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Moisture, condensation
Windows, doors and skylights
When moist air comes in contact with cold
window surfaces in our homes, it often attains its dew point
temperature, with subsequent condensation…
On the other hand, in hot climates, moisture
can condense on the outside surfaces of poorly insulated windows...
Windows (and glazed doors and skylights) are the more visible element of the house where
condensation occurs, though it doesn't occur just in windows (it occurs on any
surface that is below the dew-point temperature of the air in
contact with it; it just occurs mainly in windows because
in most houses the inner surfaces of the windows are the coolest
surfaces).
Energy efficient windows and condensation
During cold weather, inside surface
temperatures of energy efficient windows remain
higher than those of common windows.
Consequently,
condensation is more unprobable to occur in well installed
windows, with good low-e glass and well insulated frames and
spacers in them.
In other words: energy efficient
windows can avoid some manifestations of condensation and
moisture.
To solve the moisture problems: windows, insulation and
ventilation
Anyway, windows (and glazed doors and skylights) aren't most of the times the
cause of condensation. Condensation occurs firstly on them just because windows generally have lower thermal
resistance than floors or walls or other surfaces in the
house...
Advanced energy efficient
windows, glazed doors and skylights can contribute to the
resolution of some cases of condensation and moisture, but
usually there are other more decisive factors, as the
correct insulation
of the house and its
walls, basements, attics,
roof
and ceiling.
Also crucial is adequate ventilation: ventilation is the most
immediate and effective mean available to the homeowner for
reducing humidity. Opening windows and exhaust fans are an
immediate response, though structural causes of moisture and
condensation demand other more radical solutions involving
ventilation: see
Mechanical Ventilation: ERV and HRV and also
Basics on Ventilation and
Natural Ventilation.
Changes in indoor moisture sources
Also important to reduce moisture and condensation problems is
to act on all the possible indoor sources of moisture and
condensation: clothes drying, overuse of humidifiers, baths,
rainwater leakage. See, for details:
Controle of humidity.
See also:
Basics on Windows, skylights
and doors
Weather-stripping
Caulking
Advanced doors
Skylights
Back to top Windows Frames and Sashes: Vynil, Aluminum, Wood,
Fiberglass
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