Plastic windows are sweating from the inside in the apartment: we are looking for causes and effects, why is this happening? Plastic windows sweat and flow what to do Plastic windows sweat and flow.

Installing plastic windows, we spend a lot of money, while we hope to get warmth, comfort and beauty in the house as a result, especially when the cold season comes. But with the arrival of winter, the windows are suddenly covered with numerous droplets of moisture and you see that the plastic windows are crying, you don’t know what to do. As a result, only unnecessary problems appear: puddles form on the windowsill, dampness appears in the house, and sometimes even worse - mold and fungus on the slopes.

Even if you wipe the window dry very carefully, water will still appear on it, sometimes trickling down onto the new window sill, leaving streaks and small puddles. What can we say, the phenomena are very unpleasant.

Faced with a problem crying windows, many of us are starting to accuse the supplier-manufacturers of cheating. That is why it is worth first of all to dispel the myth about poor quality of products. It’s a paradox, but nevertheless, the fact that plastic windows are leaking is a confirmation that they are installed in accordance with all the requirements: the windows are completely sealed and reliably protect your home from cold air entering. So how to understand why windows cry, what is the reason and how to deal with this problem?

There is a widespread belief that they only get wet, but this does not happen with wooden ones. This is not true. Any modern window, under certain conditions (we will consider them a little below), cry, regardless of the material from which they are made - from wood or from plastic. Of course, wooden Finnish windows, which have double frames, get wet less than, for example, single plastic or wooden euro windows. The reason for this lies not at all in the material of the binding, but in the fact that the two-frame structures are distinguished by higher thermal insulation properties.

Another example can be cited: the old Soviet wooden windows, unlike today's fashionable plastic, almost did not flow. However, this also has absolutely nothing to do with the material. If old windows are provided with high-quality seals in the vestibule, as well as all gaps between window frames and glass are removed, then these old windows will also begin to get wet, and even stronger than plastic ones. Why do plastic windows get wet? Why does condensation appear on them?

Condensation on windows is usually caused by a variety of reasons. The main reason is the increased humidity in the room. In winter, the temperature on the surface of the plastic window drops significantly and often reaches the dew point. Experts call this the temperature at which air, which has a certain initial temperature and relative humidity, can no longer absorb moisture. We face the dew point every day. For example, leaving the shower, you can see that the bathroom mirror is completely fogged up, or in winter, when you enter a warm room from the cold, glasses usually fog up immediately.

Why is there high humidity in the room? There are many reasons for this. Moisture is always released in the kitchen during cooking, drying and washing clothes, showering or hot tub using the toilet. Located on the windowsill houseplants or an aquarium in a room are also sources of moisture. The person himself, moreover, when breathing, usually gives off about 50 g of water per hour.

In addition, the reason for condensation on plastic windows can be as follows:

holding construction works or apartment renovations using wet processes such as painting walls with water-dispersed paints, plastering, wallpapering walls, whitewashing ceilings, etc.;
various redevelopments in the house, which were independently carried out by residents without taking into account design standards, in violation of the existing ventilation system, as well as the demolition of interior partitions.

Ventilation

Often the reason why condensation on plastic windows is incorrect or faulty ventilation in the house. In apartments, ventilation systems are arranged in this way: an extractor hood in the bathroom or toilet, as well as in the kitchen. Over time, the hood can simply become clogged with debris, which often accumulates here, and fail. In addition, plastic windows have a very high degree of tightness, and this prevents outside air from entering the room. As a result, the heat exchange in the room changes dramatically - the stagnant air of the unventilated room comes into contact with the cooled glass of the window, on which condensation forms.

This problem is especially acute in rooms with increased activity. First of all, such premises include the kitchen. It is here that many multifunctional household appliances are located, in addition, it is often located next to the bathroom. In such areas, it is clear why plastic windows are leaking.

Often, residents of the upper floors of houses face a problem, since dirty humid air enters them through openings from the apartments below. Of course, on the first floors, windows also often flow, since dirty air comes here from the basement or through the floor slabs. To avoid strong condensation on plastic windows, it is enough just to equip ventilation openings in the apartment with forced ventilation fans with check valve... In fact, the houses that were built according to the SNiPs of the USSR are designed so that the air flow into the premises will be produced through the cracks in the windows (the principle supply and exhaust ventilation). Sealed plastic windows practically do not allow air to pass through, which makes the natural flow of air impossible. Because of this, moisture accumulates in the apartment, which later falls out as condensation on PVC windows, and in severe frost, ice forms on the aluminum frame.

Heating

The central heating system plays a very important role in the condensation problem. Radiators must be in good working order and quite powerful. In another case, the apartment may have insufficient heat transfer and low temperature... Batteries must be kept strictly under the window. It should be borne in mind that heating radiators perform a very important function - they heat the window opening. If you install them too wide above the radiator, this can lead to difficulty in convection of warm air from the battery, and therefore, the moisture content will increase. Keep radiators uncluttered foreign objects... Often, curtains and curtains in apartments touch the window sill, which is why a sufficient amount of warm air does not flow to the window opening.

How to deal with condensation on windows?

The best way to resist the formation of condensation on plastic windows is to achieve an even distribution of humidity and air temperature in the room. According to sanitary and hygienic standards, the optimum air temperature should be at least twenty degrees Celsius, and the relative humidity should not be higher than 45%.

When the windows cry what to do with the room? Remember to air it regularly, at least three times a day. It should be noted that in winter period, it is better not to use micro ventilation mode. To avoid freezing of window fittings, as well as hypothermia of the slopes, it is better to fully open the window for about 5-6 minutes. This time is enough to remove all excess moisture from the room, while the heat from the room will not have time to leave.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oak0zSRCzIQ Video can "t be loaded: Fighting Condensation on Plastic Windows (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oak0zSRCzIQ)

If you are just planning to install plastic windows, choose window frames with the thickest possible profile to reduce penetration. You will lose, or rather, you will not gain just a couple of centimeters of the window sill, but you will definitely have much less trouble. In addition, it is worth ordering a triple glazing rather than a double glazing. A double with one additional glass is also suitable. In this case, you will have absolute sound insulation, and the glass will not even be in forty-degree frost.

If you have already installed plastic windows, then the problem when the windows are leaking can be solved only with the help of forced ventilation... In other words, it is necessary to somehow organize air exchange in the window niche.

How to do it? Below are some simple ways

1 way - romantic (very simple and cheap)

In winter, when it is very cold outside, put on the windowsill, as close to the glass as possible, several candlesticks with slowly burning candles. Thick decorative candles work best. For the whole winter, only a couple of candles for the window will be enough for you. The costs are quite small, but the result is very significant. Of course, it's not about the heat that you get when burning a candle, but about the convection of air that is formed during the combustion process. In addition, a candle is very useful for plants on the windowsill, since it drives carbon dioxide for them, and, as you know, for indoor flowers it is a favorite delicacy.

Method 2 - advanced

If there are no plants on the windowsill, and you are a lover of witty technical solutions and love to craft something with your own hands, then try to make convection screens. These are such narrow plates that transport warm air from the radiator to the window niche. The plate should be fixed at an angle of 30-60 degrees to the windowsill. This will force some of the warm air towards the glass. If you show your imagination, then such screens can easily be made an original decor item. It is worth noting that this is a rather laborious method.

Method 3 is the easiest

Almost all homes have fans. As a rule, they only work 3-4 months a year when it is hot. But during the cold season, they can be used again for their intended purpose, because in the window niche you just need to create any movement of air. Therefore, you can simply set the minimum blowing rate and, if possible, set the fan in such a way that it blows several windows at the same time.

Method 4 - chemical

Buy any aerosol anti-fogging agent used in car windows to keep them dry at a car care store. Treat apartment glasses with such an aerosol. Remember to thoroughly wash and dry the window first, and then apply an anti-fogging agent. This will slightly lower the dew point of the glass. True, this method cannot fundamentally solve the problem. In addition, such aerosols are quite expensive and contain many specific chemical compounds and substances.

5 way - exotic

Apply a thin conductive film or foil around the perimeter of the window and apply a low voltage (about 12-24 volts) to it. It will warm up that part of the window that is most susceptible to freezing. In other words, make electrically heated glass like in a car.

So, if you carefully make sure that the technology for installing plastic windows is fully observed, choose a high-quality design, and then constantly monitor the level of humidity in the apartment, then you will definitely never see excess moisture flowing through your plastic windows again.

Many people install plastic windows in their apartments and houses, which protect the premises from drafts, dust, wind and cold. However, they have one serious drawback - in winter moisture falls on the windows, which leads to the appearance of mold on the slopes, window sill and window profile. Because of this, some ask the question: What to do if plastic windows are crying?

Causes

To get rid of condensation, you need to figure out why they cry . The appearance of drops on glass is directly related to the dew point. It determines the temperature at which condensation begins to appear. The dew point can change its value if one of the microclimate indicators changes in the room.

Condensation on the windows

There are several main reasons why windows cry.

Ventilation

Most often, it is faulty or incorrect in the room that leads to fogging of the windows. With time ventilation systems clogged, which leads to disturbances in air circulation and a change in heat transfer. When air in an unventilated room comes into contact with the glass surface, condensation forms on them.

Often, the windows of people living on the upper floors of houses cry. Humid air from the apartments below gets into their ventilation.

Also, heat transfer is disrupted in the apartments of houses that were built according to the SNiPas of the USSR. During the construction of these buildings, it was assumed that the inflow fresh air will fall through cracks in wooden windows. Installing sealed makes it impossible for the natural flow of air, leads to the accumulation of moisture and the appearance of condensation.

Ventilation grill in the window sill

Heating

It can also be the reason why windows cry. In apartments, you need to install powerful and reliable radiators that could provide good heat transfer. The window opening must be heated, so the battery must be placed strictly under the window.

The radiator must not be obstructed by foreign objects, as this can disturb the convection of humid air and lead to an increase in moisture.

Flowers

The plants on the windowsills look very beautiful, but a large number of colors can disrupt heat transfer. Therefore, do not force the windowsill with flowers.

Lack of insulation and sealing

The place where the window adjoins the opening is a source of damp and cold air penetration. If the window seam is not insulated in time, then under the influence of ultraviolet radiation it will begin to collapse, which leads to the appearance of mold and the penetration of atmospheric moisture.

Condensation control

Not everyone knows what to do if they sweat and cry. First, you need to assess the state of the microclimate in the apartment:

Measurement of air temperature. Allows you to determine the effectiveness heating system... The air temperature should be measured not near the window, but in the center of the room. If the temperature is below + 20 ° C, then this indicates poor heating efficiency.
Air humidity measurement. The humidity level of the room temperature at 20-25 ° C is about 50%, but in winter this figure can be critical if it is -15 ° C outside. In winter, the humidity level should be around 40%.

There are several ways to get rid of condensation on windows.

Temperature increase

Promotes heating of the surface of the inner glass of the window. This requires:

get rid of air congestion in the battery;
flush or completely replace old heating radiators;
make sure that warm air flows to the window;
turn on the electric heater or air conditioner.

Lowering the moisture level

It is achieved by mixing moist and dry air. To do this, it is necessary to ensure constant air exchange in the room. There are several guidelines to help you achieve this:

Checking the hood. To do this, you need to attach a piece of A4 paper to the exhaust hole. If the hood is working properly, the sheet will stick to the grate. The ventilation in the toilet and bathroom is checked in the same way.
Ensuring the passage of air through the doors of all rooms of the apartment. For this, it is necessary to ensure that there is a gap between the bottom of the door leaf and the floor.

If the rooms have sealed doors, then you need to use special ventilation valves, which should be located at the bottom of the doors.

Elimination of moisture sources. These include a damp basement, leaking taps and pipe holes.

Correct organization of the air flow

To do this, you can use a wall or window supply valve.

Supply valve for plastic windows

The wall inlet valve is a passive device that allows air to flow from the outside. The structure consists of plastic pipe, which is installed in the wall of the apartment. The installation of the wall valve is carried out near the window at a height of 1.5-2 meters from the floor, which allows:

easily maintain the grille of the device, which is located outside;
get fresh air into the heat flow of air emanating from the heating radiator.

Also, when organizing the air flow, you can use several types of window valves:

No milling. Easy to install and dismantle. After installation, no trace remains on the window, except for a few fixing holes. Valves without milling have a low performance, which is only 5 m 3 / h. In the absence of moisture sources, this is sufficient to normalize the microclimate.
With milling. The valve capacity reaches 50 m 3 / h, so it should be used in rooms with active sources of moisture.

Conclusion

Sometimes people, having installed plastic windows, are faced with a problem - when the cold weather sets in, it is not clear why the glass starts to fog up and leak. This makes it difficult to see, worsens the lighting in the apartment, preventing the penetration of light.

Also, favorable conditions are created for the appearance of fungi and mold. Many people think that this is the fault of the installer's mistakes, but there are still many factors leading to the accumulation of moisture on the glasses.

Why condensation forms

There are many reasons why plastic windows in an apartment are leaking, and in order to get rid of condensation on the glass, you need to understand what exactly triggered it. This could be:

violation of the movement of air in the room. When the radiators heat up only a little during the heating season, and the temperature outside is quite low, the window cannot be heated as needed;
with hot batteries, the formation of condensation can occur due to the large protrusion of the window sill, which blocks the access of warm air directly to the glass;
if the radiators are equipped with protective screens, they prevent the flow of heated air flows to the lower part of the window;
too humid air in the apartment. This can happen when drying laundry after frequent washing, preparing food, etc .;
there is no high-quality ventilation (not functioning or clogged), as a result of which moist air does not escape;
poor-quality installation with violations of technology - the gap between the opening and the window profile is poorly sealed. In addition, the ebb may be incorrectly installed - it is simply attached to the window, while it should be placed on the base from the solution;
during installation, the level could be violated and a skew formed, therefore the gaskets of the sash do not fit tightly;
during repairs - when the newly pasted wallpaper, the laid tiles release moisture, which condenses on the glass;
the quality of the seal also plays a role, since a gap may form between the frame and the glass unit, from where cold will seep;
the formation of condensation also depends on what kind of fittings, as well as whether its installation meets the rules - whether it allows the shutters to close tightly or not;
this effect can be caused by poorly performed work on the insulation of external or internal slopes;
the adjustment of the plastic window also affects the fogging of the glasses: the fit of the sashes may be insufficient.

Preventive measures

They are used when there is a problem, but it is not too pronounced. One of the reasons why plastic windows leak in winter is the presence of pots with home flowers on the windowsill.

Living plants and the moist soil in which they grow very often lead to condensation. To get rid of it, it is enough to remove all the flowerpots from the windowsill.

It is also necessary to regularly arrange ventilation, especially if the humidity level rises from time to time.

Usually there are no vents in plastic windows, so you need to open the transom. This is important in the kitchen while cooking, as well as drying the washed linen in the apartment. It is necessary to install a hood in the kitchen, and it is advisable to cook in pans covered with lids.

It is advisable to keep the windows in micro-ventilation mode at all times by turning the knob 45 degrees and making a gap for air intake from the outside.
It is necessary to check how effectively the ventilation in the apartment works - a thin sheet of paper should stick to the grill of the hole. If it does not hold, the ventilation ducts need to be cleaned;
In a single-chamber profile, the distance between the glasses of the package is minimal, and there is only one air gap. Due to temperature fluctuations, especially in cold winters, condensation will certainly form. It is better to choose a two-chamber profile.
If the slopes are not insulated, this must be done. Styrofoam can be used as external insulation. Cement mortar you need to carefully cover up the gaps between the window and the opening. For internal slopes, foam is not used. Basalt or glass wool is used here.
Reduce the width of the window sill or extend the radiator a little further from the wall. Also, for better access of warm air, it is necessary to equip the windowsill with convection gratings or drill holes in it. If decorative grilles are installed on the batteries, it is better to get rid of them.
Check window hardware for wear from time to time as it may need adjustments or replacement parts.
In winter, it is necessary to transfer all windows to the appropriate operating mode, using the eccentrics at their ends.
A dehumidifier can be purchased. But first measure the humidity with a hygrometer. Humidity rate for comfortable stay in the apartment should be 40-70%.

What if the plastic glass unit is of poor quality?

When the above methods do not help, and you cannot understand why plastic windows are leaking, it means that they are of poor quality. Perhaps a defect was allowed in their manufacture, a low-grade profile was used, or all installation conditions were not met. In this case, it will not be possible to fix it on your own.

Sometimes the glass fogs up inside the bag. This means that it is necessary to remove and replace the seal or even the glass unit itself.

You don't need to think that you can do it on your own - only specialists can do it. There are certain nuances that you may not know about and make mistakes.

If the manufacturer or the company that carried out the installation gives a guarantee for at least a year, you can, having identified this problem in winter, contact them. They are obliged to eliminate defects or defects in installation. Otherwise, you will have to purchase a new window and pay for its installation again.

Outcomes

By taking preventive measures or following the indicated recommendations, you can prevent the formation of condensation on the glass. But if, having tried several methods, you did not achieve this, contact the specialists who installed the windows.

The recent joy of completing a lengthy renovation can turn into resentment when, with the first cold weather, you see that not everything is in order with the new windows. The owners notice: plastic windows are sweating, what to do in this case?

It's a shame for the money spent. There was a desire to receive beautiful interior, to live more comfortably, and as a result we have disgusting condensation on the window. The manufacturers of double-glazed windows are not always to blame for this, although marriage is not excluded.

The root cause of the problem can be identified and corrected very easily. Why do plastic windows sweat? In this article, we will try to figure out why condensation occurs on double-glazed windows with the first cold weather and how to deal with fogging of plastic windows.

Reasons why plastic windows sweat

It is not very pleasant to watch large drops of moisture, which accumulates mainly in the upper part of the glass and then flows down. It happens to see how a large amount of water collects on the windowsill.

The windows are crying, and the entire window opening suffers, the slopes get wet, mold and mildew may appear. Not a very bright prospect for the future, and even today one does not feel very comfortable among such a humid atmosphere.

Misting of plastic windows manifests itself in different ways:

this only happens in the colder months of the year;
windows cry only in the morning;
the glass remains dry, but the window sill is wet;
only one room of the apartment may have a problem, while others may not.

In all these manifestations, condensation on the windows is to blame, the physical nature of which is remembered from school: water in the air in a gaseous state turns into a liquid. It appears as a result of high humidity at home and a very large temperature difference in the house and outside.

The reason for the fogging of plastic windows is clear: if the glass is very cold due to frosty weather, then steam will settle on it from inside the apartment in the form of water drops.

Condensation on plastic windows due to home improvement

This problem can not always be explained by physical laws. Everything turns out to be much simpler. Your apartment does not have sufficient ventilation. This problem can be solved only by frequent ventilation of the premises.

The old wooden windows had natural ventilation, and double-glazed windows sweat precisely because they are completely sealed. They put them just for this reason, in order to achieve warmth and get rid of drafts.

All installers know about such features as fogging of insulating glass units, but they are very reluctant to tell their customers about it.

Why is it possible for condensation to occur on the glass of metal-plastic windows in the house:

The ventilation mode is not observed in the room. Ventilate the rooms at least 3-4 times a day for several minutes.
It is also necessary to check: if the ventilation is not clogged, and it must be mandatory, especially in the place where food is prepared.
If double-glazed windows are installed in the kitchen, then the kitchen hood should also stand, and it should be selected correctly for the size of the room.
The window sill can be too wide, and this leads to the fact that the warm flow from the battery does not reach the glass and it does not get warm. Therefore, the condensation of plastic windows appears, as the glass quickly cools. In this case, it is necessary to provide additional heating of the glass with the help of other heating devices or to reduce the window sill.
Favorite indoor plants release moisture as they breathe. All this settles on the glass if the flower pots are on the windowsill. We urgently need to remove them from here and see if the plastic windows are sweating after such a rearrangement. If so, then we must look for another reason.

Plastic windows sweat due to poor quality

Correct plastic windows should have special supply window valves in order to create an inflow of fresh air into the apartment, especially for small one-room apartments.

Your window has a winter mode, but you do not know about it or you have simply forgotten. You just need to transfer it to such a function and condensation will not settle on your plastic windows.

Be sure to watch the video at the end of the article, it explains very clearly why insulating glass units sweat and which ones need to be installed so that condensation does not occur.

It is much worse if you decide to save money and install single-chamber double-glazed windows. In this case, dealing with the problem is much more difficult. If there is only one chamber, then condensation will necessarily accumulate.

It is not necessary to change the entire structure, you can only replace the double-glazed windows. You have a choice: spend money on renovation or live as before, or make additional heating.

Plastic windows are also crying because of mistakes made by builders during installation. Poorly sealed cracks can make glass very cold, an imperfection must be urgently corrected. It is very rare, but there is a manufacturing defect.

Only specialists will tell you here, as there may be different situations... In this case, it is necessary to prepare even to replace the entire window. Therefore, all structures made of double-glazed windows must be installed by firms with an official status. Only then is it possible to somehow achieve compensation for the negligent construction company.

The courts are literally inundated with complaints that low-quality double-glazed windows have been installed. It will be possible to achieve the truth if you have documentary evidence of who established such a marriage for you.

Video "Sealed PVC windows"

The installation of plastic windows eliminates many problems during operation, but only when it is followed by proper care. Otherwise, sometimes you have to find out why the windows are leaking. plastic winter, since improper operation often leads to such consequences. Often there is a situation when melting snow or a downpour on the street leads to the flow of water into the house. This is a clear indication that the window needs to be examined by a specialist.

Why is a plastic window leaking

After closing the sash, a normal window becomes almost completely sealed, excluding drafts and the penetration of moisture into the room from the street. Most often, the reasons lie in the following:

the seal is worn out;
window sashes are incorrectly adjusted;
violation of the geometric parameters of the window block due to the shrinkage of the house in which it is installed.

It will not be possible to fix such problems on your own, but a specialist will solve them quickly and efficiently.

Solutions to the problem

In order to determine exactly why plastic windows are leaking in winter, a specialist will inspect the structure and take appropriate measures.

Most consumers do not pay attention to the condition of the seals at all. For any window, they are a consumable item that must be regularly maintained and replaced. If they are not treated with silicone greases 2 times a year, they will quickly lose their performance. Then drafts and water leakage are guaranteed.

During operation, the window sashes can become loose as a result of temperature changes. Not everyone can independently adjust the sash. This must be done in the horizontal and vertical planes. When the sash is in the correct position, it should be closed / opened without effort. In the event of a strong change in the geometry of the sash, the master will need to dismantle it after removing it

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