How to fix sweating windows?

Causes of fogging

Serviceable PVC windows have a number of advantages (especially in comparison with wooden windows): they retain heat inside the apartment, do not allow extraneous sounds to pass through, protect from dust, are not prone to icing. However, PVC windows have a limited resource of trouble-free existence.

Therefore, without proper regular care, after a few years the structure will start to show through, let cold air pass through, which will lead to the formation of condensation.

Reasonsover which windows sweat, several:

1. Unsuitable glass unit... Thermal insulation depends on the number of chambers in the frame: single-chamber double-glazed windows, for example, are not intended for installation in residential premises. And the only way to solve the problem is to replace them with two-, three-chamber windows.
2. Disruption of natural ventilation... Install too wide a window sill, close the radiator a countertop, cabinet or screen without air access means blocking the movement of warm air. In winter, this leads to a dew point: overcooling of the glass, the appearance of condensation on the windows.
3. Installation errors... If the team that installed the plastic windows has poorly foamed the cracks, performed work with a violation of the geometry, did not adjust the joints - the appearance of problems will not take long.
4. Wear, loosening of structural elements... Worn rubber bands, loosened hinges, locks and other fittings are another reason for a violation of the microclimate.
5. Incorrectly selected mode... Modern models have a setting for summer, winter and universal modes. Summer differs from winter by weaker pressing of the sash to the frame: if the windows fog up, check the trunnion.
6. Malfunction of the ventilation system... Are the windows selected and installed correctly, but are there any smudges on the glass surface? Check the operation of the hood in the room - the problem is probably a poor outflow of stagnant air and an inflow of outdoor air.

Important! The resulting water droplets inside the glass unit are a sign of depressurization. The defective window must be replaced.

If the windows in the apartment are very sweaty, do not delay fixing the problem. The resulting high humidity, combined with a low temperature, can lead to the formation of mold and mildew on walls, slopes, which will not be easy to get rid of.

How to fix?

As it is clear from the previous section, the reasons for the fogging of plastic windows can be different. Each of them requires an individual approach and has its own methods of elimination.

The battery is blocked by a table top, a window sill, a screen

According to the GOST standard, the window sill should not protrude beyond the radiator by more than 60 mm. If the tabletop is wider, it is necessary to cut ventilation holes in it, through which the streams of warm air from the heating devices will rise upward.

Another way to establish circulation is with a regular blackout curtain. The fabric in front of the heating system device acts as a reflector, providing air flow to the cold window opening.

Using grilles for decorating batteries - make sure that they have ventilation holes not only in the front, but also on top.

Defects as a result of violation of installation rules

The main rule of quality installation — contacting a trusted company with experienced craftsmen... Their work is more expensive, but the savings in this matter can lead to additional costs in the form of re-ordering the highest quality insulating glass unit and reinstalling the window.

If the situation has already occurred and the plastic window is installed incorrectly, the only way to fix it is to contact a specialist. It is not recommended to correct mistakes on your own, because moisture on the surface of a glass unit is most likely only the tip of the iceberg.

Wear of fittings

When old windows, which are more than 5-7 years old, sweat, this is normal. PVC constructions fittings have a limited service life: the more actively a window is used, the faster it wears out. In addition, operation in unsuitable conditions can lead to breakdown: too severe frosts in winter, dry summers, etc.

The main problems arise from the side of the rubber bands: worn-out seals let in fresh air, leading to a dew point. The replacement process can be entrusted to a professional, or carried out independently - the necessary materials are sold in any construction supermarket.

How to check that the pressure is insufficient: open the window, insert a sheet of paper, close the window tightly. The easier it is to pull the sheet out of a closed window, the worse the sash is pressed against the frame.

Mode does not match the weather outside

Mode selection is a moot point. On the one hand, the correct relationship with temperature helps to extend the life of the sealing gum: in summer it experiences minimal pressure. On the other hand, in the winter, the windows are 100% airtight, which will not hurt in the summer: but the gum has increased pressure, you will have to change it more often.

Therefore, in order to ensure the correct microclimate and extend the service life of the fittings, experts recommend rearranging the regime with the change of seasons... For this:

1. Open the sash of the window.
2. Find an eccentric on the inside (the so-called trunnion, a photo of how it looks - below).
3. Rotate to the desired position depending on the hardware option.

Types of eccentrics:

• Oval trunnion: stands vertically - summer mode, horizontally - winter mode, diagonally - average value.
• Round eccentric: point or risk is directed inside the room - winter, outward - summer, in the center - universal.

Important! A strong level of pressure should be short-lived - a maximum of 2-3 months.

Ventilation does not work

The easiest way to solve this problem is banal airing. If droplets are found on the glass, fully open the sash for 5-10 minutes. The air humidity will become lower, the air temperature will equalize and the water from the glass will disappear by itself.

If the windows are sweating on kitchen while cooking, but it is impossible to ventilate and cook at the same time - turn on the forced draft.

More correct and "advanced" option - use supply valves specially designed for delicate "blowing".

Getting rid of moisture

This method is suitable if you are unable to carry out the above procedures. It consists in eliminating the consequences, not the causes.

For work, we need an adsorbent - a special agent with a sorbing effect. Sold in hardware stores.

1. At the bottom of the problem frame, attach the tape.
2. Pour a desiccant into the resulting pocket.

As they become saturated with moisture, the balls will change color and will need to be replaced.

How to prevent?

Like any problem in the home, fogging is easier to prevent than to fix. For this:

1. Perform regular window maintenance... Check the condition of the fittings, tighten loose elements, change the rubber bands as they wear out.
2. Install automatic supply valves or more often open the flaps to micro ventilation mode.
3. Keep track of the temperature radiator surface. The minimum to avoid condensation is 60C.
4. Free the windowsill... The reason why fogging can sometimes occur is indoor plants: high humidity from them is transferred to the glass.
5. Replace ordinary glasses with heating... For the most severe winters, there are heating double-glazed windows: the principle of operation is similar to heating windows in a car.

All of the above methods will work only if 2 simple conditions are met: compliance with the correct humidity and temperature conditions. Ensure that the radiator is running smoothly and get rid of excessive moisture in the air - it's worth checking if these simple steps will help solve the existing problem