Condensation collects on plastic windows. What to do with foggy windows (condensation on the glass)

Glad you came to see me again!

This winter my teeth hurt. It’s not clear whether it’s the paste or the water, but one even broke down altogether. While he was solving the problem through visits to the dentist, he noticed how much the windows in his office fogged up. Therefore, today I will tell you how to deal with the formation of condensation on plastic windows.

Condensation on windows: causes, methods of combating

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

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

• the microclimate of the room has been changed;
• Not right choice window design;
• installation technology is broken;
• defective glass unit, frame.

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

The microclimate of the room is disturbed

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 leisure time.

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 amount of fresh air enters it.

Ventilation device

The apartment's domestic ventilation system is installed in the kitchen and bathroom. Fresh air enters the remaining rooms through ventilation and through microcracks in the frames. With the arrival of winter, in houses with ordinary wooden frames natural micro-ventilation is blocked by covering the window panels with paper strips. But even with such protection, windows rarely fog up. After installation PVC double glazing the situation changes dramatically if the designs are chosen without taking into account the characteristics of the regional climate or errors were made during the installation process.

What is the essence of such a phenomenon as window fogging? There is a certain amount of moisture in the airspace. And if it comes into contact with a surface whose temperature is less than the “dew point”, then condensation will form. If such a surface turns out to be window glass, then it fogs up. The degree at which condensation forms is not constant. The dew point is more closely related to the ratio of the air temperature in the room and the saturation of the air with moisture. The higher the last one and the lower the first one, the higher the dew point.

Let’s assume that the temperature in the room is stable at +15 degrees, then condensation will begin to form 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 glass in your home come from? We will further examine the issue of condensation formation on PVC windows.

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

Here are the approximate volumes of water formed per hour at:

• breathing - 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 by machine – up to 300 g;
• the presence of a medium-sized aquarium - up to 200 g.

How much water is contained in construction 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 rarely warms up above 17 degrees in winter, then there are all the conditions for the formation of condensation in the cold season.

About the causes of condensation on windows in the video:

https://youtu.be/q6vLSYtbu7Y

How to avoid this unpleasant phenomenon?

Here are a number of proven methods that need to be taken 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);
• open wide all the windows in the apartment for a quarter of an hour(a lot of heat will not escape, unlike moisture);
• arrange two-minute ventilation by opening the windows and front door (make sure that with such a dramatic change in the humidity level, all open elements of frame structures and the door are securely fastened and do not slam, threatening to crumble).

At the same time, do not forget to make sure that warm air from the radiators it flows not only into the room, but also to the frames, and the curtains are some distance away from the edges of the window sills.

Mistakes with choosing PVC windows

If condensation is tormented, and the windows are plastic, then you can eliminate the problem by replacing conventional structures with energy-saving ones.

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

Problems due to technology violations during the assembly of double-glazed windows

If defective sealing rubber is attached to the glass or some elements of window fittings are installed incorrectly, then the expensive double-glazed window will not meet the owner’s expectations. In some such cases, the problem can be eliminated by properly adjusting the fittings.

Problems due to illiterate installation and design of slopes

Are you 100% confident in the window manufacturer? Then the reason for the “fog” on the windows may lie in poor-quality foaming of the frame or a poor vapor barrier coating. Sometimes builders completely “forget” about the last factor due to ignorance of the process correct installation waterproofing in window construction. 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 during PVC installation frames into the openings, very difficult.

Reasons for “tears” and “sweat” on windows

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

The main reasons for “foggy” windows:

• cold season;
• a large amount of moisture in the atmosphere of the room;
• window design 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. Moreover necessarily with enhanced thermal insulation (with a special coating, with double chambers).

You shouldn’t think that only modern windows sweat. 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 several times less than windows according to the European standard, but with one chamber. This happens due to the different thermal insulation properties of products - in two-chamber windows thermal energy insulation 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.”

Why does this inconvenient phenomenon occur in everyday life?

There is always water vapor in the air. As the temperature rises, the amount of moisture in the air increases. As soon as you bring something cold into a room with an atmosphere, saturated with moisture, an invisible “casing” of colder air forms around the object. This temporary shell does not have the ability to hold as much moisture as the rest of the air in the room does, so the surface of the introduced object quickly becomes wet due to “dew.”

The more water in the atmosphere, the less “demanding” moisture is regarding the temperature level of objects on the surface of which it can fall in the form of condensation. Those. they no longer need to be the same temperature as, for example, vegetables in the refrigerator or bottles of drinks . If the air saturation with water is about 100%, then the steam will begin to settle on all bodies whose temperature 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 relationship is formed between the air temperature and its humidity.

Approximate data can be obtained from the table below.

When the inner glass in the double-glazed window chamber has a temperature that is the same as the value at which the race point is formed or lower, and the air humidity inside the structure also corresponds to a certain parameter, the glass begins to fog up. That's why “Tears” on the window indicate strong air humidity inside the house.

Possible reasons this:

• the result of your daily activities in the apartment;
• disrupted ventilation process;
• problematic glass unit;
• violation of the technology for installing a glass-transparent structure in a frame opening.

If the essence 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 excessive consumption of thermal resources, then it makes sense to stabilize the ventilation system and, perhaps, find a replacement for the existing double-glazed window.

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

If a drop in the mercury thermometer to -20 is a completely standard phenomenon for winter, then purchase a double-glazed window taking into account the dew point and the level of humidity and heat in the room that is comfortable for your family. If 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 above described initial data (-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, say, up to 55%, the lower maximum permissible value is Rо = 0.54 m2°C/W.

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

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

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

Additional measures to reduce the likelihood of condensation forming on the glass of PVC windows:

• find out whether near all windows the heated air from the radiators reaches the glass(a strongly protruding edge of the window sill and close placement of curtains can interfere with the process);
• installation ventilation valve , which allows portions of fresh air to reach the surface of the glass, also helps fight the formation of condensation.

Let me summarize my “lecture” on the topic of combating condensation on windows.

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

https://youtu.be/BotwVGyYUwA

How to deal with glass fogging?

It is best to navigate the choice before installing new double-glazed windows in window openings desired design The data from the first table will help.

Having determined the appropriate tp (dew point) level, tell the manager serving you that you want to buy a double-glazed window with a tp value higher than the parameter you found in the table. To protect yourself from the order executor ignoring your request, ask to include it in the contract and make sure that this is actually done. If they are really stubborn, then maybe it’s worth changing the order executor? Why should you buy double glazed windows? specifications which will be similar to those of the structure being replaced?

Everything was sorted out, the glass unit was correct, the installation was done according to the instructions. But bad luck: with the advent of cold weather, light “clouds” of condensation appeared near the profiles. What to do? Change again?! No. Small spots are natural and not problematic, unlike what I will talk about below.

What is happening secretly from our eyes:

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

The windows first “sweat” and then become covered with an ice crust

It is rare that any owner of an apartment with metal-plastic windows has not encountered the formation of condensation on the glass. Such untidiness happens for various reasons. And even a professional is not always able to quickly determine where the “legs” of such a problem “grow” from. Identifying the causes requires some knowledge of physics and practical experience. But eliminating the reason why the windows “cry” will help you forget about such a phenomenon as foggy glass for a long time.

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

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

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

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

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

Why are there no problems with condensation in apartments with old-style window designs?

Double-glazed windows are sealed and do not give air flows outside the window a chance to penetrate into the room. Because of this, natural ventilation of apartments disappeared, which, by the way, was taken into account as a phenomenon when designing buildings. And the air masses, even if 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 conventional window frames with modern ones, not necessarily with metal profiles, but with a sealed vestibule, natural ventilation stopped, and excess moisture began to settle on the glass.

To achieve normal humidity in a room, you need to either systematically ventilate it yourself, or entrust this process to the 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 condensation., preventing warm air flows from radiators from reaching vertical surface window opening. The presence of several flowerpots, which are also sources of moisture evaporation, only aggravates the problem. Is there no possibility 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 window fogging almost all year round. So kitchen hood above the stove - this is not a whim of the wife, but a useful item in everyday life that supports normal level humidity in the house. Don't forget about this device when you start repairing - you shouldn't turn it on when the wallpaper has just been pasted. But activate it more often later, when the repairs are completed - even when you are not preparing food.

Even more tragic consequences occur in those apartments where the owners incorrectly reconstructed or even completely dismantled the existing ventilation system. Condensation and freezing of glass will not keep you waiting. Although such a nuisance can also happen in an apartment with a hood - if cheap double-glazed windows are installed that are not capable of providing good thermal insulation.

For example, in the northern regions, single-chamber double-glazed windows can only be built into partitions indoors. For window openings in external 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 glass not only reduces the risk of condensation, but also helps to avoid excessive consumption of heat resources.

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

Measurement result (regular double-glazed window with a thermal insulation property of 0.54 sq. m. C/W):

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

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

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

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

If any features in modern windows, why do the latter “cry” and become overgrown with ice when frosts arrive?

Yes, the aluminum spacer has a lower temperature than the rest of the window. That is why condensation occurs most abundantly near the edges of double-glazed windows.

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

Another reason for the formation of condensation on glass is the residual effects of recently carried out repairs. Therefore, if new double glazing placed at a time when the room or the entire territory of the apartment was updated with the help of some construction work, or you have moved into a new building, it is not surprising that condensation appears on the windows. And the quality of the glass unit has nothing to do with it.

Newly erected concrete or brick walls are an additional source of moisture for 2 years. Slowly but surely, seemingly dry surfaces release water through microcracks, and it is impossible to resist this process. It is wiser to adapt to it by using moisture eliminators, using frequent ventilation and double-glazed windows with pre-installed ventilation elements. Without all this in apartments of new buildings excess humidity air, affecting 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 don’t think you’ve thought at all about the connection between condensation on the windows and the side of the world they face.

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

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 purchasing high-quality double-glazed windows, you do not get the expected result after installing them 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 installation seam with construction foam(the layer will thin out under the influence of moisture and wind, which immediately or over time, depending on the thickness of the seam, will lead to a decrease in the thermal insulation properties of the structure);
• non-compliance with recommendations for the design of junction units leads to the formation of “cold bridges”, which in winter will contribute to the formation of condensation;
• unfilled seams between walls are found not only in buildings built under the Soviets, but also in more modern ones (if such a problem is discovered during the installation of a window structure, the hole needs to be filled polyurethane foam– so that the double-glazed windows are not exposed to unwanted contact with cooled air in the area of ​​the junction points).

The easiest option for eliminating condensation

The old way of freshening the air in a room by ventilation works best with excess moisture in the room air. By accustoming yourself to opening the window several times a day, you are guaranteed to protect your 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 service life of the structures ends!

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

Determine the duration of each ventilation taking into account humidity room air . If there are no pots steaming in the kitchen and the washed clothes are not drying in the bathroom, then the humidity in the apartment will be much lower than, for example, after a “change” at the stove.

Don’t want to take on the responsibility of being responsible for fresh air in your home? If you have ROTO fittings in your metal-plastic windows, you can leave the windows in 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 turn the sash handle 75 degrees. A small gap will relieve condensation from the glass, take care of maintaining the temperature in the room at a healthy 21-23 degrees, and prevent mold from growing on the surface of the window slopes.

Reason for fogging

Are the windows “crying”?

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

Some correctly define this phenomenon as condensation, while others mistakenly claim that the windows in their apartment have begun 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 window fogging:

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

What does window glass with condensation look like?

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

Perhaps you have already encountered fogging of windows, and even expressed complaints to the company from which you purchased 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 sellers of double-glazed windows are to blame for fogging of the latter only in 3-5% of cases. Other incidents happen for completely different reasons.

Where does condensate come from?

Condensation is moisture from the air that has settled on some 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 temperature of the surface, in our case it is window glass, the greater the volume of condensate that appears on it. But the temperature difference between the air and the surface of an object is not the only factor in the formation of condensation. Due to 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 factors necessary for the manifestation of the dew point. How is it possible that dew is visible on the grass of the lawn here and there in the morning? Because short grass has a lower temperature than the air quickly warmed by the rising sun. And at a certain moment the temperature difference forms favorable conditions for the precipitation of dew - converted moisture from steam in the atmospheric air.

Why condensation occurs on plastic windows in the video:

The windows in your apartment sweat in the same way.

Using a special table, which I mentioned earlier, you can calculate at what air temperature in the room near the glass, outside and in the room itself, condensation will occur on inner surface window. Use a hygrometer to determine 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 constantly reproached - this statement set the teeth on edge of all managers working on claims from clients who purchased metal-plastic windows. The secret to the absence of condensation on old-style windows lies in the lack of tightness in such structures. And the fact is that their external and internal glass is spaced at a greater distance from each other than the transparent elements in modern double-glazed windows. Therefore, the temperature of the internal glasses is higher and condensation does not collect on them. However, old windows do not protect the heat of rooms well.

Troubles usually start due to:

• one camera 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 condensation is not far off - in this case, only replacing the double-glazed window with a design with a more suitable chamber arrangement will help);
• window sill too wide a, preventing heat from the battery from getting 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 ventilation grilles and passages - the first quickly become overgrown with a layer of fat and dust, the second may be blocked by collapsed plaster or even a stuck animal or bird);
• excessive number of flowerpots with indoor plants(a lot of moisture evaporates from the surface of the foliage, so take care of upgrading ventilation system);
• double glazed windows are modern, but not converted into winter mode (during reconfiguration, the thermal insulation properties of double-glazed windows will increase - transferring to the new mode will take a couple of minutes);
• rare ventilation(if the double-glazed windows do not have special elements for micro-ventilation, then do not forget to open the shutters every day for 10 minutes - when it is very cold outside, just do not open the window, but only move it a little 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 live up to the hopes placed on them - first you need to determine the type of error, and then eliminate the shortcomings made during installation);
• your life activity(for example, the kitchen is always humid due to systematic cooking and washing dishes - you can avoid condensation on the windows using a good ventilation system or double-glazed windows).

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

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

Reasons for fogging of plastic windows

Few owners of apartments or houses with metal-plastic windows have had the fate of observing condensation on the windows. Drops of moisture impair the visibility of windows, causing puddles to form on the windowsill, and window slopes mold appears. The reason for this misfortune may be unskilled installation of the window structure, unfavorable microclimate of the room and other factors that I will mention below.

No matter where this problem “grows” from, the average user of a PVC window hopes that it can be eliminated. That’s why the question so often comes up online about why windows sweat a lot and how to deal with it. Some people think that the structural manufacturers or installers are to blame for this. In fact, the latter are to blame only in 5% of all cases of window fogging.

Under what circumstances do windows sweat most often?

• with the onset of the cold season (condensation ceases to form only with the arrival of stable heat);
• the windows “cry” only in the morning;
• The only glass that gets wet is the windows in the kitchen;
• You observe the formation of condensation 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 moisture. Otherwise, by the time you solve the problem, there will be no frogs on the windowsill, but mold will definitely grow along the slopes.

Origin of condensate

When the glass of a window becomes cloudy due to fogging, it means that the surface of the glass is covered with condensation. It appears in cases where the warm air of the room comes into contact with window glass, the temperature of which is much lower. Increased humidity in the room also contributes to foggy windows.

When they were in the apartments wooden windows, then almost no condensation formed on the glass. And those people who still remember what ordinary window structures looked like also remember the fact that such windows hardly sweated. Therefore, the question of why modern double-glazed windows are inferior to old-style windows in this regard is periodically voiced.

This feature of old windows is based on the significant distance between the outer and inner glass. And since the second, internal one, heated up more strongly from room heat, almost no condensation formed on it. But when compared thermal insulation characteristics old frames are inferior to PVC structures.

Reasons for fogging of PVC windows in winter and methods of control

The glass begins to “cry” various reasons. And only in rare cases does the problem begin because the structure is defective or the installers made a mistake when glazing the window opening.

Why do windows sweat?

• due to the installation 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 definitely be covered with condensation - to correct the situation, it is enough to change the insert structure itself to a more efficient one);
• due to poor room ventilation(examine the condition of the ventilation grilles, ducts and clean if necessary);
• due to the excessive width of the window sill a, preventing the flow of air heated by the radiator from reaching the outer glass and drying its surface (eliminate 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(you shouldn’t get rid of green pets to eliminate condensation, it’s better to set up a ventilation system);
• from forgetting to ventilate the room every day(even with high-quality double-glazed windows, arrange a small forced ventilation by opening the windows);
• due to errors during window installation(call a specialist who will find out where the air pressure points are and fill the “hole”).

If the problem window is in the kitchen, then condensation is a consequence of high humidity and elevated room temperature. If you install a double-glazed window, the window will stop “crying.”

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

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

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

I described in detail above how to solve such problems.

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

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 down to critical temperature, the glass begins to accumulate moisture on its surface from the warm air inside the room.

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

• problems with air ventilation;
• insufficient heating of the room, not correct installation 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, which provided natural ventilation, then PVC windows do not have this 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 covered with a decorative grille can also become a problem. 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 battery and does not interfere with heating 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 case you need to know that according to building regulations(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.

Condensation - droplets of moisture that form on the surface of profiles and double-glazed windows, as well as external elements of fittings - is always unpleasant. However, as soon as you see the first drops on a newly installed window, you should not panic and assume that the fault lies with the specialists who installed the windows in your house or apartment...

Before you figure out why your PVC windows sweat, look at them carefully... And determine where exactly the condensation appears? If there are droplets of water on the inner surface of the glass unit, the problem is most likely due to improper installation and leakage of the glass unit. If condensation occurs on the outer surface of the glass unit, if water flows from it, then there may be many more reasons.

Formation of condensation on the inner surface of the glass unit

The reason - in almost 100% of cases - is a defect in the manufacture of double-glazed windows and during installation (the inadmissibility of moisture inside the chamber is also enshrined in GOST 24866-99). This is good for the apartment owner, if only for the reason that the installation company is obliged to correct the defect. In addition, if condensation inside the double-glazed window is not accompanied by its appearance outside, or if condensation collects on external surfaces in insignificant quantities, the problem can most likely be dealt with one way or another.

Formation of condensation on the outside of the glass unit and on the profile

Possible causes of moisture condensation on external surfaces include:

• improper installation of a PVC window (the window structure is either located too close to the outer plane of the wall, or is located flush with the thermal insulation layer);
• too high humidity in the room (for example, large condensation appears in actively used small kitchens);
• lack of ventilation in the house;
• choosing a glass unit that is too thin and has a low thermal capacity;
• loose connection of the sashes to the frame.

It is usually not possible to immediately find the reasons why windows sweat from the inside. But there are a number of ways that will definitely help you find a reliable explanation of the source of the problem.

Finding the cause of water protruding on the glass and profile

There are several ways to find out:

• candle method (bring a lit candle or lighter to the junction of the sashes and frames, to the mounting seams - if the flame begins to fluctuate intensely, depressurization occurs assembly seams or a malfunction in the valve abutment mechanism);
• using a fan (a switched-on fan placed on the windowsill causes a large amount of water and even a puddle to appear on the windowsill, which means the double-glazed window is not working efficiently enough);
• consistent improvement of the microclimate in the house (using supply and exhaust ventilation, ventilation, sealing seams or moving radiators further or closer to the wall, reducing the width of the window sill).

As soon as the main factor causing condensation disappears, condensation will not collect.

Prevention: anticipate and avoid

What to do to avoid condensation on plastic windows? The ideal “cure” for fogging would be a careful selection of the installation contractor - in most cases, the right choice will protect you from both condensation and any other problems.

It is worth remembering, however, that even the best PVC window installer will not be able to help you with anything if your house is humid, there is no ventilation, and you insisted that the cheapest double-glazed window be glued into the window, whose thermal insulation capabilities are clearly insufficient.

When preparing for installation - this is especially true if the windows in the house are large - try to take care of ventilation. Active supply and exhaust ventilation is capable of working miracles in these cases. Try not to place a lot of flowers, containers with liquid, aquariums, or humidifiers on the windowsill - all this increases the level of humidity and increases the risk of condensation on the glass unit.

Ventilate the room regularly and use a micro-ventilation system (if it is not installed, order it).

Carefully choose the double-glazed window and the profile from which the frames and sashes will be made - after all, the more effective the thermal insulation of the window opening, the less the risk that the windows will “cry”. Be sure to order not only the installation of windows, but also the finishing of the opening (installation of slopes), as well as the adjustment of fittings.

And finally, try not to carry out the installation during the cold season or simultaneously with repairs - above-zero temperature “overboard” according to all GOSTs and SNiPs is a prerequisite for installation.

Briefly: conclusions

Key points, reducing the risk of condensation:

• correct installation;
• the presence of good ventilation in the house (even a hood in the kitchen is already good);
• frequent ventilation;
• correct choice of glass unit and profile.

Answers on questions

1. PVC windows sweat: what to do?
First, determine where the moisture is located (inside the glass unit or outside). If it’s inside, it’s almost definitely a marriage. If it’s outside, assess whether the humidity level in the house is too high: it definitely needs to be lowered. Check the tightness of the connection of the sashes to the frame and the tightness of the seams at the opening walls.

2. Why do PVC windows produce condensation in positive weather?
As a factor causing fogging, it is not so much the temperature outside that is important, but the difference between what the thermometer shows in the house and “outside”. It is necessary that a closed window provides thermal insulation for the room. It is also possible that in the house it is simply high level humidity.

3. Why do double-glazed windows sweat in autumn and winter?
In winter and autumn, they sweat due to the significant difference in temperature indoors and outdoors. If the thermal insulation is poor, the window begins to fog up because cold air from the street and warm air from the room “meet” on its surface.

4. Why do single-chamber double-glazed windows sweat?
Single-chamber packages in most cases are not intended for installation in windows - they perform well in cold glazing of balconies. If installed on a window, one camera is simply not enough to thermally insulate the opening. As a result, condensation forms.

5. Why in the morning on the windows from PVC condensate?
This is due to both the climate and the operating mode. central heating. The fact is that at night the temperature of the batteries is usually the highest - within 5-6 hours the room temperature rises significantly. But outside in the morning the temperature is minimal.

6. Why do windows sweat after insulation?
The reasons may be the following: the insulation is carried out so well that the level of humidity in the room increases (with poor ventilation, moisture has nowhere to go) or the insulation is carried out with errors - in the places of contact between the profile and the wall in window opening moisture accumulates.

7. Is condensation acceptable on double-glazed windows?
If the glass unit has no defects and if the window is installed correctly, and the humidity in the house does not exceed 45-50%, it is unacceptable. However, condensation can also appear on a good double-glazed window if the outside temperature is extremely low.

8. How to clean plastic windows if there is condensation on them?
Removing condensation - especially if it happens in winter - needs to be done very carefully, with a cloth made of non-woven fabric which absorbs water well. This will prevent the glass or plastic of the profile from being scratched by pieces of ice that may appear along with condensation.

9. Which metal-plastic windows do not sweat?
They don’t sweat, in principle, just right installed windows PVC, which is regularly opened for ventilation, is located correctly (away from the outer edge of the wall), with unclogged drainage channels and with well-sealed seams.

10. Condensation with a large number of indoor plants.
This is a common phenomenon: plants form their own microclimate, which - if there are a large number of them - begins to influence the microclimate of the house. One of its components is high humidity, which ultimately provokes the appearance of condensation.

11. Condensation due to improper installation.
Very often condensation is a consequence improper installation. For example, the location is too close to the outer surface of the wall (to create a wide window sill) or the seams between the frame and the walls of the window opening are poorly sealed.

12. Why do condensation and ice appear on PVC windows?
Ice is a clear sign that the cold has found its way from the street into your home. This could be a crack in the double-glazed window, or a loose fit of the sash to the frame. Or - the double-glazed window is too thin and has few chambers (in severe frost, a single-chamber package may become covered with frost).

13. Who should I contact if plastic windows sweat and freeze?
To the company that installed your windows. In any case, specialists will quickly determine the cause of condensation and select options to eliminate it. There is no need to worry that the contracting company will “blame” its shortcomings on the microclimate of the apartment - a good contractor always cares about its reputation.

Plastic windows are now no longer a sign of luxury, but a necessity, which is why stylish designs can be seen in almost any apartment. Windows can be conditionally classified by the number of cameras (from one to four) and the opening mechanism (fixed, tilting, rotating, combined, rotating). The temperature in the room will depend on the number of cameras (interglazed spaces) - the cooler the climate, the more cameras need to be installed.

The main concern of the owners of these modern designs– condensation on plastic windows that forms in cold season. You can choose windows with a self-cleaning surface - the need for cleaning will occur less frequently, but this will not affect the frequency of vapor formation. Here it is important to influence the cause of the appearance of drops and smudges that interfere with the view and increase the humidity in the room. We will talk about how to get rid of fogging of plastic windows a little lower.

Why does condensation collect on plastic windows?

The water contained in the air is in a vapor state. You can measure the humidity of the room using special instruments - its normal indicator will be 30-45%. At a certain low temperature, moisture changes from vapor to liquid. Because The coldest place in the apartment is the window; steam tends to escape there and, encountering a temperature barrier, turns into water, settling on the glass. It is important to understand why condensation accumulates on windows in order to properly eliminate the cause of its occurrence. The formation of fumes on the windows can be seen:

• During cooking (heated air is distributed throughout the entire volume of the room, in the area of ​​​​the cold window there is a transition between states of liquid)
• At high humidity(make sure that indoors the indicator is no more than 50%)
• In apartments with wide window sills (heat from the radiator is blocked, so plastic windows are not heated)
• If the windows are not insulated during installation or before the start of the season
• In case of leaks
• If the room is crowded

Having found out why condensation collects on plastic windows, we will describe the consequences of its occurrence:

1. Bad review
2. Unaesthetic appearance
3. Formation of dirty smudges and puddles on the windowsill
4. Due to the constant humidity in building structures fungus forms, which has a bad effect on respiratory system apartment residents
5. In winter on inside frost appears on the glass

How to get rid of fogging of plastic windows?

If you are faced with the question of how to get rid of moisture on windows, you should first measure the air humidity. If it is too large, you need to normalize the home “atmosphere” with the help of frequent ventilation - fresh air flows stabilize the moisture content. Modern wooden windows with plastic double glazed windows – perfect solution to prevent evaporation, because thanks to natural materials the air flows freely, “gentle ventilation” is carried out. The disadvantage of this type of structure is the low level of tightness. An apartment with wooden structures may be too cold, especially in winter.

You can prevent the occurrence of fumes in the following ways:

• Remove plants from the windowsill
• Narrow the width of the window sill to ensure the windows are heated by the radiator. You can install a more powerful battery or install a “window” (convection tap) in the window sill.
• IN country houses sometimes it is necessary to eliminate the flow of moisture into the room - this can be achieved by repairing the roof or basement area
• Maintain a stable comfortable temperature in the rooms - ventilation and installation of hoods will help
• Insulate outer part building
• If these methods do not work, it is advisable to replace the PVC block with an energy-saving one.

1. Ventilate several times a day;
2. Almost all modern windows have a winter ventilation function - just turn the handle 45 degrees. The opening structure will move slightly away from the frame - this will ensure air exchange with virtually no change in the temperature in the room. The quality of sound insulation is also not compromised;
3. A popular simple way to solve a complex problem, how to get rid of condensation, is 2-3 ordinary wax candles installed on the windowsill, which will warm the air near the window to the desired level;
4. A fan can improve air exchange in a room - just install the device on the windowsill so that it is directed towards several windows. Wet streams will be “thrown away” from the window, which will prevent droplets from settling;
5. You can use a car decondensation product on windows. Before use, the window must be washed and wiped, after which the anti-fog agent is sprayed and rubbed. This method does not remove moisture - the coating only slightly repels liquid, reducing the formation of evaporation.

In case of unscrupulous installation and poor-quality insulation of slopes, it may even be necessary to dismantle and install a new plastic window. Sometimes it helps to seasonally adjust the window and install a built-in ventilation valve in the unit. If the issue is the tightness of the structure, it will not be superfluous to replace the rubber seals.

In order not to wonder how to get rid of condensation on plastic windows, trust the installation to experienced installers, monitor the progress of the work (especially the final part - insulation).

Plastic windows were installed, the apartment became warmer, and street noise was not heard. It would seem that all problems have been solved, ideal comfort has arrived. But with the onset of cold weather, many consumers notice that the glass from the inside begins to sweat a lot, and a large amount of moisture appears on them. The question arises why condensation collects on plastic windows if previous wooden structures did not create such a problem.

The process of condensation formation

A certain amount of moisture in the form of steam is contained in the air. When it cools, the ability to retain steam particles decreases, and it settles on surfaces in the form of condensation. Window glass is cooled in winter under the influence of low street temperatures. Colliding with their surface, the warm air of the room leaves its moisture, and condensation appears.

Windows with wooden frames provided natural air circulation, and some of the moisture escaped to the street. Plastic structures are sealed, so more condensation collects on them. The fittings of the latest models of double-glazed windows provide the option of delicate ventilation. With the onset of cold weather, they need to be set to winter mode so that less condensation accumulates.

Intense fogging of windows may be due to high humidity in the apartment. This situation can negatively affect health and cause premature damage. finishing materials. At high humidity, viruses, pathogenic bacteria, and mold spores actively multiply.

The accumulation of condensation is a consequence of strong cooling of the glass surface. Perhaps the design of the double-glazed window was chosen incorrectly, the slopes were poorly insulated, and warm air from the radiator did not reach the window.

Ways to deal with condensation on glass

Initially, you need to determine why condensation accumulates in large quantities on your plastic windows. If the structures do not have a valve that provides micro-ventilation, it is necessary to ensure air circulation and periodically open the sash slightly. It is necessary to check the operation of the ventilation system. In old houses, it often does not fulfill its functions. Consequently, you will have to install special devices in the apartment.

This will help lower the humidity level in the room, reduce the amount of condensation on the window, and create a favorable microclimate.

Warm air from the radiator should flow to the window. The wide window sill does not provide access. If you make holes in it, the glass will warm up and there will be no strong temperature changes or condensation accumulation. It is important to take into account that flowers standing on windowsills increase air humidity. Therefore, there is no need to clutter it with pots of plants.

The greatest accumulation of condensation is usually observed on the balcony. Most often the problem is associated with low indoor air temperature. When installing glazing structures, serious attention should be paid to insulation in order to minimize the entry of cold from the street.

When choosing plastic windows, you should give up the desire to save money. Installing two- and three-chamber double-glazed windows equipped with a ventilation mode and energy-saving film will eliminate problems with condensation.