Secondary glazing and condensation, are relative in that the glazing is done to reduce condensation on the windows. It will never eliminate it completely but does reduce it if the glazing is done correctly. Secondary glazing is placing a sheet of glass or plastic over the window to help reduce noise and condensation. It is less expensive than replacing the whole window.
It does not get rid of all the condensation and might cause the moisture to go into the wood window frame. This can cause the wood to rot from the inside out. It happens more in winter when the warm air from inside is lower than the external air. The most common is caused from steam created in the home.
The moisture will cause a great deal of damage if it does not dry out in a timely manner. The moisture causes wood to swell and it promotes mold to grow. A musty smell will develop. At times the condensation builds up and runs down the wall, causing hidden damage that will be seen when it is to late. It is best to eliminate the moisture before any damage can occur.
Serious condensation requires more than a quick dry out when it come to windows. It used to be that there were tracks on the bottom of the window that had weep holes that went to the exterior. Many companies are using secondary glazing to reduce the condensation. This may only result in the wooden frame rotting out.
Some things to look for if you think you may have a problem with condensation in your home. The window staying fogged up all day, having a musky smell, the condensation is running down the walls, you notice mildew and some discoloration on the walls. Sometimes the problems are not visible but the smell is evident.
If you see that you need to reduce some condensation, there are some things that can be done before damage occurs. Open an outside window of bathroom after shower so the moisture can escape through the window, not into the rest of the house. Dry as many clothes as possible out side on a cloths line, wet jackets should be hung out on a covered porch to dry out, using electric fuel is dryer than gas. These simple life style changes will help.
Secondary glazing and condensation reduction may not be the answer to the problems. If it is not done correctly, if could cause wood rot in the window frames. And if it does help, it will not eliminate the problem entirely, it will reduce it. Doing preventive work is the smart way to reduce or eliminate condensation all together.
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