Ways to eliminate fogged windows: simple solutions.

Causes of fogging

Good working PVC windows have a number of advantages (especially in comparison with wooden windows): they keep the heat inside the apartment, do not let in extraneous sounds, protect from dust, are not prone to icing. However, PVC windows have a limited resource of trouble-free existence.

Therefore, without proper regular maintenance, after a few years the structure will begin to have a draft, let in cold air, which will lead to the formation of condensation.

There are several reasons why windows fog up:

1. Unsuitable glass unit. Thermal insulation depends on the number of chambers in the frame: single-chamber glass units, for example, are not intended for installation in residential premises. And the only way to solve the problem is to replace them with double- or triple-chamber windows.
2. Violation of natural ventilation. Installing a window sill that is too wide, covering the radiator with a tabletop, cabinet or screen without air access means blocking the movement of warm air. In winter, this leads to a dew point: overcooling of the glass, condensation on the windows.
3. Installation errors. If the team that installed the plastic windows did not foam the cracks properly, did the work with a violation of geometry, did not adjust the abutments, the appearance of problems will not take long.
4. Wear, loosening of structural elements. Worn rubber bands, loose hinges, locks and other fittings are another reason for the violation of the microclimate.
5. Incorrectly selected mode. Modern models have a setting for summer, winter and universal mode. Summer differs from winter in a weaker pressing of the sash to the frame: if the windows fog up, check the trunnion.
6. Malfunction of the ventilation system. The windows are selected and installed correctly, but there are still streaks visible on the glass surface? Check the operation of the hood in the room – the problem is probably in the poor outflow of stagnant air and the inflow of outside air.

Important! Drops of water formed inside the glass unit are a sign of depressurization. The defective window must be replaced.

If the windows in the apartment fog up heavily, do not delay in eliminating the problem. The resulting high humidity, combined with low temperatures, can lead to the formation of mold and mildew on the walls and slopes, which will not be easy to get rid of.

How to fix it?

As is clear from the previous section, the reasons for fogging up of plastic windows can be different. Each of them requires an individual approach and has its own methods of elimination.

The radiator is covered by a tabletop, window sill, screen

According to the GOST standard, the window sill should not protrude beyond the radiator by more than 60 mm. If the tabletop is wider, it is necessary to cut ventilation holes in it, through which the warm air flows from the heating devices will rise upward.

Another way to improve circulation is an ordinary thick curtain. The fabric in front of the heating system device acts as a reflector, providing air flow to the cold window opening.

When using grilles to decorate the radiators, make sure that they have ventilation holes not only in the front, but also at the top.

Defects resulting from violation of installation rules

The main rule for high-quality installation is to contact a trusted company with experienced craftsmen. Their work is more expensive, but saving in this matter can lead to additional costs in the form of re-ordering a top-quality double-glazed window and reinstalling the window.

If the situation has already occurred and the plastic window is installed incorrectly, the only way to fix it is to contact specialists. It is not recommended to correct errors on your own, because moisture on the surface of the glass unit is most likely just the tip of the iceberg.

Wear of fittings

When old windows that are more than 5-7 years old sweat, this is normal. The fittings of PVC structures have a limited service life: the more actively the window is used, the faster it wears out. In addition, breakage can be caused by operation in unsuitable conditions: too severe frosts in winter, dry summer, etc.

The main problems arise from the rubber seals: worn seals let in fresh air, leading to the dew point. The replacement process can be entrusted to a professional, or done independently – the necessary materials are sold in any construction supermarket.

How to check that the pressure is insufficient: open the window, insert a sheet of paper, close the window tightly. The easier it is to pull the sheet out of the closed window, the worse the sash is pressed to the frame.

The mode does not match the weather outside

The choice of mode is a controversial issue. On the one hand, the correct ratio with the temperature helps to extend the service life of the sealing rubber: in the summer, it experiences minimal pressure. On the other hand, in winter the windows are 100% hermetic, which will not hurt in summer either: but the rubber is under increased pressure, you will have to change it more often.

Therefore, in order to ensure the correct microclimate and extend the service life of the fittings, experts recommend changing the mode with the change of seasons. To do this:

1. Open the window sash.
2. Find the eccentric (the so-called trunnion) on the inside, a photo of what it looks like is below.
3. Turn to the desired position depending on the type of fittings.

Types of eccentrics:

• Oval trunnion: stands vertically – summer mode, horizontally – winter, diagonally – average value.
• Round eccentric: the point or mark is directed inward – winter, outward – summer, in the center – universal.

Important! The high pressure level should be short-lived – maximum 2-3 months.

Ventilation does not work

The easiest way to solve this problem is banal ventilation. If you find droplets on the glass, fully open the sash for 5-10 minutes. The air humidity will become lower, the air temperature will level out and the water will disappear from the glass by itself.

If the windows fog up in the kitchen while you are cooking, and you cannot ventilate and cook at the same time, turn on the forced hood.

A more correct and “advanced” option is to use supply valves designed specifically for delicate “blowing”.

Getting rid of moisture

This method is suitable if you do not have the opportunity to carry out the above procedures. It consists in eliminating the consequences, not the causes.

For work we will need an adsorbent – a special agent with a sorbent effect. Sold in hardware stores.

1. Attach tape to the bottom of the problematic frame.
2. Pour moisture absorber into the resulting pocket.

As they become saturated with moisture, the balls will change color and will need to be replaced.

How to prevent?

Like any problem in the house, fogging is easier to prevent than to fix. To do this:

1. Perform regular window maintenance. Check the condition of the fittings, tighten loose elements, change rubber bands as they wear out.
2. Install automatic supply valves or open the sashes more often in micro-ventilation mode.
3. Monitor the surface temperature of the radiator. The minimum to avoid condensation is 60C.
4. Free the window sill. The reason why fogging can sometimes occur is indoor plants: high humidity from them is transferred to the glass.
5. Replace ordinary glass with heating glass. For the harshest winters, there are heated double-glazed windows: the principle of operation is similar to heating the windows in a car.

All of the above methods will only work if two simple conditions are met: maintaining the correct humidity and temperature conditions. Ensure stable operation of the radiator and get rid of excess moisture in the air – it is worth checking, perhaps these simple steps will help solve the existing problem.