, under the slope,
3. If not, dry the joint, treat with bleach,
4. Dry thoroughly
5. We use a suitable sealant, having processed all the slopes and joints with it,
6. We finally restore the joint.

If the root cause of the appearance of mold on the slopes of the windows is high humidity, there are several recommendations for fixing the problem:

• If the window sill is too wide: holes are made in the window sill itself and plastic grilles equipped with blinds are installed to improve ventilation. These gratings can be found in almost every hardware store. They perform the function of directing air in the direction from the heating battery to the window.
• To control the level of humidity in the upper part of the window, special hydraulically controlled ventilation valves are installed that can automatically open when the level of humidity rises. It is thanks to such valves that continuous air flow and a noticeable decrease in humidity in the room are ensured.
• As a last resort, an additional ventilation system, for example, an air conditioner with a fungicidal impregnation filter, which helps to destroy mold spores, will not hurt.

Prevention of the appearance

If there is no mold and fungus on your windows, this is not a reason to relax and forget about it. possible appearance. Therefore, it makes sense to inquire in advance about preventive measures, which include:

1. Constant fight against dust
2. Humidity control in the room, prevention of its overabundance (especially when pipes leak, a large amount indoor plants etc.),
3. Availability of air conditioning and ventilation systems,
4. Maintaining a stable microclimate (humidity is not higher than 60%, and the air temperature in the room is approximately 22-24 C),
5. If you have not yet installed PVC windows, before starting installation, you need to treat the window opening with any fungicide - you can buy it at every building market.
6. Keep the ventilation grill in the kitchen and bathrooms open to ensure good air circulation.
7. Check the functionality of the window frames and the absence of damage. Eliminate breakages immediately.
8. Preferably keep interior doors open.
9. Ventilate the apartment 1-2 times daily.
10. Do not dry clothes indoors with windows closed or on batteries.
11. For finishing the apartment, it is preferable to use moisture-resistant materials.
12. If you have previously encountered a fungus on windows, it makes sense to treat potentially dangerous places monthly with a solution of some fungicide.
13. When installing plastic windows, it is recommended to install a built-in ventilation system in them.

We have reviewed in the article everything related to the fungus on PVC windows and the fight against it. It remains only to advise readers to remove fungal deposits immediately after detection, without endangering the health of their loved ones and themselves.