Double glazing repair for avoiding condensation

With our continuous bad weather and the realities of such a harsh winter many properties have had to rely on some form of important double glazing repair. One of the most common problems homeowners have encountered is a build up in condensation or misting with their double glazing. This can be a potential hazard if left untreated and could be a health risk and an underlying structural threat to your property.

Causes & Signs

Condensation forms when warmer air comes into contact with moisture or cooler air sources. When the seals on your double glazing can no longer absorb the moisture and retain the heat they allow cooler air to become exposed to the warmer air within your home. Once this reaction takes place and comes into contact with the surface of your window it allows condensation to form. It is usually characterised by mist or droplets appearing on the inside of your double glazing.

Any number of our double glazing repairs can help prevent the spread of condensation. Condensation can lead to other problems such as mould, damp and rot. Mould is the most common occurrence and can be identified by black spots on the inside of external walls. Often where there is poor ventilation you will find a greater build up of mould especially in areas such as corners, cupboards or behind furniture. All of which can be dangerous to the property and to the health of those who reside there.

Prevention & Control

The general consensus amongst experts in preventing condensation is to control the following elements:

• Heating
• Insulation
• Ventilation

 

Heating

One way to reduce condensation is to keep a constant low level of heating within your home. By introducing a constant temperature the internal surface temperature will rise and reduce the cooling of any moisture laden air. It must remain constant as any short intervals of heating may not produce a suitable rise in surface temperature to compensate for higher levels of moisture in the atmosphere.

Insulation

Another way of greatly reducing condensation is to invest in thermal insulation, such as cavity wall or loft insulation. Even draught proofing and new double glazing and UPVC windows and doors can be solid investments for preventing condensation. All of these help to reduce the amount of heat your property looses. Thus keeping individual rooms warm and at higher temperatures, you may also find it cuts the cost of your energy bills.

Ventilation

In order to allow moisture to escape it is best to keep your property adequately ventilated. Many individual rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms were high quantities of moisture are present have mechanical ventilation systems installed. These ventilation systems are generally mechanical extractor fans that can help to remove excess moisture from the air. Another tip is to ensure that you leave room for air to circulate so as not to place furniture against walls and access to ventilation systems such as vents as air bricks.

Extreme Problems

In the event your home is suffering greatly from persistent condensation you may wish to consider some of these methods.

• Buying a dehumidifier, this works by extracting excess moisture from the air.
• Regularly wiping down surfaces affected by condensation in order to prevent the build up of mould.
• Decorating with mould-inhibiting paints, especially choosing specialist kitchen and bathroom paints designed for exposure to moisture.

Condensation problems but not as a result of double glazing?

If you find that your double glazing is not the root cause to your condensation or damp then you may wish to check the following:

Possible leaks or problems as a result of your plumbing

Whether you’re guttering or down pipes are cracked or blocked

Leaks in overflows waste pipes

Possible leaks in your roofing

Damaged outside walls or pointing

Double Glazing Repair

 

Although prevention is always better then cure there may come a time when you will need an important double glazing repair. Double glazing repairs may become essential if all preventative measures have been exhausted and the problem of condensation persists. It may just simply be a case of replacing a broken, damaged or cracked seal that is contributing to the formation of condensation. To know for sure hire a professional who can evaluate any problems you’re double glazing may be suffering from.