The Disadvantages Of Secondary Glazing And Condensation
Today, men are able to build just about anything. There are many modern majestic structures throughout the world. Once a structure has been finished, it is on the the next project. Our cities continue to grow larger, and the building grow older. Many older buildings have been given historic status. They are provided with a sprucing up that holds true to their architectural standards, requiring them to maintain the good old wooden windows or they can be replaced with brand new ones. Many builders add secondary glazing as an attempt to increase the effectiveness of the windows, but there is the potential for problems with secondary glazing and condensation.
Secondary glazing provides a single glazed window with an extra panel of glazing that is added to the inside. It is usually another single glazed panel of glass, but it can also be shrink wrap or a plastic film. It is most often surrounded by a metal frame with a gasket or membrane that creates what is supposed to be an airtight seal between the new and old glazing.
Although some people may be unfamiliar with all that secondary glazing entails, they do know what condensation is and how it happens. With windows, because they are glass, the interior and exterior temperatures are different, causing the moisture that is in the air by the glass to become cool and create a layer of condensation on the surface.
Humidity and moisture are two of the most important things to avoid when it comes to wood windows. Both result in the wood becoming warped and rotten, and can cause mold to grow as well. Many times, these issues are not identified until is is much too late, and then the window has to be entirely replaced.
Secondary glazing is not to be confused with double glazing, which is usually vacuum sealed in a factory environment that is moisture controlled. Secondary glazing traps regular, moist air, between the glazing and the single glazed window. Windows that are drafty will allow moisture from the outside to come in, and in the right conditions, the moisture creates condensation between the glass and settles at the bottom of the window. This greatly increases the odds that the window will rot.
The metal frame of the glazing panel also can be a culprit. Just like on glass, metal transfers temperature to the air and is likely to have moisture on it as well. While the moisture on the glass is easy to see, what is on the metal, especially between the panes, is much more difficult.
Wooden windows that are failing because of moisture should be immediately replaced. It is important to consider all options when deciding how to weatherize windows, as replacement is costly and laborious. There are positives and negatives associated with all options, but secondary glazing and condensation is an important problem to remember.
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