When faced with the case of the current window, many believe that window manufacturers or installers are to blame. They are partly right, but fogging most often indicates good tightness of plastic windows and reliable protection of the apartment from noise and cold.

Then what is the reason for the formation of moisture?

Common Causes of Moisture

Long-term use of plastic windows in various weather conditions allows you to identify possible causes for moisture.

1. Increased indoor humidity.

You can check the humidity in a room with a hygrometer.

In any apartment there are sources of moisture. Some of them can lead to its increase to a very high level. These primarily include:

• washing clothes and drying;
• cooking hot food;
• water procedures in hot water;
• houseplants;
• aquarium;
• wet repairs;
• redevelopment of the apartment.

In addition, the level of humidity affects health. Fortunately, the problem is eliminated very simply: just ventilate the room. It is better not to forget about it even in winter.

1. Violation of ventilation.

You can check the exhaust ventilation with fire

A very common cause of condensation on windows.

In an ordinary apartment, hoods are used for ventilation in the toilet, bathroom and kitchen. Ventilation ducts are brought to the roof of the building and are regularly serviced.

The reasons for the violation of ventilation can be:

• foreign debris entering the ventilation duct;
• closing the exit of the ventilation duct on the roof with a satellite dish;
• destruction of the protective grille at the inlet of the ventilation duct;
• intentional closing by residents of the entrance part of the ventilation duct, as a source of cold air entering the apartment.

If the ventilation is faulty, the heat exchange in the apartment is disturbed. Warm air, touching the cold glass, turns into condensate.

Houses built in Soviet times had leaky windows, so there was air circulation in the apartment. Plastic windows have sharply limited the flow of air from the street, as a result, humidity rises, which condenses on the windows.

Ventilation is greatly improved by installing exhaust fans.

If your supply ventilation is not working properly, install an exhaust fan.

Cases are not excluded when, during redevelopment, building codes for ventilation of the apartment are not taken into account. The consequences are observed on the glass windows.

1. Violation of natural convection.

In winter, the condition of the windows is greatly influenced by the heating system.

Due to convection, the air heated by the battery moves up, then moves along the ceiling, where it cools, and falls to the floor along the wall opposite from the battery.

As a rule, batteries are installed under the windows, so moving warm masses heat the glass. It is known that humid air condenses when it comes into contact with a cold surface.

If the natural convection in the apartment is not disturbed, then the windows always remain dry.

Violation of convection occurs for various reasons:

• a wide window sill is installed, which limits the flow of warm air to the windows. The problem disappears after holes are made in the windowsill;
• a decorative grille was installed that hides the heating battery and prevents the movement of warm air masses. For the period of the heating season, it is better to remove such a grate;
• massive curtains and curtains were hung, blocking the free flow of warm air to the frames. It is required to constantly monitor their position in relation to the battery.

1. Depressurization of a double-glazed window.

Moisture inside the glass is a sign of depressurization of the double-glazed window

The construction of glass fixed at a distance is a standard double-glazed window. High sealing is created between the glasses, on which the internal state of the package depends. This design never fogs up from the inside due to the adsorbent that absorbs moisture during the manufacturing stage.

Only the destruction of the sealant, which is smeared around the perimeter of the bag, leads to moisture getting inside, and the glasses fog up.

During installation work, the frame is first of all attached, and then the package is installed on special gaskets. This operation requires special care.

1. Compaction mode set incorrectly.

With the help of a hexagon, you can independently change the sealing mode

For plastic windows, there are two sealing modes: summer and winter.

In winter, in the summer version, the sashes are pressed against the frame less, so the thermal insulation is not high enough, which means that cold air is able to penetrate into a warm apartment. The window fogs up.

To select the desired temperature mode, it is enough to adjust the eccentrics on the side of the sash with a key.

1. Poor quality installation.

Many mistakes made during the installation of windows do not appear immediately, but after a month or a year. These errors primarily include:

• when measuring, gaps were not taken into account;
• installation was carried out in an uneven and uncleaned opening;
• mounting seams are filled with low-quality material or are not completely filled;
• insufficient frame mounting depth selected;
• slope restoration technology is broken.

These errors lead to a violation of the temperature state of the double-glazed windows and, as a rule, to the appearance of condensate.

Poor installation - leads to sad consequences

Small video example:

What to do when windows leak

The easiest way to avoid current plastic windows is to ventilate, in which humidity and temperature are evenly distributed throughout the room.

In different conditions, different methods of ventilation are selected.

1. Micro-ventilation.

This is a function provided by the design of the window. It is enough to set the handle to the upper position, and the sash will move a short distance for free access of air from the street.

1. Using a comb.

The comb can be bought at a hardware store

This is an additional fitting that limits the angle of inclination of the sash. The slope is selectable in steps up to 60 degrees. As a limiter, a hook is used, which is mounted on the frame.

1. Climate valve installation.

This is an additional device that is mounted on the top of the frame. It is connected to the outdoor air and controls its flow into the room. The air supply is set manually or automatically. The ventilation process in automatic mode is controlled by the level of humidity in the room.

Other ways to prevent the current windows from appearing include:

• installation of an air conditioner with a split system to maintain standard humidity and temperature;
• increase in glass area when replacing windows. Large glasses warm up better and cool down longer;
• placing a convection screen on the windowsill that directs warm air onto the glass;
• installing a fan in a window opening to move air;
• glass treatment with anti-fogging agent for cars;
• glass equipment with low-voltage electric heating, as in a car;
• use transparent and thin curtains that cannot block the movement of air masses. In addition, they will be a moisture filter;
• do not force the window sill with bulky objects, flowers, containers with liquid;
• put a container with lime or salt on the windowsill. These compounds absorb moisture and dry the air;
• contact window installers if there is a suspicion of poor-quality products or violations during installation.

In order for the windows to serve for a long time, they must be properly looked after. This is especially important if there have been cases of moisture on the windows. Simple tips will help organize care.

Tip 1. Regularly clean surfaces and wash glass.

The surface is cleaned with a damp viscose cloth once a month. Detergents must not contain solvents. Do not clean with sharp objects. Once every six months, a protective agent is applied to the profile.

Chemicals are used to clean double-glazed windows. During cleaning, it is necessary to prevent such a product from getting on the profile.

Tip 2: Treat rubber seals.

Rubber strips, reinforced around the perimeter of the window, create tightness of the sash. They are subject to increased wear. To keep them longer, you need to take care of them: wipe and lubricate. The cleaning quality will be greatly improved, the elasticity of the rubber will increase after using silicone oil.

Tip 3. Take care of the fittings.

Regular care of the fittings is required after a year of operation.

Movable elements must be protected from sand, debris, dust. The handle requires special attention: loose fasteners are immediately tightened.

The fittings will serve for a long time if they are annually lubricated with grease or car oil.

For lubrication, there are special slots in the mechanism.

The service life of the fittings will increase when the summer or winter mode is correctly set. In this case, the degree of pressing the sash to the profile changes. Adjustment is carried out with the help of eccentrics and does not require experience.

Tip 4. Use the mosquito net correctly.

Before the onset of cold weather, the mesh is removed, washed and stored for storage. The mesh left for the winter collects moisture that destroys the profile.

Tip 5. Regularly clean the drainage channels.

There are holes in the window frame to remove moisture. Very often they become clogged with dirt, and the water stagnates. In this case, traces of moisture appear inside the windows. Cleaning the channels with a wooden or plastic stick takes no more than three minutes.

Tip 6. Monitor the condition of the valves.

The plastic window should not be left open for a long time. In this case, the moving elements are deformed, in addition, the sashes sag.

For repair, linings are removed from the adjusting mechanism, and subsidence is eliminated.

So, if high-quality windows are chosen, the technology of their installation is not violated, proper care is organized, then excess moisture will never appear on the windows.

Master of Architecture, graduated from the Samara State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering. 11 years of experience in design and construction.

Plastic windows perfectly fulfill their function: they perfectly retain heat, isolate street noise and keep the temperature in the room. But a frequent occurrence is the appearance of condensate on the glass in the cold season. Why do plastic windows sweat in winter and how to fix such a problem?

Causes and consequences of fogging windows

The reason for fogging windows is hidden in the physical properties of water. Being in a gaseous state, it is imperceptible, but when the temperature drops, the so-called dew point is reached, that is, water vapor passes into a liquid. It is in this case that condensation forms, which settles on plastic windows.

The cause of moisture settling on the glass is high humidity.

If the windows began to fog up from the inside, there can be only one reason - this is a defective double-glazed window. This element of the entire system must be sealed, and if this condition is violated, water vapor enters, where it settles on the inner glass when cooled. This problem is eliminated by replacing the double-glazed window, the frame can be left.

However, most often condensation forms on the outer surface of the window. Why do plastic windows sweat in winter and how to eliminate such a factor? There can be several answers to this question:

Subsequently, fogging leads not only to a violation of the view through the glass. Often this process provokes the occurrence of worse phenomena:

• Freezing windows and the formation of frost on them.
• High humidity is the cause of mold, rot and fungus.
• Water and low temperatures gradually destroy the foam in the gap and break the tightness of the entire system and the house.

Constant fogging of windows can lead to mold growth

What to do with such a negative impact and how to eliminate the causes of window fogging?

Troubleshooting

If your windows are leaking, you need to establish the cause of the phenomenon. It happens that the situation arises as a result of placing a large number of indoor plants on the windowsill, which evaporate a large amount of moisture.

Window adjustment

You can make sure what is the cause by making a simple inspection of the entire window. The first thing to do is to check the correct adjustment of the flaps and the degree of their locking.. This is done in the following way:

• You can feel a strong draft by running your hand along the window.
• Set fire to a match or candle, if the light fluctuates, then the tightness is broken.
• Paper is placed in the sash and locked. You can pull out the sheet without any effort.

If deficiencies are found, proceed with the adjustment. The sash is set vertically and horizontally with screws located on the bottom hinge.

To adjust the sashes, tighten the bolts located on the bottom hinge

The degree of pressing is regulated by eccentrics at the ends of the window, as well as by tightening the pressure plates.

Transfer to winter or summer mode is carried out using eccentrics

Do not forget about the seasonal adjustment of windows. To do this, the regulators turn the marker inward for the summer, and towards the street in the winter.

window sills

Often windows cry due to improper air circulation during the cold season. The reason lies in the wide window sills, which block the access of warm air masses to the surface of the double-glazed window.

In this case, to normalize the circulation in the window sill, you need to drill several holes that will ensure normal access of heat to the glass.

Holes in the window sill allow warm air to heat the windows

You also need to pay attention to the grilles covering the heating radiators, perhaps they also interfere with air exchange.

slope finishing

If the window was installed with violations of technology (leaky gaps, the frame has moved), then you should contact the installer. Installers are obliged to fix such a problem free of charge.

An independent attempt to seal the gaps may not correct the situation, since the double-glazed window was initially installed incorrectly.

Finishing and insulation of slopes prevents fogging of windows

Another thing is with slopes. If the finish has not been done, it must be carried out immediately, otherwise it will lead to the complete destruction of the mounting foam in the gaps. In order for the windows not to cry, it is best to additionally insulate them using heat-insulating material (mineral wool, polystyrene foam or foam plastic).

accessories

Quite often, windows cry due to poor-quality or worn fittings. All mechanisms must function normally and smoothly lock the sash with normal pressure.

Damaged seal must be replaced

The seal must be carefully inspected. It should be elastic, without tears and cracks. If there is damage, and elasticity is lost, proceed to replace it.

Ventilation

The ventilation of the room must be approached very carefully. This is especially true for rooms with a high level of humidity (kitchens, bathrooms), where windows sweat most often in winter.

After all, plastic windows completely seal the room and make it difficult for air to enter from the street. You can solve the problem of air exchange in the following ways.

Check existing ventilation for blockages. This can be done by lighting a candle near the channel exits. If the light does not deviate, then the hood does not work. The grids are removed and cleaned until normal functioning is restored.

However, in addition to the exhaust system, supply ventilation must also be present. This issue is solved by installing ventilation valves on the windows.

Fresh air ventilation can be ensured using a valve built into the handle

Today, there are modern supply systems installed in the window handle, they do not spoil the appearance and provide a sufficient amount of fresh air.

With the provision of a normal level of ventilation, the problem of high humidity is also eliminated..

thermal insulation

Single-chamber double-glazed windows are used in most non-residential premises, where thermal insulation is not so important. If such a double-glazed window is installed in the living room, then it will not provide proper heat conservation.

Thermal insulation of glass with film will not solve the problem of cold

You can fix the problem by insulating the slopes and applying an energy-saving film to the glass. But these measures will not ensure the preservation of heat in full.

Humidity level optimization

As mentioned above, this phenomenon can be eliminated by ensuring the normal ventilation of the rooms. However, if this does not help, then you can mount dehumidifiers under the windowsill. Such cartridges are inexpensive, and their efficiency is quite high..

Recent renovations can contribute to the increase in humidity in the room. A large area of ​​plastered surfaces evaporates a huge amount of moisture, which ventilation cannot cope with. This is a temporary phenomenon and as the walls dry, the humidity level returns to normal.

As a rule, these are the main reasons that windows cry in winter. When they are eliminated, the situation will normalize and there will be no problems with fogging.

The phenomenon of "weeping" windows is more or less familiar to every owner of plastic double-glazed windows. However, if for some, condensate only occasionally reminds of the need to ventilate the room, then for someone it becomes a real test and requires constant attention not only to the windows themselves, but also to the adjacent surfaces and the room as a whole. After all, fogged double-glazed windows - whether it is the space of a room or a balcony and a loggia - do not just “close” the view of the street. They provoke the appearance of dampness and fungus and entail damage to the window sill coating, which occurs due to the regular presence of flowing water on it. But what is the reason for the increased formation of condensate? Let's try to understand our article.

Natural phenomena at home

Even from school lessons, we all remember the description of such a vital process as the water cycle in nature. One of its stages is associated with the transformation of water from a gaseous state into a liquid, an example of which in the natural environment is the dew drop on the grass. Invisible water vapor contained in warm air cools with decreasing temperatures, turning into particles of water. We can observe a similar physical phenomenon in the example of some windows, which, due to their tendency to fogging, are called "weeping".

Condensation occurs due to the temperature difference on the inside of the double-glazed window and inside the room. Accordingly, the colder the window surface, the more likely it is that drops of water will appear on it. By the way, the window temperature at which the vapor contained in the air is converted to liquid on the glass is called the "dew point".

So, the main reason for condensation is a violation of the microclimate, a large gap between the temperature on the surface of the double-glazed window and inside the entire space of a room, house, loggia or balcony. However, it is necessary to understand what this problem is connected with.

Experts identify several factors:

Lack of proper circulation of warm air;

Violation of ventilation;

High humidity;

Installation of low-quality and technologically imperfect windows, as well as their unprofessional installation.

In order to identify the true causes of excessive moisture, it is necessary to analyze under what circumstances it “decorates” the surface of the window and whether all structures in the house are subject to its formation. Here, any detail can play a role, including the time of year and time of day when perspiration appears, turning into liquid, the depth of the window sill, heating parameters and fresh air access, the presence of indoor plants and the purpose of the room.

Thaw in winter cold

As you watch the formation of condensate, you may notice that its precipitation is more characteristic of a seasonal cooling. This indicates that with the onset of cold weather on the street and the inclusion of the heating system in the house, the surface of the double-glazed window became its coldest part. That is, heat from heating devices either does not enter the window, or “leaves” due to some source of cold air.

If we talk about the disturbed circulation of warm air, here, first of all, it is necessary to pay attention to the operation of heating devices. Perhaps the reason is in the low heating parameters and then you just need to solve the issue of heat supply. If the heating is at the proper level, then the cause of the appearance of drops on double-glazed windows should be looked for somewhere nearby. First you need to check the window sill: it is likely that too much overhang blocks the flow of heat into the window area. Protective screens on heaters can also lead to this problem, which prevent heat from reaching the bottom of the window, which is why dew is released here. Sufficient heating of double-glazed windows can also be hindered by thick curtains covering batteries.

It also happens that heat loss is associated with the presence of "cold bridges" in the plastic. Because of them, the air temperature near the windowsill becomes lower than room temperature. In this case, the difference can reach 5-7°C. In addition, the flow of cold air occurs due to insufficient tightness in the area of ​​​​the porch, seams or lower loop. But we will dwell on this a little later.

Windows need a breath of fresh air

The first thing that fans of wooden windows point out is that such structures, unlike plastic ones, “breathe”. In fact, of course, it is not the tree that breathes, but the cracks through which fresh air from the street enters the room. By the way, it is in these cracks that the secret of the appearance of fabulous winter patterns on glass lies, which you definitely will not see on high-quality plastic windows. Is it good or bad? It depends on what to put in priority - warmth and comfort in the house or drawings from ice on glass, and sometimes ice on the frame. But back to the question of ventilation.

Often the cause of condensation is impaired ventilation, when the exhaust system does not cope with its function. By the way, checking this is quite simple - just open the sash of any window and attach a sheet of paper to the hood hole in one of their rooms. If the air flow presses it against the decorative grille, then the ventilation is working properly, if not, an additional exhaust system channel is required.

Regular airing can also solve the problem, which will be useful not only for windows, but also for your body. In addition, this option can be made continuous - by organizing a permanent supply ventilation. The supply of fresh air in this case is provided either by installing modern window structures with built-in micro-ventilation systems, or by installing wall or window inlet valves.

It is also important to ensure free passage of air through the doors of rooms, bathrooms and toilets. To do this, the distance between the floor and the bottom of the door leaf should be 1.5-2 cm. If there is no such gap, ventilation valves (transfer grates) should be installed at the bottom of the doors.

Wet business

Often, fogging of double-glazed windows and their subsequent “weeping” is caused by high humidity in the room. Moreover, as a rule, this is not typical for the entire living space, but precisely for that part of it where the greatest evaporation occurs. This is a kitchen with a working kettle and a stove on which food is cooked, and insulated balconies and loggias where linen is dried and numerous plants delight the eye.

You can get rid of excess moisture in various ways - with the help of a dehumidifier, regular ventilation, use of an exhaust hood, competent housekeeping and rational operation of household appliances. So, for example, when turning a glazed loggia into a “winter garden”, be prepared for the fact that in the absence of air circulation you will encounter the so-called “greenhouse effect” and, as a result, foggy and “weeping” windows. In case of disturbed air exchange, the insulated glazed balcony, on which the laundry is dried, will also turn into a mini-sauna. To avoid this, it is enough just to put the shutters on the ventilation mode and ensure full air circulation in the room.

Good windows don't cry

As mentioned above, the difference between the temperatures on the surface of the double-glazed window and inside the room contributes to the formation of condensate. Like morning dew, it covers the windows with perspiration, the droplets of which eventually end up on the slopes of the lower frame, and then on the windowsill. This unnecessary moisture causes sheer inconvenience, as it requires constant attention. After all, otherwise the accumulation of liquid can lead to damage to the window sill coating and the appearance of mold and mildew, which is much more dangerous.

Often, condensation is caused by poor-quality or technically imperfect window systems, as well as the lack of professionalism of the employees of the company that installed them. The shortcomings include, in particular, the insufficient thickness of the double-glazed windows, chosen for reasons of economy, and not for the climatic features of the area and the operational characteristics of the windows. So, in winter conditions, an ordinary single-chamber system will behave incomparably worse than a standard two-chamber or single-chamber system, but made of modern heat-saving material and equipped with an energy-efficient profile.

Regular "crying" will be typical for cheap plastic windows. Often they are made from low-grade raw materials, have insufficient heat-shielding properties and tightness. In addition, the same dubious quality distinguishes the fittings and the profile system with which they are equipped, and this is a loose fit of the sashes, gaps between the frame and the double-glazed window and the lack of thermal insulation. Moreover, the dimensions of such products and the opening intended for them may simply not coincide.

The result of all the defects listed above is the freezing of the window, which, being unable to "keep" heat, at the same time conducts cold street air perfectly. The result is condensation. Caused by the temperature difference at the junction of air flows, it turns into a constant companion of such window structures.

We add that during the installation of low-quality windows, moisture can form not only outside, but also inside the double-glazed window. This indicates a manufacturing defect. And about your mistake when choosing a window company.

Recipe for crying: high-quality windows and professional installation

The installation of high-tech plastic windows from a reliable manufacturer will help to avoid such problems. For example, Okna-Etalon, one of the leaders in the window market in the Far East, offers its customers high-quality glazing of residential spaces, as well as balconies and loggias. We are talking, in particular, about the installation of energy-efficient plastic windows in a heat-saving profile from the German concern REHAU. Modern materials, advanced technologies and professional installation make these products virtually invulnerable to natural tests.

Windows from the company "Windows-Etalon" can independently regulate the temperature in the room, creating the environment in which you are most comfortable. Such unique abilities of these structures are primarily due to the fact that their production is based on the use of i-glasses. That is, glasses with a multilayer coating and the thinnest silver coating on the surface, deposited in a vacuum space and under conditions of an acting magnetic field. The silver ions contained in the material allow the window to reflect long-wave heat rays towards their emitter, leaving heat where there is more of it. In other words, in summer the rays turn towards the hot street, bringing coolness into the house, and in winter they are directed towards heated rooms, while reducing heat loss and “returning” up to 90% of the heat waves emitted by heating devices.

Another very important technical characteristic of such double-glazed windows is improved thermal protection. If for a conventional double-glazed window at +20°С indoors and at an outside air temperature of -26°С, the temperature on the surface of the window inside the apartment will be only +5°, then for a design with i-glass, the same figure is up to +14° ( !). As you can see, the temperature difference is very small. This means that the likelihood of condensation, which is so characteristic of conventional window systems, is also minimal. By the way, in terms of thermal insulation, plastic windows with i-glass are significantly superior to their predecessors. They don't feel cold. And this also suggests that such structures will not “cry” due to the access of cold air from the street.

The profiles with which they are equipped also have high rates of thermal protection and energy efficiency. Manufactured at the factories of the famous German concern "REHAU" - a recognized world leader in the production of profile systems for modern plastic windows - they are endowed with exceptional heat-saving properties. Take, for example, the REHAU SIB profile, designed specifically for the harsh climatic conditions of Siberia. Its unique capabilities have been confirmed in the course of tests carried out by specialists from the leading branch institute of the Research Institute of Building Physics of the RAASN. The experiment, which took place in a special chamber, demonstrated the invariance of the performance of REHAU SIB under the influence of extremely low temperatures. In particular, at a temperature on the outside of the window of -42°C and +20°C - inside, as well as at an increased relative humidity of ≈55%, the window did not freeze and did not “cry” with condensate, excellently withstanding a temperature difference of more than 60 degrees . By the way, the material used for the production of profiles under the REHAU brand is so ready to withstand the vagaries of nature that it equally well manifests itself at temperatures from -50 ° to + 50 ° С.

In addition, all REHAU profile systems have high waterproofing parameters. A double-circuit seal guarantees the tightest fit of the sash to the frame around the entire perimeter and 100% tightness. Due to this, plastic windows in the REHAU profile reliably protect the premises from drafts, and windows from unnecessary moisture.

We also note that no matter what profile from the REHAU concern the customer chooses, he can be sure of the highest quality of the product. The control on the part of the manufacturer is very strict and involves its own verification of the accuracy of the dimensions and quality of incoming raw materials, as well as the analysis of its chemical and physical properties. In addition, internal monitoring is enhanced by the presence of independent experts, which generally ensures impeccably high quality, which means reliability and durability of windows in REHAU profile systems. By the way, the service life of structures equipped with the latest generation REHAU profile can reach 60 years, which has been proven at the stage of their testing.

The principle "Quality in everything!" the Okna-Etalon company also adheres to, which also controls the quality of products at all stages of its production. So, for example, for the manufacture of high-quality products, the process of cutting and cutting glass at the enterprise was fully automated. It is carried out by a special automatic table. Along with dimensional accuracy, this Italian equipment provides high-quality processing of the edge of the cut material. And this guarantees increased tightness of double-glazed windows and, of course, increases their service life. Thus, the errors and shortcomings characteristic of manual processing are completely excluded here.

As well as the negative consequences of unprofessional installation, which are so typical for one-day firms, are also excluded. Unlike unscrupulous service providers, which, unfortunately, are present on the local market, all Okna-Etalon employees have undergone special training and have the appropriate certificates. That is why the quality guarantee here extends not only to the plastic windows themselves, but also to their installation. The company "Windows-Etalon" values ​​its reputation.

You can get detailed information about the installation of plastic windows at the partner offices - the Okna-Etalon company, as well as by phone:

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Leaky windows are the most common winter problem faced by every second happy owner of plastic windows. And this is not so much a problem as a feature and a combination of circumstances. And no matter how strange it may sound, if your windows are leaking - this is the first sign that they are installed correctly, tightly and for centuries. As the notorious Elena Malysheva would say - this is the norm!

But! Puddles on the windowsills are completely useless to us, and mold and fungus - even more so. Therefore, right now, you will learn the 5 best ways to solve the problem of leaking windows once and for all. But before we reveal the main professional window secrets, we will answer the most important question - why do windows leak? And someone, perhaps, even asks “why do we need all this?”.

Why are windows leaking?

This question is best answered by one of the masters, who has seen so many weeping windows in his life that he himself almost cries when frosts begin, which once again confirms that you are not alone in your problem. But Anatoly does not see the problem, which he wishes for everyone.

Polyansky Anatoly

Solves any problems with windows for 20 years. Almost a real window fairy, if not for the mustache. He will fix everything as quickly and efficiently as possible, immediately calm and inspire hope for the future.

Have problems with windows? it right now!

How we tear from the heart.

Anatoly, don't torment us. Why do plastic windows leak so often despite being so expensive?

Well, firstly, not only plastic windows are leaking. Wooden modern windows with double-glazed windows are also often seen in this problem. The reason is not in the material, not in the price, not in the brand, not in the installer, and not even in the growing moon. The reason is only in three components: tightness, high humidity in the room and frost outside the window. In winter, which is logical, the temperature on the glass surface drops significantly and often reaches the dew point.

- The dew point sounds romantic, but not understandable to the layman. What's this?

The dew point is something that haunts you on an almost daily basis. Misted mirror in the bathroom after you took a shower. Fogged glasses after you went into a warm room from the cold. All these are manifestations of such a physical phenomenon as the dew point. If you allow me to be smart, this is the temperature at which air, with a certain temperature and humidity, can no longer absorb moisture.

- And what does this have to do with windows?

Directly. Outside the window is frost and the wind is howling, the husband wanted a hodgepodge, the child wanted pancakes. And now everything gurgles and sizzles on the stove, the humidity in the room rises, the glass, of course, is cold in winter, so what? Hello condensation! The windows are leaking, there is a puddle on the windowsill, the hostess is in a panic, the hodgepodge is boiled. And this is just one of the examples. You can cook nothing at all at home and be the happy owner of weeping windows. Drying laundry, flowers on the windowsill, an aquarium of some kind and your breath, finally, all this contributes to an increase in humidity and hello, the most popular winter problem, windows leak.

- Does it happen that there is none of this at all, but the windows still flow?

There is always a reason. If not an aquarium with goldfish, then, for example, “wet” construction work (painting, wallpapering the walls, etc.). Clogged ventilation, again. Plastic windows are airtight (if installed in accordance with all the rules and), fresh air from the street does not penetrate, ventilation does not perform its function. And the result is the same - stagnant air comes into contact with cold glass, condensation forms, and the windows leak.

- And where do windows leak most often?

In the kitchen, of course. Cooking, kettles, multicookers, the proximity of the bathroom - all this contributes to the appearance of such a problem. And the inhabitants of the upper floors still often suffer from ventilation, through which moist and not clean air enters from all the neighbors below.

- That is, the lower the floor, the better?

Is not a fact. The lower the floor, the closer the basement. Better in the middle, if there is a question of choice.

“Somehow we didn’t think of everything. Downstairs is bad, upstairs is bad, the kettle is boiling - bad.

We've got it all figured out. The fact is that the houses were built taking into account the fact that there will be a constant influx of fresh air through the cracks in the windows. Sealed plastic windows + old ventilation = condensation on the windows, and even puddles on the windowsills. And if the frost is strong, then there is also frost. The problem is easily solved if, for example, forced ventilation fans with a check valve are installed in the ventilation. It's like an option.

What other pitfalls are there? Suppose the house is new, and the ventilation is modern, and the floor is not the last, and the soup is cooked once a year, and the windows are leaking. Why?

Heating. Perhaps it is the reason. The apartment should be warm, the batteries should be in good condition and heat not just anyhow, but with all the best. And should be exclusively under the window! Batteries warm not only you, but also the window. Therefore, too wide window sills, thick curtains hanging in such a way that the flow of warm air to the window is difficult, or, even worse, radiators covered with something - all this can lead to the window leaking sooner or later.

- And what do you do when you come to a client with a similar problem?

I get a moisture meter. This is usually enough to make a diagnosis. And in 100% of cases, the windows are not sick.

- And then what?

So how do you live on? 5 simple ways to quickly fix the problem of crying windows.

Ventilate more often

Your task is to achieve adequate humidity and temperature in the room. Get in the habit of ventilating the apartment (especially the kitchen) more often, and this alone may be enough to stop the windows from leaking.

Optimum air temperature - not lower than 20C

Optimum relative humidity - no more than 45%

Important! In winter, it is better not to use micro-ventilation so that window fittings do not freeze.

Turn on the fan

Yes, yes, the one that you usually turn on in the summer, in the heat. Point it at a window and turn it on at the lowest speed. To achieve the effect, we need the movement of air near the glasses, and in such a simple way we will achieve it.

Why not? An excellent alternative solution if all other methods are not available or do not work for you for some reason. The problem will not be radically solved, but it will definitely become better.

Repair the hood

Windows leak if it is clogged and does not function well. This is a very common problem for old houses or new ones with homemade exotic redevelopment from neighbors.

Minimize Anything That Raises Humidity

Remove flowers from the windowsill, change thick curtains for lighter ones, do not cover the batteries with anything.

Was it too lazy to read everything? The whole point in a nutshell!

So, let's recap what has been said above. Windows are not to blame. The installers are not to blame. The profile is not at fault. The glazing is not to blame. And even Putin is not to blame. Basically no one is to blame. Weeping windows are physics. But it is in our power to reduce its manifestations to a minimum.

Minus temperature outside the window + humidity in the room more than 45% + clogged ventilation = condensation and frost on the window.

Ventilate more often, solve ventilation problems, release and adjust batteries.

The most famous disadvantage of PVC windows is fogging, the appearance of condensate. Condensation flows down the glass, puddles appear on the windowsill. In a neglected form, this problem leads to serious consequences: the walls begin to collapse, a fungus starts on them. The air in the room becomes suffocating. Why do plastic windows leak?

Causes of condensation

There are two of them, and they work together:

Increased humidity in the room or directly in the glass area;

A sharp contrast between the temperatures of warm air and the cold surface of the package.

Condensation occurs when heated steam comes into contact with ice glass.

What causes these two conditions?

There is a single package on the window, there is not enough air gap to keep the inner glass warm;

Video "Why plastic windows flow and how to deal with it":

Window seals broken. Due to poor-quality installation or due to shrinkage of the house, there are gaps between the frame and the walls of the opening. Through the cracks, cold outside air flows to the glass;

A window sill that is too deep overlaps the radiator located under it from above. Convection currents do not reach the glass;

Thick curtains can also be a reason why plastic windows leak - they prevent free convection;

Poor ventilation in the apartment. Sometimes, after installing new windows, residents by inertia continue to ventilate the room in the same mode as before. Previously, when there were old through-blown windows, this was enough. New hermetic structures do not “breathe”, there is no natural ventilation, and humidity does not decrease.

Humidity is increased due to various reasons:

Vapors come from the kitchen, bathroom;

From indoor flowers on the windowsill;

You regularly dry wet mittens on the radiator;

Recently renovated, finishing materials are being dehydrated: putties, emulsion paints, wallpaper paste, etc.

What to do when windows leak

Replace the package with a double one. This is not the case when you can save;

Check the adjoining frames to the slopes for cracks.

Tip: if the cracks are not visible to the naked eye, and the draft is not clearly expressed, you can test the perimeter with a lit match.

If the installation was carried out recently, call the masters to eliminate their own defect;

If there is nowhere to turn, and plastic windows are leaking, seal the cracks with foam yourself. It also makes sense to insulate the outer slopes with foam;

Provide full ventilation: supply valves, a fan or air conditioning with a dehumidification function, regular ventilation in intensive mode;

Close the doors to the kitchen when cooking and to the bathroom;

Do not keep indoor flowers and other sources of moisture near the windows;

Replace the window sill if it is too wide, ensure a free flow of warm air to the glass.

If wooden windows flow

New wooden window structures are arranged in the same way as plastic ones and wooden windows flow as well. And their frame covers are often airtight. Although wood is considered to "breathe", a new wooden window is the same hermetically sealed chamber as PVC. Accordingly, the prerequisites for sweating are the same.

Or the owners took too much care of sealing the old window, sealed it and completely filled all the cracks, joints, holes with sealants, insulation, sealants and foam. The result was a hand-made imitation of an airtight window structure, which is why double-glazed windows and windows flow.

This is not as paradoxical as it seems. When there are holey frames from Soviet times in the openings, it is cold in the house. Because of this, you decided to replace windows in our difficult time of crisis.

The house is cold due to natural ventilation: the air is renewed through the cracks, the vapors leave, there is no strong contrast between room and street temperatures. And new windows (or carefully clogged old ones) prevent free air exchange, that is:

Couples stay in the room;

It's hot in the house;

And at the same time, cold air can flow to the glasses themselves, there are “cold bridges”.

If wooden windows are leaking, then this is worse than PVC. Wood absorbs moisture and swells. If the fungus on the walls is quite treatable, then the destroyed, deformed, cracked frame is only a replacement.

To prevent this from happening, you need to remove heaters, seals, sealants from the frames and dry the window thoroughly with a building hair dryer. And after that, proceed to a full-fledged well-thought-out thermal insulation of the opening.

The article discusses why plastic windows flow, wooden ones and methods for solving this problem. The main thing is not to waste time and follow all the recommendations as quickly as possible.