Triple Pane Window Condensation Problem

on Tuesday, July 10, 2012

In this post I will describe why Triple Pane Windows Fog Up or Condensation on Outside? Or if you are having Moisture outside the Windows? In my previous post I have in detail compared the two windows i.e Double Pane Windows vs. Triple Pane Windows. Now I will discuss some very common problems to the Triple Pane Windows. You can Also Check my Article about Double Pane Windows Condensation.

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A Foggy Window

What does Pane Windows Condensation Indicates?


Triple pane window construction consists of three layers of glass. Between the center layer and each of the outer layers is a layer of gas, such as argon or krypton. Called fill gases, they insulate the glass, reducing the amount of energy lost through the home's windows. 

Triple pane windows create a barrier between the warm dry air inside your home, and cold, more moist air on the outside. Condensation, or fog, on these windows indicates that they are no longer doing their job.


Why Fog? (Condensation)


Fogging of triple pane windows is the result of one side of the glass being a different temperature and moisture level than the opposite side of the same glass. The sweat that forms when this happens can be damaging to your home's exterior at worst, and at best, blocks or clouds your view through the offending window. Window glass responds to environmental factors the same way as a glass full of ice water sweats outwardly on a hot day.

Shows Failure


The presence of fog on the outside of the window indicates that the triple pane window technology has failed. In new windows, it could be anything from a manufacturer's defect to improper installation procedures. In older windows, it is usually caused by a leaking seal. As these windows age, the seals may break down and allow air and humidity in between the panes, while at the same time releasing the insulating gas and resulting in fogging.

Condensation Inside Panes


Sometimes the fog occurs on the inside of the triple pane window. It is almost always caused by too much moisture inside the home. With new homes this is a common problem as the new building materials are still in the process of drying out. In older homes, adjusting the humidity inside the house to reduce the relative humidity should solve the problem.

Your Location


Sometimes your location can affect how much fog appears on the windows. For instance, parts of the United States where average winter temperatures are 35 degrees Fahrenheit or lower see more condensation problems due to the large discrepancy between indoor and outdoor temperatures. Areas with warmer winters do not usually have problems with fogging windows. Triple pane windows are an ideal choice for colder climates because their technology reduces the instance of outdoor fogging.

I hope this article would have helped you understanding the Condensation in Triple Pane windows, In future I will write about how to fix this condensation problem and also about the Condensation in Double Pane Windows.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Great post. I hope you write more good stuff like this article.

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windows phoenix said...

Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts.
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Windows And Doors Phoenix
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Double Pane Window Repair

Trish said...

If you do have double-paned windows and see condensation building up between the panes, it means that the window is no longer sealed correctly. This greatly reduces the amount of noise the window will reduce and makes the window less energy efficient.

Thanks for the spot on article about window condensation!

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