condensation
#1
03-24-07, 01:38 PM
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condensation
We have a large picture window in our kitchen that sweats when it's colder outside than it is inside (which is most of our winter and autumn months).
The condensation is so bad that is runs down the window ledge and leaves a
puddle on the floor.
We placed a towel there - but it froze to the window pane. We also got our small electric heater and aimed it at the window - but this was only a temporary solution.
Any solutions??
The condensation is so bad that is runs down the window ledge and leaves a
puddle on the floor.
We placed a towel there - but it froze to the window pane. We also got our small electric heater and aimed it at the window - but this was only a temporary solution.
Any solutions??
#2
03-24-07, 01:58 PM
Aside from replacing the entire pane with tempered double pane glass, I'm not sure what you can do, as that is the nature of the beast, with heat and cold.
#3
03-24-07, 06:25 PM
Group Moderator
There are several kinds of insulating glass units (IGU's) you could choose from, if you decide to replace the glass.
Assuming that you already have a double-pane IGU, I would guess that it is a simple clear-glass/aluminum spacer type IGU. That's pretty much technology from the 1940's that has been the standard for insulating windows up until just recently. (if you're the nostalgic type, check out the photo at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/raimist/367771445/ )
Today's IGU's can be made more efficient by a variety of optional methods:
low-e coatings <- in many areas, this has become a standard option on windows.
argon / krypton gas charges
triple-pane glass instead of double-pane
warm-edge spacer materials
laminated glass, or heat mirror glass
All these options, in some small measure, raise the interior temperature of the glass so that when it is 0F outside and 70F inside your glass will no longer be about 45F, but instead might be closer to 53F-55F. It might not sound like much, but that is often enough to reduce the amount... or at least the frequency of days on which you have condensation on the windows.
The only other low-tech solution might be to install a storm window onto the exterior of the window. Storm windows are simple, and can sometimes prove to be another way to raise the temperature of the inside glass a few degrees. Single pane storm windows often help by acting as a barrier to the elements, so that instead of your interior windows facing 0F temperatures outside (as with no storm window), they might only be facing 10 or 20F temperatures (the temp. between the window and the storm panel) which also helps the inside of your window stay a bit warmer.
You can also do what you can to increase air movement around the window (fan) or reduce the humidity (dehumidifier). Over a sink, you'll always have problems with condensation in the winter, due to cooking (boiling water) and hot water in the sink.
You can also find an overabundance of topics in this forum where the subject of condensation has already been discussed and suggestions given.
Assuming that you already have a double-pane IGU, I would guess that it is a simple clear-glass/aluminum spacer type IGU. That's pretty much technology from the 1940's that has been the standard for insulating windows up until just recently. (if you're the nostalgic type, check out the photo at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/raimist/367771445/ )
Today's IGU's can be made more efficient by a variety of optional methods:
low-e coatings <- in many areas, this has become a standard option on windows.
argon / krypton gas charges
triple-pane glass instead of double-pane
warm-edge spacer materials
laminated glass, or heat mirror glass
All these options, in some small measure, raise the interior temperature of the glass so that when it is 0F outside and 70F inside your glass will no longer be about 45F, but instead might be closer to 53F-55F. It might not sound like much, but that is often enough to reduce the amount... or at least the frequency of days on which you have condensation on the windows.
The only other low-tech solution might be to install a storm window onto the exterior of the window. Storm windows are simple, and can sometimes prove to be another way to raise the temperature of the inside glass a few degrees. Single pane storm windows often help by acting as a barrier to the elements, so that instead of your interior windows facing 0F temperatures outside (as with no storm window), they might only be facing 10 or 20F temperatures (the temp. between the window and the storm panel) which also helps the inside of your window stay a bit warmer.
You can also do what you can to increase air movement around the window (fan) or reduce the humidity (dehumidifier). Over a sink, you'll always have problems with condensation in the winter, due to cooking (boiling water) and hot water in the sink.
You can also find an overabundance of topics in this forum where the subject of condensation has already been discussed and suggestions given.
#4
03-24-07, 07:18 PM
Member
Reducing humidity level in the room by running range vent fan during and after cooking for at least 20 minutes will help. You'd be surprised at the number of people who do not have vent fan units or have them and do not use them. Vents that vent to the outside reduce humidity. Recirculating units do not. Humidity should be between 35-55%. If higher, run a dehumidifier. You can measure humidity with a hygrometer, sold where thermometers are sold. You can reduce humidity by using a dehumidifier.
As indicated, improving air circulation in area of window by using fans will circulate the warm air and increase the temperature of the cold glass. Leaving curtains open or remove them to allow more air circulation on glass will help, too. Insulated glass or storm window can improve window temperature.
The important thing to understand about condensation on windows is that when warm, humid air encounters a cold surface, the moisture will condense. It's the same thing that happens on your glass of ice tea. Reducing humidity is often the solution, along with improving air circulation in order to increase the temperature of the glass. Storm windows or insulated glass are also necessary.
As indicated, improving air circulation in area of window by using fans will circulate the warm air and increase the temperature of the cold glass. Leaving curtains open or remove them to allow more air circulation on glass will help, too. Insulated glass or storm window can improve window temperature.
The important thing to understand about condensation on windows is that when warm, humid air encounters a cold surface, the moisture will condense. It's the same thing that happens on your glass of ice tea. Reducing humidity is often the solution, along with improving air circulation in order to increase the temperature of the glass. Storm windows or insulated glass are also necessary.
