What Causes Condensation Inside Double Glazing? – Advice By Double Glazing Edinburgh Professionals
When you spot moisture forming between the panes of your double-glazed windows, it generally means the seal has failed.
A fully functional double glazed window features a complete seal around its edges. The spacer bar contains a special desiccant substance, similar to silica gel, that absorbs any residual moisture trapped in the cavity. Combined with sealed edges, this helps protect your home from the harsh Scottish weather outside.
However, sometimes these seals fail.
It may just be from their age, as sealants naturally age and wear down over the years.
Sometimes, they fail from exposure to frequent weather changes, which can accelerate their deterioration.
Unfortunately, sometimes poor installation can cause the seals to fail. Manufacturing faults can also compromise the integrity of the sealed unit.
Once the seal gives way, outdoor air containing moisture can infiltrate the space between your glass panes. This moist air then cools (or condenses) when it contacts the cold glass surface, causing the water vapour to transform into condensation.
This shows up as foggy glass panes.
How to Identify Failed Seals in Double-Glazed Windows
Sometimes it can be difficult to tell from the eyes alone if the condensation on the inside of the two panes of glass, or if condensation is on the outside window panes. This can be especially true if the view out is already obscured by something visually interesting, like a patterned wallpaper.
A simple test involves trying to wipe away the condensation with a cloth.
If you can remove condensation, the issue is surface moisture. If the condensation remains visible no matter how much you clean the outer surfaces, you’re looking at a seal failure within the glazing unit.
Negatives of Condensation in Double Glazing Windows
Condensation inside the windows is more than an eyesore.
It can reduce the energy efficiency that your double glazed windows are useful for, increasing energy bills.
For wooden window frames, condensation inside double glazing can create structural problems, which can lead to expensive window repairs.
Finally, condensation can cause mould and mildew problems in your home, making them a dangerous health hazard to live with.
Can Condensation Inside Double Glazing Be Fixed?
When you discover condensation between your glass panes, you have several options to consider, each with its own advantages.
1. Replace the Glass Unit Only
For most of our customers, replacing just the sealed glass unit offers the most practical and cost-effective solution, especially when the window frame remains in good condition.
Our team at The Advanced Group can carefully remove the compromised glazed unit while preserving your existing frame, then fit a brand new sealed unit in its place.
2. Defogging Services
You might come across companies offering defogging services, which involve drilling a small hole in the affected glass, cleaning the internal surfaces, and then resealing the unit.
Although it offers a quick and cheap solution, the results unfortunately only last a short amount of time as it doesn’t correct the window’s hermetic seal.
In addition, these repairs cannot restore the original thermal efficiency of the double-glazed unit, meaning your windows will continue to lose heat. This potentially increases your energy costs over time.
3. Complete Window Replacement
Like all things, double glazing has a life expectancy. A foggy window may be a sign that you should consider a full window replacement.
At The Advanced Group, our new uPVC and double-glazed windows come with comprehensive warranties, helping reassure you that you’ve made a smart investment.
Not only that, but our new windows can dramatically improve your home’s heat retention, especially valuable given our rising heating costs.
Preventing Condensation Problems in Double Glazing
Making sure your windows don’t get condensation can help prolong their life expectancy and ensure your home remains energy efficient. Here are some of our top tips for preventing condensation between the panes, to safeguard your home’s insulation.
Choose Quality Installation
We cannot stress enough how crucial proper installation is.
Our expert fitting teams regularly repair windows that have failed prematurely due to incorrect installation. Avoid this problem altogether by trusting The Advanced Group to handle the problem professionally.
With decades of experience and a reputation for quality, we’ll ensure your new windows are installed to the highest standard.
Regular Maintenance
Take time to check your window frames periodically for any signs of damage.
Keeping drainage channels clear of debris helps prevent water build-up that can damage seals over time.
For wooden frames, regular treatment with appropriate sealants prevents the warping that often leads to glazing failure.
Control Indoor Humidity
Excessive indoor moisture doesn’t directly cause seal failure, but high humidity levels in kitchens and bathrooms can speed up the deterioration of surrounding materials and seals.
Simple habits like using extractor fans when cooking or showering, opening windows briefly for air circulation, and using dehumidifiers in particularly damp areas of your home can make a genuine difference to your window’s lifespan.
Contact The Advanced Group to Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
If you have noticed condensation forming between the panes of your double-glazed windows, our team at The Advanced Group is here to help.
Our honest and transparent team can provide world-class advice to guide you through your options, helping you make an informed decision about what is best for your property.
Contact our friendly Edinburgh service today on 0131 370 0444.
