Condensation on aluminum skylight frame
#1
11-20-06, 05:16 PM
Condensation on aluminum skylight frame
Been in this house for the past year. Have 1 large skylight 3' x 8' that sloped parallel to the roof line. Cased through the attic with framing and drywall. Here's the problem..this time of year the aluminum frame collects alot of condensation ( we have a dehumidifier installed) and the condenastion runs down the slope of the aluminum to the lowest end, flows down the drywall and onto the stairs leading to the upper floor. i'm at a loss on how to prevent it, dehumidifier set for 55% for here in the northwest (windows are clear of condensation) I've tried putting vinyl j-molding(drywall) to act as a catch basin between the aluminum flange and the drywall but it is now overflowing....arggg!!!!! I'm not sure I'm goin to be able to stop the moist air anymore than i have therefore must come up with a solution to "insulate" the aluminum somehow. ideas? thanks
#2
11-20-06, 06:49 PM
Group Moderator
I don't think there is an easy solution for the problem. The aluminum sweats because it is cold and the air is warm and humid. I'm not sure that gluing rigid foam, then some sort of paneling onto the frame would be a practical solution, or if it would even help.
Instead of trying to "insulate" the frame, is there possibly an easy way that you could increase the airflow in this area by placing a fan in the vicinity? Building a shelf, or maybe suspending a fan from some guide wires... or having a floor fan blow straight up at the window? The idea being that if warm air continuously blows on the aluminum frame of the windows, it would raise the temperature of the aluminum frame enough that it would not sweat- and if it did sweat a little, the moving air would help it evaporate before it begins to form droplets and turn into an annoying river.
Instead of trying to "insulate" the frame, is there possibly an easy way that you could increase the airflow in this area by placing a fan in the vicinity? Building a shelf, or maybe suspending a fan from some guide wires... or having a floor fan blow straight up at the window? The idea being that if warm air continuously blows on the aluminum frame of the windows, it would raise the temperature of the aluminum frame enough that it would not sweat- and if it did sweat a little, the moving air would help it evaporate before it begins to form droplets and turn into an annoying river.
#5
08-27-08, 08:59 PM
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Originally Posted by XSleeper
I don't think there is an easy solution for the problem. The aluminum sweats because it is cold and the air is warm and humid. I'm not sure that gluing rigid foam, then some sort of paneling onto the frame would be a practical solution, or if it would even help.
Instead of trying to "insulate" the frame, is there possibly an easy way that you could increase the airflow in this area by placing a fan in the vicinity? Building a shelf, or maybe suspending a fan from some guide wires... or having a floor fan blow straight up at the window? The idea being that if warm air continuously blows on the aluminum frame of the windows, it would raise the temperature of the aluminum frame enough that it would not sweat- and if it did sweat a little, the moving air would help it evaporate before it begins to form droplets and turn into an annoying river.
Instead of trying to "insulate" the frame, is there possibly an easy way that you could increase the airflow in this area by placing a fan in the vicinity? Building a shelf, or maybe suspending a fan from some guide wires... or having a floor fan blow straight up at the window? The idea being that if warm air continuously blows on the aluminum frame of the windows, it would raise the temperature of the aluminum frame enough that it would not sweat- and if it did sweat a little, the moving air would help it evaporate before it begins to form droplets and turn into an annoying river.
