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Why plastic windows leak and how to deal with it. Why do plastic windows sweat in winter, flow and cry in a private brick and wooden house, apartment, balcony, loggia, new building: reasons. What to do when condensation forms on plastic windows

Installing plastic windows eliminates many problems during operation, but only when it is followed by proper care. Otherwise, sometimes you have to figure out why the windows are flowing plastic in winter, since improper operation often leads to such consequences. Often there is a situation when the melting snow or a downpour on the street leads to water flowing into the house. This is clear evidence that the window needs to be examined by a specialist.

Why is the plastic window leaking

A normal window, after closing the sash, becomes almost completely airtight, excluding drafts and penetration of moisture from the street into the room. Most often, the reasons lie in the following:

  • the seal is worn out;
  • window sashes are incorrectly adjusted;
  • violation of the geometric parameters of the window block due to shrinkage of the house in which it is installed.

It will not be possible to eliminate such problems on your own, but the specialist will solve them quickly and competently enough.

Solutions to the problem

To determine exactly why plastic windows are leaking in winter, a specialist will examine the structure and take appropriate measures.

Most consumers do not pay attention to the condition of the seals at all. For any window they are consumable subject to regular maintenance and replacement. If they are not treated with silicone lubricants 2 times a year, they will quickly lose their characteristics. Then drafts and water leakage are guaranteed.

During operation, window sashes can become loose as a result of exposure to temperature changes. Not everyone can independently adjust the sash. This must be done in the horizontal and vertical planes. With the correct position of the sash, its closing / opening should occur without effort. In case of a strong change in the geometry of the sash, the master will need to dismantle it and after removing it

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 highlight possible reasons 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.

Check exhaust ventilation possible with fire

Highly common cause leading to the formation of condensation on the windows.

AT ordinary apartment for ventilation, hoods are used 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 you don't work well forced ventilation 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.

AT winter period The condition of 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 first of all, the frame is 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 cold air able to penetrate into warm apartment. The window fogs up.

To select the desired temperature regime, 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.

AT various conditions are chosen different ways ventilation.

  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;
  • fan installation in window opening to move air;
  • glass treatment with anti-fogging agent for cars;
  • low voltage glass equipment electric heating like 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 help arrange 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 selected, the technology of their installation is not violated, organized proper care, then excess moisture will never appear on the windows.

Installing plastic windows, we spend a lot of money, while we hope to get warmth, comfort and beauty in the house as a result, especially when the cold season comes. But with the advent of winter, the windows suddenly become covered with numerous droplets of moisture and you see that the plastic windows are crying, you don’t know what to do. As a result, only unnecessary problems appear: puddles form on the windowsill, dampness appears in the house, and sometimes even worse - mold and fungus on the slopes.

Even if you wipe the window dry very carefully, water will still appear on it, sometimes trickling down onto the new window sill, leaving streaks and small puddles. What can I say, the phenomena are very unpleasant.

Faced with a problem weeping windows, many of us are beginning to accuse manufacturers of cheating. That is why it is first of all necessary to dispel the myth of poor quality products. It is a paradox, but still, the fact that plastic windows are leaking is a confirmation that they are installed in accordance with all requirements: the windows are completely sealed and reliably protect your home from cold air entering. So how do you understand why windows are crying, what is the reason and how to deal with this problem?

There is a widespread belief that only plastic windows get wet, but this does not happen with wooden ones. This is not true. Any modern window under certain conditions (we will consider them below), they cry, regardless of the material from which they are made - wood or plastic. Of course, wooden Finnish windows, which have double frames, get wet less than, for example, single plastic or wooden euro windows. The reason for this is not at all in the binding material, but in the fact that two-frame structures are distinguished by higher thermal insulation properties.

Another example can be given: the old Soviet wooden windows, unlike the plastic ones that are fashionable today, almost did not flow. However, here also the material is absolutely irrelevant. If old windows are provided with high-quality seals in the porch, and all gaps between window frames and glass are removed, then these old windows will also get wet, and even more so than plastic ones. Why do plastic windows get wet? Why does condensation appear on them?

Condensation on windows is usually caused by a number of reasons. The main reason is high humidity air in the room. In winter, the temperature on the surface of the plastic window drops significantly and often reaches the dew point. Experts call this the temperature at which air, which has a certain initial temperature and relative humidity, can no longer absorb moisture. We encounter the dew point every day. For example, when you get out of the shower, you can see that the mirror in the bathroom is completely fogged up, or in winter, when you enter a warm room from a frost, glasses usually fog up immediately.

Why is there high humidity in the room? There are many reasons for this. Moisture is always released in the kitchen during cooking, when drying and washing clothes, taking a shower or a hot bath, using the toilet. Houseplants located on the windowsill or an aquarium in the room are also sources of moisture. The person himself, in addition, when breathing, usually releases about 50 g of water per hour.

In addition, the cause of condensation on plastic windows may be as follows:

  • conducting construction works or apartment renovations using wet processes such as painting walls with water-based paints, plastering work, pasting walls with wallpaper, whitewashing ceilings, etc .;
  • various redevelopments in the house, which were independently carried out by residents without taking into account design standards, in violation of the existing ventilation system, as well as the demolition of interior partitions.

Ventilation

Often the reason why plastic windows condensation is incorrect or faulty ventilation in the house. In apartments, ventilation systems are arranged in this way: an exhaust hood in the bathroom or toilet, as well as in the kitchen. Over time, the hood can simply become clogged with debris, which often accumulates here, and fail. In addition, plastic windows have a very high degree of tightness, and this prevents the penetration of street air into the room. As a result, the heat exchange in the room changes dramatically - the stagnant air of an unventilated room comes into contact with the cooled window glass, on which condensation forms.

This problem is especially acute in rooms with increased activity. First of all, the kitchen can be attributed to such premises. It is here that many multifunctional household appliances are located, in addition, it is often located next to the bathroom. In such areas, it is clear why plastic windows are leaking.

Often, residents of the upper floors of houses face a problem, since dirty, moist air penetrates through the ventilation openings from the apartments below. Of course, windows on the first floors also often leak, since dirty air comes here from the basement or through the floor slabs. To avoid strong condensation on plastic windows, it is enough just to equip ventilation holes in the apartment with forced ventilation fans with check valve. In fact, the houses that were built according to the SNiPs of the USSR are designed for the fact that the air flow into the premises will be carried out through the cracks in the windows (principle supply and exhaust ventilation). Sealed plastic windows practically do not allow air to pass through, which makes natural air flow impossible. Because of this, moisture accumulates in the apartment, which later falls as condensate on PVC windows, and in severe frost, frost forms on the aluminum frame.

Heating

The system plays a very important role in the problem of condensate. central heating. Radiators must be serviceable and quite powerful. In another case, the apartment may have insufficient heat transfer and low temperature. Batteries must be strictly under the window. It should be borne in mind that heating radiators perform a very important function - they heat the window opening. If you install too wide window sills above the radiator, this can lead to convection obstruction. warm air from the battery, in connection with which, the moisture content will increase. Make sure that the radiators are not cluttered with foreign objects. Often, curtains and curtains in apartments touch the window sill, which is why a sufficient amount of warm air does not enter the window opening.

How to deal with condensation on windows?

The best way to resist the formation of condensation on plastic windows is to achieve a uniform distribution of humidity and air temperature in the room. According to sanitary and hygienic standards, optimum temperature air should be at least twenty degrees Celsius, and relative humidity - not higher than 45%.

When the windows cry what to do with the room? Do not forget to air it regularly, at least three times a day. It should be noted that in winter, it is better not to use the micro-ventilation mode. To avoid freezing of window fittings, as well as hypothermia of slopes, it is better to fully open the window for about 5-6 minutes. This time is enough to remove all excess moisture from the room, while the heat from the room does not have time to leave.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oak0zSRCzIQ Video can "t be loaded: Fighting condensation on plastic windows (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oak0zSRCzIQ)

If you are only planning to install plastic windows, choose window frames with the thickest possible profile to reduce depth. You will lose, or rather, not gain, just a couple of centimeters of the window sill, but you will definitely have much less hassle. In addition, it is worth ordering a triple, not a double-glazed window. Also suitable double with one more additional glass. In this case, you will have absolute sound insulation, and the windows will not freeze even in forty degrees of frost.

If you have already installed plastic windows, then the problem of leaking windows, what to do, can be solved only with the help of forced ventilation. In other words, it is necessary to somehow organize air exchange in the window niche.

How to do it? Below are a few simple ways

1 way - romantic (very easy and cheap)

In winter, when the street is very very coldy, put on the windowsill, as close to the glass as possible, several candlesticks with slowly burning candles. Thick decorative candles are best suited. For the whole winter, just a couple of candles per window will be enough for you. The costs are quite small, but the result is very significant. Of course, this is not about the heat that you get when burning a candle, but about the convection of air that is formed during the combustion process. In addition, a candle is also very useful for plants on the windowsill, because it drives carbon dioxide for them, and, as you know, for indoor flowers, this is a favorite delicacy.

2 way - advanced

If there are no plants on the windowsill, and you are a fan of witty technical solutions and like to make something with your own hands, then try making convection screens. These are such narrow plates that transport warm air from the radiator to the window niche. The plate should be fixed at an angle of 30-60 degrees to the window sill. So part of the warm air will be forcibly directed to the glass. If you show imagination, then such screens can easily be made an original piece of decor. It should be noted that this is a rather laborious method.

3 way - the easiest

Almost every home has fans. As a rule, they work only 3-4 months a year when it is hot. But during the period of cold weather, they can be used again for their intended purpose, because in the window niche you just need to create any movement of air. Therefore, you can simply set the minimum airflow rate and, if possible, set the fan in such a way that it blows several windows at the same time.

4 way - chemical

Buy at the auto cosmetics store any anti-fog aerosol that is used to treat car windows so that they do not get wet. Treat apartment glasses with such an aerosol. Remember to thoroughly wash and dry the window first, and then apply the anti-fogging agent to it. This will lower the dew point of the glass a little. True, this method cannot radically solve the problem. In addition, such aerosols are quite expensive and contain many specific chemical compounds and substances.

5 way - exotic

Stick a thin conductive film or foil around the perimeter of the window and apply low voltage (about 12-24 volts) to it. It will warm up that part of the window that is most prone to freezing. In other words, make glass with electric heating, like in a car.

So, if you carefully make sure that the technology for installing plastic windows is fully observed, choose a high-quality design, and then constantly monitor the level of humidity in the apartment, then you will definitely never again see excess moisture flowing through your plastic windows.

Sometimes people, having installed plastic windows, are faced with a problem - when cold weather sets in, it is not clear why they begin to fog up and leak. This makes it difficult to see, worsens the lighting in the apartment, preventing the penetration of light.

Favorable conditions are also created for the appearance of fungi and mold. Many people think that installer errors are to blame for this, but there are many more factors that lead to moisture accumulating on the glass.

Why does condensation form?

There are many reasons why plastic windows in an apartment are leaking, and in order to get rid of condensation on the windows, you need to understand what exactly provoked it. It could be:

  • violation of the movement of air in the room. When the radiators heat up only a little during the heating season, and the temperature outside is quite low, the window cannot be heated as needed;
  • with hot batteries, condensation may occur due to the large protrusion of the window sill, which blocks the access of warm air directly to the glass;
  • if protective screens are installed on the radiators, they prevent the flow of heated air flows to the bottom of the window;
  • too humid air in the apartment. This can occur when drying laundry after frequent washing, cooking, etc.;
  • No good ventilation(does not function or is clogged), as a result of which moist air does not escape;
  • poor-quality installation with violations of technology - the gap between the opening and the window profile is poorly sealed. In addition, the tide may not be installed correctly - it is simply attached to the window, while it should be placed on the base of the solution;
  • during installation, the level could be violated and a skew could form, so the leaf gaskets do not fit snugly;
  • during repairs - when wallpaper has just been pasted, laid tile emit moisture, which condenses on the glass;
  • the quality of the seal also plays a role, since a gap may form between the frame and the double-glazed window, from which cold will seep;
    the formation of condensate also depends on which fittings, as well as whether its installation meets the rules - whether it allows the doors to be tightly closed or not;
  • this effect can be caused by poorly performed work on the insulation of external or internal slopes;
  • the adjustment of the plastic window also affects the fogging of the windows: the fit of the sashes may be insufficient.

Preventive measures

They are used when there is a problem, but it is not too pronounced. One of the reasons why plastic windows leak in winter is the presence of pots with home flowers on the windowsill.

Live plants and the moist soil in which they grow very often lead to condensation. To get rid of it, it is enough to remove all flowerpots from the windowsill.

It is also necessary to regularly arrange ventilation, especially if the level of humidity rises from time to time.

Usually there are no vents in plastic windows, so you need to open the transom. This is true in the kitchen during cooking, as well as drying washed clothes in the apartment. In the kitchen, it is necessary to install a hood, and it is advisable to cook in pans closed with lids.

  1. It is advisable to constantly keep the windows in micro-ventilation mode by turning the knob 45 degrees and making a gap for air to enter from the outside.
  2. It is necessary to check how efficiently the ventilation in the apartment works - a thin sheet of paper should stick to the grating of the hole. If it does not hold, the ventilation ducts need to be cleaned;
  3. In a single-chamber profile, the distance between the panes of the package is minimal, and there is only one air gap. Due to temperature fluctuations, especially in cold winters, condensation will inevitably form. It is better to choose a two-chamber profile.
  4. If the slopes are not insulated, this must be done. Styrofoam can be used as an external insulation. cement mortar you need to carefully cover the gaps between the window and the opening. Styrofoam is not used for internal slopes. Basalt or glass wool is used here.
  5. Reduce the width of the window sill or move the radiator a little further from the wall. Also, for better access to warm air, it is necessary to equip the window sill with convection grilles or drill holes in it. If decorative grilles are installed on the batteries, it is better to get rid of them.
  6. Check window hardware for wear from time to time as it may need to be adjusted or replaced.
  7. In winter, it is necessary to transfer all windows to the appropriate mode of operation, using the eccentrics at their ends.
  8. You can purchase a dehumidifier. But first, measure the humidity with a hygrometer. Humidity rate for comfortable living in the apartment should be 40-70%.

What to do if the plastic double-glazed window is of poor quality?

When the methods listed above do not help, and you cannot understand why plastic windows are flowing, it means that they are of poor quality. Perhaps a marriage was made during their manufacture, a base profile was used, or all installation conditions were not met. In this case, it will not be possible to eliminate it yourself.

Sometimes glasses fog up inside the package. This means that it is necessary to remove and replace the seal or even the double-glazed window itself.

Do not think that you can do it yourself - only specialists can do it. There are certain nuances that you may not know about and make mistakes.

If the manufacturer or the company that carried out the installation gives a guarantee of at least a year, you can turn to them after identifying this problem in winter. They are obliged to eliminate the marriage or defects in the installation. Otherwise, you will have to purchase a new window and pay again for its installation.

Results

Conducting preventive measures or by following these tips, you can prevent condensation from forming on the windows. But if, having tried several methods, you have not achieved this, contact the specialists who installed the windows.