The Problem With Secondary Glazing And Condensation
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We live in a world where men build magnificent structures. Once one structure has been built, it is on to the next, and so our cities expand and age, and the buildings in them grow old and deteriorate. However, many older buildings are deemed historic and given a face lift that must hold true to their original architecture, and that requires them to keep their old wood windows or replace them with new ones. For many builders, this leaves only one option to increase the energy efficiency of the window and that is to add secondary glazing. However, there are problems that may arise as a result of secondary glazing and condensation.
Secondary glazing is simply an extra glazing panel that is placed on the inside of an already existing single glazed window. It is usually a single glazed piece of glass, but can sometimes be shrink wrap or a plastic film. It is usually surrounded by a metal frame that incorporates a gasket or membrane in order to create an air space that is sealed between the new glaze and the old.
While some people are unfamiliar with secondary glazing, almost everyone understands condensation and how it generally occurs. For windows, since they are glass, it typically means that the exterior and interior temperatures are differing enough to cool the moisture that is in the air by the glass causing it to condensate onto the surface of the glass.
It is important to avoid both humidity and moisture with wood windows. They cause the wood to become rotten and warp, or even worse, become moldy. Problems are often times not noticed until it is too late, requiring the window to be 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 potential culprit is the metal frame on the glazing panel. Metal is also capable of transferring the temperature through the air and can also have moisture on it. Moisture on glass is easily seen, but when it is on the metal, it is not as visible.
Windows manufactured with a wood frame that are having moisture problems need to be replaced right away. This is usually a labor intensive, expensive project. When considering the best way to protect windows from the weather, it is necessary to consider all the choices available to you, and decide what is best. If you have wood frame windows, you may want to avoid secondary glazing due to the risks associated with secondary glazing and condensation.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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