What is secondary glazing and condensation, you may want to know. Secondary glazing is a sheet of plastic or glass that is added to a window and frame, in the hopes of improving thermal and sound insulation. It is cheaper than replacing the windows and does help cut the expense of keeping the place warm or cooler. And it can reduce the condensation if done will.
The issues with secondary glazing is that it does not completely get rid of condensation and the moisture can cause wood rot from the inside frame. The common cause of condensation is steam, from cooking or bathing. Condensation is more common in winter when the external air is lower than internal.
If this condensation does not dry out in a timely matter, it can cause some damage. The wood swells due to the moisture and molds will grow along with a musty smell. Sometimes the condensation will run down in to the walls, and cause damage that you will not know of immediately. Better to eliminate it before the damage starts.
When the condensation is not taken care of on windows, it can cause some serious damage. In older homes they had tracks at the bottom of windows with little holes that let the water run out to the exterior. Companies use the secondary glazing to reduce some of the condensation. This may result in the wood rot.
It your are not sure how much condensation is too much, if you notice the follow, you need to do something about it soon. The windows stay fogged all day, there is a musky smell, the condensation is dripping down the windows, mildew is growing, and discoloration has started on the walls. You may not see anything but you do notice the smell, means there is some hidden damage.
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 does not always work and can damage wood window frames. Keep ahead of the condensation will prevent big problems. Secondary glazing is very unlikely to eliminate all condensation, only reduce it. Preventive strategies works the best.
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