“I keep getting condensation on the inside of my windows, is this normal?”
This is a question we get asked a lot of times
As long as the condensation isn’t between the two panes of glass, you do not have a failed double glazed sealed unit
If you put your hand on the internal pane and the water comes off + the same on the outer pane, your double glazing is fine. If you repeat this method and the Mist/Water appears on the inside between panes then you would require a new glass unit, the sealed unit has failed, in some cases the water does dry out, but the glass will never get any better and the energy performance would decrease, eventually stains between the glass would appear, the following pictures show the stages of the glass unit failure.
No matter how many people say, “isn’t there a method out there where they can drill a hole and re-gas the unit” the stains would never go away and the repair would never be 100% right, or even as cost effective as changing the failed window pane, restore your existing windows with a simple and affordable glass replacement with guaranteed positive results, and bring back those great views that you had from day one of investing in your new windows.
So next time you see any water or condensation on the glass panes, do the relevant tests to confirm if you have FAILED DOUBLE GLAZING, or just some ventilation problems, keep homes well ventilated, and f you have any mould around the windows and walls, you may well be worth calling a roofer or a builder to investigate further to rule out any leaks that could also be causing the damp areas to occur on the glass.
Please check out the link provided by leading Glass Manufacturers Pilkington glass to explain in more depth on the condensation problems, even being noticed by people who have just purchased brand new A rated windows.
What about the condensation on the inside of the windows?
Condensation on the internal surface can typically be reduced by controlling activities within the home. For example, drying clothes inside or cooking results in hot humid air which then condenses on the relatively cold internal surface of the window. The most effective solutions are reducing these activities, improving ventilation or even using a de-humidifier. Of course, replacing old single glazed windows with much more highly performing double and triple glazing has helped to increase the internal surface temperature and reduce the incidence of internal condensation.
Without this new product the homeowner can do very little to prevent condensation occurring on the outside surface of highly insulating glazing.