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Double glazing and Condensation problems. Acceptable and Unacceptable First a little about the causes of condensation: Ironically, many condensation problems arose from Government advice in the 1970's to conserve energy because of the massive increase in fuel costs. This lead to many people draught-proofing their homes, blocking off the chimney, installing double glazing, and loft and cavity wall insulation. Excellent improvements but, while energy costs were reduced, the home's natural ventilation was restricted, increasing the risk of condensation. THOUGHT: If you air dry clothes that contain, say, a half a pint of water, where does all that water go? Well, the answer is obvious isn't it, and apart from not putting all that moisture up into the atmosphere in your home in the first place the biggest single answer in the fight against condensation is VENTILATION. Acceptable condensation:Look at it this way, you pour a glass of chilled wine - or maybe a scotch on the rocks, and condensation forms on the glass, quite acceptable. You take a steaming hot bath and are not surprised in the slightest to see the bathroom tiles and mirror misted over, but just think - what chance has the window glass got, even if it is double glazed when it's facing the outdoors, if the bathroom mirror on an indoor wall at room temperature mists over. In these circumstances it has to be said that the window is quite entitled to stream with condensation. You put the moisture up, and you caused it. Unacceptable condensation:You feel you are not really doing much wrong in the way you live in your home, but you rise each morning in the winter to find your windows streaming with water and a puddle on the window sill. You feel pretty annoyed about it and find it most Unacceptable and you do not want it to be like this. So, what's the difference? Well none actually! It's as simple as this: Your condensation problem could easily be of your own making, because condensation forms when moisture-laden air meets a cold enough surface to condense on. Everyday tasks such as cooking, washing, drying clothes, having a bath or shower, even breathing, can create as much as 20 pints of moisture a day in the home, quite apart from any unforgivable excesses such as air drying, or tumble drying clothes indoors, etc.
Condensation - why do I get so much? Condensation - does double glazing cure it? Condensation - should I get a dehumidifier? NEW: Greatly increased new information article about Condensation, as this is the most common subject I am consulted about, by trade and public. You Can Download Adobe Acrobat Reader Here Click Here To Download The Free E-Book: Condensation - It's Causes And Cure. |
