After installing plastic windows, condensation appeared. Condensation on PVC windows: causes and what to do? What to do if plastic windows sweat or how to remove condensation


The occurrence of condensation that accumulates on the surface of window glass is a fairly common occurrence in apartments and private houses. When it gets colder, moisture begins to collect on the windows in most residential buildings. As a result, the window sills become wet and there is increased dampness in the air. Such conditions can reduce the comfort of living in the apartment. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent glass fogging as soon as this phenomenon is detected. If condensation appears on plastic windows from the side of the room, you should use a number of means to eliminate it.

Where does condensation come from?

There is always a certain amount of water vapor in the air. When it cools, it turns into water droplets. These droplets settle on the surfaces of the lowest temperature in the room. That's exactly what windows are. The settled steam is called condensate.

If there is a lot of water vapor in the air, the problem of condensation is quite serious. It is fogging that moistens the structures from which the house is made. The result of this process is the development of fungus. In winter, condensation transforms into a different state - frost appears on the window. To understand why condensation forms on plastic windows, you should become familiar with one more concept.

Dew point

The dew point is the temperature at which vapor becomes liquid. This point may be in the thermal insulation layer. It cannot be adjusted. The lower the percentage of water vapor in the air, the lower the dew point will be.

Factors that influence dew point:

  • outside temperature;
  • humidity outside;
  • the density of the materials from which the walls are made;
  • humidity and temperature in the room.

Considering these factors, you need to learn how to properly deal with condensation on windows.

Danger of condensation

Installing a double-glazed window allows you to increase the comfort of living indoors. However, fresh air does not leak into the room. That is why the apartment owner himself contributes to the deterioration of the microclimate of the room. Condensation that forms on plastic windows is evidence of an unfavorable atmosphere in the room. In conditions of high humidity, various bacteria and fungi develop on the walls.

As established in SNIP 2.04.05-91, the air in residential premises should have a temperature of 20 to 22 degrees. In this case, humidity should be maintained in the range of 30-45%. Such indicators can ensure comfortable living in a room. At the same time, the windows will not start to fog up. For this reason, condensation on windows is the main and first sign of a disturbed microclimate.

Reasons for condensation on windows

The fogging process may occur due to insufficient heating of the room. In this case, the steam condenses directly on the surface of the glass unit. There are many reasons why condensation appears:


Such conditions for the formation of condensation on plastic windows must be taken into account before getting rid of the source increased dampness.

Condensation on wooden windows

In the case of wooden structures, condensation is often absent. This is explained natural properties material. Wood is able to let air in from the street. Besides, wooden structures not as airtight as plastic bags. Due to this, an optimal level of humidity is maintained in the rooms.

Modern PVC bags are quite airtight, which eliminates air flow. Due to these parameters, there is no natural ventilation in the room. To maintain optimal moisture levels, rooms should be ventilated every day. Modern double-glazed windows provide the option of gentle ventilation. The flow of air between the room and the outside environment occurs through special valve.

Prevention

Before starting work to get rid of condensation, you should think about preventing the problem. There are several precautions you should take:

  • maintaining a comfortable temperature in the room;
  • system creation natural ventilation in the room;
  • external insulation of the building;
  • reducing the air humidity level in the room to 50%;
  • eliminating sources of moisture penetration into the room - leaky roof, dampness in the basement;
  • Creation effective system heating the glass unit.
  • Removing plants from the windowsill.

Such precautions will help prevent excessive condensation on the window structure.

Removing condensation

There are several proven ways to get rid of condensation on plastic windows. You just need to follow simple steps:


These methods of dealing with condensation provide a reliable solution to the problem of window fogging.

There are other, more expensive methods. For example, insulating a house from the outside. If the described methods of counteracting condensation are ineffective, you should replace the plastic bag with an energy-saving one.

The cause of condensation can also be poor-quality installation of plastic windows. In this case, it may be necessary to dismantle the package. In some cases, you can get rid of condensation by seasonally adjusting the window. If the seal of the product is broken, the rubber seals will need to be replaced.

To avoid problems with condensation on plastic windows, you should entrust the installation of double-glazed windows to professional installers. At the same time, it is necessary to monitor the work done. It is especially important to pay attention to insulation.

Condensation from the outside of the glass unit

There are several reasons for this phenomenon:

  • Incorrect installation of windows. They are either installed too close to the outer plane of the wall or are flush with the insulation layer.
  • Room humidity is too high.
  • There is no ventilation in the house.
  • The sashes do not fit tightly to the frame.

It is usually not possible to immediately recognize the causes of condensation.

Conclusions

To prevent windows from fogging up, certain measures should be taken. The main condition is that the double-glazed windows must be installed correctly. They should not have any leaks. Other precautions:

  • regular ventilation of rooms where condensation occurs;
  • creating high-quality ventilation in the house;
  • correct choice of profile and glass unit.

By complying with these conditions, you can reduce the risk of condensation on the windows. If it does appear, you should use some ways to eliminate it.

For example, you can put a fan or a candle on the windowsill. In both cases warm air will warm up the glass, which will not allow condensation to settle. Often the cause of window fogging is a large window sill. It can be cut so that heat flows upward from the battery unhindered.

When performing window repairs or installations, you should contact experienced professionals. This will eliminate the risk of double-glazed windows fogging.

Quite often, especially in winter, condensation appears on plastic windows in a private house or apartment. “Window tears” often live their own lives: few people pay attention to them, and in the spring they usually end on their own. Why do many people not take condensation on plastic windows seriously? Yes, nothing bad happened. Everything is true until it happens, but it’s worth considering that condensation on PVC windows leads to the appearance of fungus and, the creation of an unhealthy atmosphere in the room and diseases of household members. What are the reasons for the appearance of moisture on double-glazed windows and how to deal with them? But now we’ll figure it out.

Let's start with a definition. Indoors with high level and the low temperature of one of the surfaces of the window, for example, when the temperature outside is below zero and the temperature in the room is higher, condensation occurs - the process of turning steam into liquid. Accordingly, the product of this transformation itself is called condensate, and the temperature difference explains why there is condensation on plastic windows from the side of the room. That is, the droplets formed are condensation on plastic windows.

The optimal values ​​of temperature and humidity in an apartment according to the standards of the Sanitary and Epidemiological Station No. 2.04.05–91 “Heating, ventilation and air conditioning” are 18-22 ℃ and 30-45% humidity in the room. The formation of condensation may indicate that microclimate standards are not maintained and the humidity is significantly exceeded.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

At the dew point, moisture can settle inside the room, both on the wall and on the windows. Accordingly, the problem lies in wall structure, glass unit or appears for external reasons.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Flaws:

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

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

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

Place a sound insulator inside the pipe, and insert the pipe back into the hole. Attach it to the outside ventilation grille– 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 the summer. To do this, remove the filter with insulation and wash them. Wipe the inside of the pipe with a damp cloth, large number Remove dust with a vacuum cleaner.

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

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

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

An invisible assistant - a ventilation valve

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can make a ventilation hole in a wide window sill

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We get rid of moisture at minimal cost

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

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

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

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

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

Why PVC windows fog up and how to solve it this problem? There are only two reasons for the formation of condensation - temperature changes and increased humidity inside the room.

High indoor humidity is 60% of the main cause of condensation. Let's start with the fact that the advantage of a plastic window is in this case and its disadvantage is good tightness. Owners of new windows rightly note that the old windows did not sweat, but the PVC window fogged up. The point is that in wooden frames There are many microcracks that provide natural air circulation, but a plastic window is completely devoid of this. Conclusion - to avoid condensation, you need to carry out daily ventilation premises, or supply plastic construction ventilation system.

Perhaps the reason that the PVC window fogged up is also violation of the convention regime, that is, the movement of air in the room. In other words, the warm air from the battery does not reach the surface of the window, it becomes supercooled and moisture forms on its surface. The reason for this may also be objects that do not allow the air from the radiator to reach the surface of the window: most often, this is an overly wide window sill.

Another reason could be a large glass unit (more than 70mm). Only ventilation will help solve the problem. There are no other options: the window is already installed. It is better not to install too wide double-glazed windows at all. If their thickness is 70 mm and retains heat, then it will definitely add difficulties in operation.

The last reason that a PVC window is constantly covered with condensation is either a defect in the window itself or errors made by installers during installation. In this case, the problem can be solved by eliminating or eliminating all of the above situations. By the way, if only one window out of several fogs up, only the relevant company can determine the cause.

Next, you need to deal with the “dew point”, that is, the remaining 40%. The dew point is formed either when sudden change temperatures, or when, at constant temperatures, humidity increases greatly, and as a result condensation appears on surfaces. It is impossible to control or regulate these processes; you can only somehow fight it.

  • The first method is to reduce the humidity. Since it is almost impossible to achieve normal humidity in a habitable room, the best option in this case repair is considered exhaust system or installing a capacitor.
  • The second method is to increase the temperature of the inner surface of the window. There is probably a very wide window sill installed that does not allow the window to warm up. A too narrow (single-chamber) double-glazed window may also be installed, which is not recommended for our latitudes. There is only one solution - replace the window with a two-chamber one, which will quickly solve the problem of fogging.

Condensation on windows- it’s an unpleasant thing, it’s 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 they stand severe frosts, windows in apartments freeze quite strongly, this is an unpleasant surprise especially for those who have installed plastic windows. If glass is an excellent heat insulator, then metal is no less good guide heat. Freezing of glass occurs precisely along the perimeter of the window. The resulting condensate flows onto the windowsill and slopes, causing numerous puddles and stains to form. Even though 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 condensation occurs on the glass, because it does not warm up. When windows are replaced with plastic or wooden ones with double-glazed windows, the window deepens significantly. A frame with double-glazed windows is generally 90-120 millimeters wide, although the wall thickness is 50-70 centimeters. As a result, the glass becomes inaccessible to the convection stream of warm air from the radiator, so an unventilated zone appears in the window sill area.

Many housewives who grow flowers on window sills, when replacing windows with plastic analogues, try to make wider window sills so that they protrude another 5-10 centimeters. This further blocks the convection flow from the radiator by half, and, accordingly, the ventilation deteriorates. And the abundance of flowers on the windowsill does not have a very favorable effect on the situation. Condensation on plastic windows- this is a consequence of poor ventilation.

Problems such as condensation can be avoided by making sure that the glass does not cool so much. If you are just planning to replace the windows with double-glazed windows, you should give preference to the thickest possible frame profile in order to reduce the depth. Of course, you will have to sacrifice a couple of centimeters of the window sill, but condensation on windows will bypass you. In addition, it is advisable to order not double (the most popular), but triple glazing, or double 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 even at a temperature of minus 35 degrees.

You shouldn’t try to expand the window sill; pots with plants will fit on a standard one, but ventilation from radiators will help avoid problems with “crying” windows. If you have already encountered a problem like condensation on plastic windows, there is nothing left 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 Preventing condensation is a burning candle. To do this, in severe frosts, place a pair of candlesticks with thick, slowly burning candles 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 of candles causes hostility, you can try building convection screens. These are small width plates that will direct warm air from the battery to the window. This plate needs to be fixed at an angle of 30-60 degrees. To prevent them from standing out, you can disguise them as the sides of a window sill or a decorative element.
  3. The easiest way to create air flow in a niche is with fans. It is enough to turn it on at low intensity so that it captures several windows. Can also be used 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 a car cosmetics store and buy anti-fog aerosols. Before treating glass with them, they need to be washed and dried. The glass will stop fogging up like that, but only for a certain time, so this method cannot be called a radical solution to the problem. Besides, chemical substance for cars - no best option for residential premises.
  5. Some craftsmen manage to turn glass into own apartment in heated ones. To do this, foil, conductive film or nichrome thread is glued around the perimeter of the window, and a small voltage is applied to it - 24 volts. The part of the window that freezes the most will be warmed up; this technique also works in cars.