Magnificent buildings are built and designed daily by talented men. Upon the completion of one structure, the next is begun. Our cities are built this way, they expand and age. These building grow older and begin to deteriorate. Some are lucky enough to be given historic status and are provided with a face lift that requires their original architecture to be preserved. Old wooden windows have to be restored or replaced with new wood frame windows. Builders are forced to increase the energy efficiency using secondary glazing, however there are problems that may occur due to secondary glazing and condensation.
Secondary glazing provides a single glazed window with an extra panel of glazing that is added to the inside. It is usually another single glazed panel of glass, but it can also be shrink wrap or a plastic film. It is most often surrounded by a metal frame with a gasket or membrane that creates what is supposed to be an airtight seal between the new and old glazing.
Although some people may be unfamiliar with all that secondary glazing entails, they do know what condensation is and how it happens. With windows, because they are glass, the interior and exterior temperatures are different, causing the moisture that is in the air by the glass to become cool and create a layer of condensation on the surface.
When it comes to wood windows, humidity and moisture are one of the things to avoid. They can cause warping and rotting, not to mention mold. Often times, problems are not identified until it is too late and the window has to be completely replaced.
Unlike double glazing, which is typically vacuum sealed in a moisture controlled factory, secondary glazing traps ordinary, moisture filled air, between it and the single glazed window. A drafty window can also allow moisture from the outside in. Given the right condition, that moisture will condensate between the glass and settle at the bottom of the window, increasing the chances of rot. This will also increase the humidity level between the two panes of glass, which will effect any wood exposed inside the seal.
Another culprit of condensation is the metal frame on the glazing panel. As is true with glass, metal also transfers the air temperature and can have moisture build-up on it as well. While the moisture on glass is easy to see, when it is on metal, it is much more difficult.
Wood windows that have failed due to moisture need to be replaced immediately. This can be very costly and labor intensive. So, when it comes time to look at how to weatherize windows, it is important to weigh all options available, looking at the positives and negatives, and decide which one is best.
Looking for more info on the downside to secondary glazing and condensation. Get the low down now in our comprehensive secondary glazing London and sash window restoration London overview.
categories: house,home,diy,property,construction,windows,sash windows,decorating,painting,secondary glazing,glass,wooden windows,UK,timber
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