Here I will write in detail about the Condensation in Double Pane Windows. In my previous post I have shed some light on Condensation in Triple Pane Windows. I want to add that post that some fogging is natural and condensation will disappear while other causes are an indication of what industry experts refer to
as “failure.” While natural condensation is nothing to worry about, if
your window develops and retains condensation for other reasons, it may
require repair or replacement.
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| Condensation on Double Pane Windows |
What is Condensation?
Condensation is an accumulation of water on the windowpane. Condensation
on the outside surface of a window most often occurs during cold
weather. Water vapors develop as the temperature lowers, and the
molecules inside the vapors move closer and closer together until they
form water droplets. When the air temperature reaches what is called the
“dew point,” the condensation process begins, and the droplets collect
as a visible stream or build up of liquid, on the outside or in between
the double windowpanes.
Structural Problems Causing Condensation
A double-pane window is not made of glass alone. Gas is enclosed in
between the panes. The gas layer provides desirable insulation
properties to reduce heat loss and during cold weather and heat gain
during warm weather. Some double-pane windows also have a thin layer of
film covering the inner panes to further reduce heat loss and gain. When
the inside layer is compromised through faulty manufacturing, improper
maintenance or aging, condensation can develop.
Natural Condensation
Double-pane windows go through a natural daily cycle of expansion and
contraction, which is called solar and thermal pumping. Solar pumping
occurs as sunlight shines on the windows it heats the gas inside of the
two glass panes. Thermal pumping occurs when the sun goes down and the
glass contracts. Natural condensation, on the outside of windows, due to
solar or thermal pumping is okay, and usually evaporates as the
temperature rises.
Silica Desiccant Deterioration
In addition to gas and film, double-pane windows have a material called
silica desiccant inside the frames of the window. The desiccant is
composed of tiny pellets that absorb moisture. As the desiccant ages, it
loses its capability to absorb moisture and prevent condensation if the
moisture from the outside seeps through the double-pane windows to the
inner areas. This results in condensation forming on the outside and in
between the double-pane windows.
How To Prevent Condensation in Windows Panes?
Homeowners should continually examine double-pane windows. Even newly
installed windows might have batch issues, which if left undetected can
lead to early failure. Check windows on bright and sunny days by
inspecting the edges closest to the frames to see if there are any
visible signs of condensation. If so, you should notify your retailer
immediately to have the windows repaired or replaced.
Every two yeas you
should re-caulk the exterior seam where the glass and the window frame
meet the exterior material of the home, such as wood or brick mortar.
This reinforces the integrity of the double-pane window structure and
helps prevent the development of condensation.
I hope this article have helped you to understand the Problem of Condensation in Double Pane Windows and Your Double Pane Windows will last Longer. In future I will write about different problems in Double and Triple Pane Windows and their fix or Replacements, so Stay Tuned!
