A Guide To Problems With Secondary Glazing And Condensation
You may think that if you want added insulation in your home’s windows that secondary glazing may be the key. However, there are problems that can be caused by secondary glazing and condensation. Here is what you need to know to avoid expensive window repairs or replacement.
Many new windows are actually double glazed as opposed to older windows, which tend to be single glazed. Double glazing can help decrease the amount of money you spend to heat or cool your home since they can be insulated to prevent energy loss. Newer windows with double glazing can offer a wide range of benefits including sound insulation. However they are expensive and this may make many people consider using single glazed windows.
The structure of double glazed windows is quite simple. They are made up of a framework which contains two panes of glass. These are positioned quite closely to one another. During manufacturing, a layer of gas is sealed in between the two panes and this prevents any moisture from building up since it is an occupied space and there is no room for water vapor.
Secondary glazing is created in a slightly different way. Working with an existing window, a second thin layer of glass is added, usually in a separate frame. It is often created in such a way that it is identical to the outside window. The problem is that unlike double glazing, there is no gas layer other than a layer of air. Since air can hold moisture, this can be a problem where condensation is concerned.
Condensation occurs any time when there is water vapor present. It is usually invisible when the air is hot enough. However, should it meet up with a cooler surface such as an external pane of glass, the water can reform into water droplets and end up rotting through a wooden frame.
There are ways that you can avoid the build-up of condensation between your window panes. The first is to ensure that the window frame was completely dry before you had the second layer of glazing installed. If that is not the issue, you need to make sure that you are providing ventilation for the moisture to escape. In warmer weather, you can leave a window slightly open or you can choose to drill a ventilation hole so that the moisture can escape.
By taking care of your windows and ensuring that moisture does not have a chance to build up you will ensure that they will stay in top condition for as long as possible. Then, over time you can choose to convert to double glazed windows if you so choose.
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