Condensation is a real frustration for people in the UK. Not only is it an eyesore that clouds up and blocks your view, but it makes the real task of wiping the windows down day by day.
But things take a turn for the worst when the water begins to trickle down to leave pools of water on your windowsill. Even with the dedication to wipe the moisture away, you can find yourself with a damp, mould and expensive damage to your frame.
What causes condensation?
The problem can vary with the season or be worse in one room compared to others. Of course, it also can vary in severity from property to property.
Simply put, this is an unavoidable phenomenon that occurs naturally when there is a temperature difference between the warm moist air inside and colder surfaces outside. When humid air comes into contact with the surface, moisture is pulled out of it and condenses into a liquid on a cold surface.
The perfect storm
Unfortunately, the combination of modern life and glass windows creates the perfect storm for condensation to appear. As human beings, we create a lot of moisture in our homes from cooking and boiling kettles to ironing, cleaning and bathing – not to mention just breathing!
It produces a large amount of warm humid air. In winter, when it is not practical to let air out through the window, moist air will stay trapped inside. As a nice flat, thin material directly exposed to cold outdoor air, the window ends up being the perfect surface for condensation to form on.
What is the solution?
Do not worry, no need to stop cooking, bathing or breathing! Instead, the solution is to eliminate the cold surface that draws moisture from the warm air.
Double glazing
It works by adding an additional barrier – with a compressed air gap – between the cold outside air and the inside of your window to stop the internal surface from becoming so cold. For help with upgrading windows, consider Glass suppliers Bristol like Roman Glass.
Secondary glazing
Secondary glazing has a very successful track record of preventing or significantly reducing the problem of condensation and steamy windows. Secondary glazing creates a barrier between the warm humid internal air coming into contact with the cold external temperature of the glass. Find out more from Glass suppliers Bristol
Results of secondary glazing
In some cases, secondary glazing will provide an instant remedy to the condensation on your windows. In others, it may take some time for the moisture to completely dry, but the problem will gradually increase over time.
However, what is great about secondary glazing is that it can be improved in a case where the issue continues – because of continued influx of water from the outside, for example.
Unlike double glazing, which will have to be replaced again and again, the secondary glazing creates a secondary chamber which allows the introduction of water absorption products such as silica bags to reduce condensation. The result is a solution that is more flexible, more effective and more durable to stop condensation in its tracks.