Why Windows "Cry": Possible Causes and Solutions

Vladislav Dobronravov

Leading technical specialist of Okna-Media company

The article was prepared specially for the site https://azaoknom.ru "And Behind the Window"

Many modern owners install plastic windows in their homes. Indeed, their popularity is growing more and more every year. The practicality of plastic structures is striking and makes it possible to obtain a more functional window system.

Often, owners of plastic windows are faced with such a problem as the appearance of condensing moisture on the glass, in the common people this phenomenon is called "crying". Most of the moisture occurs as a result of the difference in temperature conditions on the street and, accordingly, in the room itself.

Most often, this situation happens in the winter, when the temperature outside the window is much lower than at home. That is why you should not wait for the immediate appearance of crying, and then carry out a series of work to get rid of it.

You just need to follow some recommendations for the proper care of double-glazed windows, which in turn will provide conditions on their surface that are unfavorable for the appearance of moisture.

Physical properties of condensate

Ice becomes water due to heating, and the opposite process occurs with decreasing temperature. It is called moisture condensation. High temperature air contains liquid in the form of vapor. The situation changes with cooling. Air cannot hold a lot of liquid, as it decreases in volume, and moisture remains in areas with a lower temperature.

The glass of the window is considered the coldest place in the house, since it borders the street, so condensation appears on it. At very low temperatures outside, it becomes ice. At first glance, it may seem that condensation is not dangerous. But with the frequent formation of liquid, construction products get wet, after which the rigidity of the structure is weakened and the formation of mold. Therefore, it is important to know why the windows in the house "cry", as well as how to fix it.

The seal has dried out

The glass unit has a thin rubber layer - a seal. If it wears out, cracks, and ceases to perform its functions, windows begin to leak when it rains. What to do?

Even before installing the structure, it is recommended to clarify the service life of the seal. Some manufacturers use polymers that are sensitive to sudden changes in temperature and ultraviolet radiation. After a sunny summer or an especially cold winter, the windows on the balcony leak during the rain, because the rubber in the frame has deteriorated, has lost its plasticity, and microscopic tears have appeared in its structure.

The reasons

One of the important functions of windows is considered to be the protection of housing from freezing. But not all structures fulfill their purpose efficiently, since they are not operated according to the rules. Why do windows cry? There are the following reasons for this phenomenon:

1. Large temperature difference inside and outside.
2. High humidity inside.
3. Wide window sill above the battery.
4. Poor ventilation.
5. Failure to comply with the operating mode of the windows.
6. Rare ventilation of the room.
7. The wrong window is selected.
8. The presence of plants on the windowsills.

There is another reason why windows cry. Moisture appears on the glass due to errors during the production of products, as well as inaccuracies during the installation of double-glazed windows. These reasons also relate to why wooden windows "cry".

Why do plastic windows cry: reasons

In short, the main reasons have already been named: temperature and humidity. That is, it is worth putting them in order, and the problem will be solved. According to sanitary and hygienic standards, the recommended room temperature is at least 20 degrees, as for the relative humidity, it should be approximately 45%. If these rules are followed, in most cases it is possible to avoid the situation when plastic windows freeze and cry.

In general, here is a list of reasons that affect the appearance of condensation:

• Poor ventilation.
• Wide window sill.
• A large number of indoor plants.
• Wet weather.
• Lots of people in the room.
• The room is poorly ventilated.
• Renovation work.
• Weak heating.
• And etc.

Let's try to clarify.

If indoors poor ventilation

, which means the air is stagnant. If the air stagnates, then moisture remains in it. If moisture remains in it, then it will eventually fall out in the form of condensation on the window.

how wide window sill

got into the causes of crying plastic windows? Radiators in every house are located under the window. If the window sill blocks the flow of warm air to the window, the surface of the glass unit will cool more, and this will inevitably cause the appearance of a dew point.

Houseplants

absorb and release a lot of moisture. If left alone, it will fall out as condensation.

Why do plastic windows cry? On the street wet weather

... How is this related? Everyone is trying to ventilate the room more often. But few people think about the fact that outside humidity can reach 100%. When you ventilate the room, you blow in the moist air. Yes, maybe the house is getting fresher, as air saturated with oxygen comes in, but at the same time it is also saturated with moisture. Many people forget about it. If the room is not additionally dried out, then condensation cannot be avoided.

If there is a small, unventilated room many people

, then sooner or later the air there will be saturated with moisture. Even with normal breathing, one person excretes about 50 grams of water per hour. Needless to say, how much moisture enters the air when bathing and cooking?

Renovation work

Is always the way to a wet room. We will not go into details, we will restrict ourselves to one rhetorical question. Where does the moisture go when, for example, the cement slurry dries up?

Weak heating

... If the room is poorly heated, and it is frosty outside, then together with the dew point, condensation will appear in the form of ice.

The reasons seem to have been sorted out, but what to do next? More on this later.

Ventilation

Even after installing a new window, smudges on the glass and puddles on the windowsills often appear. Why do plastic windows "cry" and what to do in this case? The main task is to normalize the indoor climate. It is necessary to reduce humidity and ensure heating of the inner glass (if the package is two-chamber).

First you need to check if the ventilation is working. The system must remove humid air. With clogging, it accumulates inside and then settles on the windows. Probably, there is dust, dirt inside the air conditioning system, which makes all the work difficult. It is not difficult to check the level of clogging - you need to bring a lighted match or lighter to the outlet. If the fire goes out or hesitates, then the ventilation works, otherwise it needs cleaning.

Why plastic windows "cry": what to do (photo)

In addition to those mentioned above, there are more radical measures that require some financial costs. For example, those who are interested in why plastic windows are "crying" (you already know what to do so that the window sill does not interfere with convection) have probably seen the photos in which oblong devices of unknown purpose are installed on the window frames. These are ventilation valves that ventilate the premises without human intervention. Moreover, there are models that operate autonomously and do not require power supply.The only thing that needs to be done for the valve to work as it should is to check and, if necessary, clean and repair the exhaust ventilation in the apartment. Moreover, there are models that can be installed on an already mounted PVC window.

Window sill

A wide window sill above the heating system interferes with proper air circulation. This may also be one of the reasons why windows "cry". The required heat is not supplied to the structure, and when cooled, water appears on it.

This problem can be eliminated by reducing the window sill so that warm air from the battery is directed to the window. If possible, pull out the heating radiator. It is even more convenient to find another method of heating the window.

Elimination of the problem: when the windows on the balcony sweat

The best thing to do is improve ventilation in the room. First of all, install ventilation valves. They are window and wall. The supply ventilation window valve is installed in the upper sash of the plastic window profile. The simplest systems consist of a plastic grid and a shut-off valve. Installation of these systems can be done at home without dismantling the window profile.

The wall valve for supply ventilation is installed in the wall. To install a wall valve, it is necessary to drill a hole of the required diameter in the wall and mount the valve according to the attached instructions. There is an even cheaper way to eliminate dampness in a room - this is a "slot ventilation" device.

You can simply ventilate the balcony by opening it for 15-20 minutes in the morning and evening, even in severe frosts. But no more, otherwise you can achieve the opposite effect.

Another reason is excessive humidity (leakage or flow of rain or snow from the upper floors). Therefore, this factor should also be taken into account. If, nevertheless, this happened, it is necessary either to call a specialist, or to seal the cracks on your own with the help of a water-repellent sealant.

What needs to be done to improve ventilation:

• Install a supply ventilation valve;
• Install a "slot ventilation" device;
• Ventilate the balcony periodically;
• Eliminate the flow of rain and snow from the street.

The second reason for condensation on the windows is cold and a large temperature difference between the room and the outside air. This can be avoided by insulating and heating the balcony. This method is quite expensive and costly. The balcony can be insulated with different heat-insulating materials - mineral wool, polystyrene or polystyrene foam. The last insulation is the most suitable for balcony insulation. It must be laid strictly following the manufacturer's instructions. The floor, ceiling, and fencing of the balcony or loggia are subject to insulation. It is imperative that the insulation is sheathed with decorative material, and a vapor barrier is laid.

Also in the room it is best to install an electric heater (electric convector) or, if funds permit, put a warm floor. That being said, it is best to use heating mats. But all this must be mounted during the rough work.

Modes of double-glazed windows

Why do plastic windows "cry" if the above factors are absent? All double-glazed windows have 2 operating modes - summer and winter. If you do not switch from one to the other in a timely manner, then condensation appears, since the inner side is very cooled.

Before cold weather (in October or November), it is advisable to transfer the product to winter mode. Condensation often appears indoors, where the vents are rarely opened. In this case, it is necessary to air at least 15-20 minutes every day. This not only ensures a good air circulation, which protects against condensation, but also provides fresh air, which has a positive effect on breathing.

You can insulate the space around the window. It is advisable to work with drywall.This material has excellent thermal insulation properties. It is necessary to insulate the window slopes, the area under the windowsill, the outer wall. The better the plasterboard finish is, the lower the risk of condensation. The increase in temperature in the house leads to insulation of the space near the window. These actions can be easily performed independently.

How to eliminate fogging of plastic windows - we solve the problem

To prevent plastic windows from fogging up, a number of preventive measures can be taken. So, if the window is already installed and the problem does not bother you very much, then follow two simple steps:

• Remove any houseplant pots from the windowsill. Plants and moist soil both cause condensation.
• Ventilate the apartment regularly - especially if the humidity in it temporarily rises for some reason.

If you are just planning to install a plastic window, then immediately check that all work is carried out carefully and in accordance with the technology:

• choose at least a high quality 2-chamber glass unit, ideally with an energy-saving film. The best option is considered to be a vacuum glass unit;
• carry out high-quality work on the insulation of slopes: the polyurethane foam is carefully sealed both from the inside and outside of the room, and then a suitable insulation is added;
• the place of attachment of the low tide is also covered with cement and insulated with foam;
• the place where excess foam emerges from under the windowsill is also carefully putty - this eliminates the effect of cold in this area.

As for the main recommendations for eliminating condensation on plastic windows, they are as follows:

• if the outside air temperature allows it, it is advisable to keep the windows on the "airing" mode all the time;
• constantly use the hood in the kitchen during the cooking process, regularly ventilate the premises;
• reduce the width of the window sill or move the battery away from the wall, install convection grilles in the window sill or drill holes. It may also be necessary to remove the decorative grilles;
• check the efficiency of the apartment ventilation - a thin sheet of paper should stick to the ventilation grill. If this does not happen, the ventilation system requires cleaning;
• if a defect is found in the construction of a metal-plastic window or inconsistencies in the technology of its installation are admitted, contact the company that carried out the work - their responsibilities include eliminating inconsistencies;
• regularly check the wear of the fittings - adjustment or replacement of components may be required;
• do not forget to transfer metal-plastic windows into winter operating mode. This requires a hex wrench - it is inserted into the eccentric at the end of the window, and then turned.

As you can see, there are two main reasons why condensation collects on plastic windows - either incorrectly carried out work on the installation of a metal-plastic structure or its marriage (wear), or too high humidity in the room.

So if you choose a quality product and check the correct installation, then there is a high probability that the windows will not fog up.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=ud08HAQ2LOk

And if you also ensure the observance of the temperature regime and high-quality ventilation of the balcony, then the problem will be finally solved - you will forget about unpleasant drips on the glass and dampness.

Glass unit production and installation

Although the installers of plastic windows are professionals, they still get errors. Oversights are also allowed by the residents of the premises where the designs are changing. In this case, you also need to know what to do. Why do windows sweat and cry? This is due to several reasons:

1. Inaccuracies during the design or manufacture of windows.
2. Purchase of an unsuitable double-glazed unit.
3. Poor installation.

Poor quality structures need to be repaired or disposed of. Buyers should choose windows carefully. If the product will be installed inside rooms or on a loggia, it is necessary to purchase a two-chamber model. Products with 1 chamber are ideal for a room adjacent to a glazed balcony (since it does not need additional insulation).

For reasons of economy, many people choose thin glasses, but they do not adequately protect from the cold. In addition, condensation will appear on such products. When replacing plastic products with wooden ones, you need to prepare for changing the ventilation mode. PVC is a sealed material that increases the humidity inside, and there are cracks in the wood through which air is exchanged.

If you compare the plastic and wooden construction, you can find one difference - the inner glass of the former has a lower temperature, so it condenses faster. Construction errors are as follows:

1. Incorrect foaming of cracks.
2. The emergence of a "cold bridge" - the area of ​​adjoining plastic or wood to the side of the wall with a negative temperature.
3. Blowing masonry - appears with the destruction of horizontal or vertical joints between bricks.

If you want to purchase a durable product, it is important to control all stages of window installation. Also, do not purchase a wide window sill. These are the main reasons why windows sweat and "cry". It is necessary to identify the cause of this phenomenon and eliminate it.

Lack of polyurethane foam

The third reason why windows are leaking is insufficient sealing of the joints. Despite the fact that PVC structures are made according to precisely measured dimensions, the window opening itself rarely has an ideal geometry. If the frame is put to replace the old one, then brick and concrete are painted during the dismantling of the window block. Cracks are formed, which, according to the technology, the workers must foame. The mounting foam additionally fixes the plastic frame, insulates it, and increases the sound insulation of the room.

Therefore, if a plastic window leaks during the rain due to insufficient foam, the owner will face other problems:

• blowing noticeably from the window;
• ice forms during cold weather;
• street noise enters the room even when the doors are closed.

Wooden windows

Wood allows air to pass through better, therefore, less condensation appears on such structures. But if fogging occurs, then in order to get rid of the problem, it is necessary to take into account how they were insulated. To normalize the microclimate in a room with double-glazed windows made of wood, you need to follow simple recommendations:

1. Remove the seal and polyurethane foam from the upper part of the frame, look at the condition of the glass. If condensation appears, it is necessary to leave the window frame without the removed parts until it dries out completely. To speed up the process will allow blowing with a heat gun, a fan with warm air.
2. Condensation can occur due to improper installation of heating radiators or their poor quality. Often, windows sweat and cry due to the fact that the heating system is far away. To eliminate condensation, you should transfer it to the double-glazed windows.
3. Wood is considered to be more sensitive to air currents than plastic. Drops on the glass may appear due to the fact that the door to the room is not closed or the tap is leaking. Avoid such penetration of moisture into the air.
4. Washed clothes that dry on batteries also have a negative effect on windows.
5. Blackout curtains that darken the room increase the chance of condensation.

It should be borne in mind that wooden window products are better than PVC, as they form little moisture on the glass. Their surface structure transmits and distributes heat evenly.

6 main reasons for crying plastic windows

A slightly more detailed article on the same topic can be found here.Today I want to briefly understand the main reasons for the "tearfulness" of plastic windows. And, you yourself, relying on this article, will be able to find out exactly your own, specific case. Find the cause, eliminate it and your windows will stop crying.

Poor ventilation system

Bring a burning match to the ventilation grill in the apartment: if the flame is not drawn into the channel by the air stream, then there are problems. As a result of cooking, washing and drying clothes, and taking a shower, the air in the room becomes damp. Moisture condenses on window panes and gets onto frame elements and window sills.

By the way, modern double-glazed windows are more airtight than wooden frames, there is no natural air flow into a house or apartment. Therefore, you need to air the rooms for 10 minutes at least twice a day.

Depressurization of a double-glazed window

Its sign is the formation of ice on glass. It is necessary either to grease the glass and frame joints with silicone sealant, or to replace the sealing rubber in the double-glazed windows. In wooden windows, seal the joints with a self-adhesive sealant.

Very wide window sill

It disrupts the convection of air from the heating radiator. As a result, drops of moisture appear on the cold glass. Of course, you can replace the window sill, but it's cheaper - to mount a ventilation grill on it. Cut a hole in the window sill panel with a jigsaw and insert the grate into it.

Poor quality slopes

Air enters through the cracks in them from the street and excessively cools the window panes. Way out: dismantle the plastic panels, fill the space between the window frame and the opening with foam, then return everything to its original position.

Insulation problems

Single-chamber double-glazed windows with unsatisfactory thermal insulation are suitable only as dividing ones - for example, between a room and a glazed loggia. Otherwise the glasses will perspire regularly. Solution to the problem: after the cold season, replace the double-glazed windows with two-chamber or multifunctional ones.

Home plants

The abundance of flower pots on the windowsill oversaturated the air with moisture - the glass begins to "cry". Try to keep the "botanical garden" next to the window frames to a minimum in the apartment in winter.

Why condensation appears on the horses, you will be told in this video.

And, in this, one craftsman will tell you what can be done so that the windows no longer cry.

Window treatment

Why windows "cry" and what to do in this case, are of interest to many people. This drawback can be eliminated by regular processing of products:

1. If possible, you can purchase special products designed to eliminate condensation. When applied, they form an invisible film that repels water. You can buy them in household chemicals stores. Before use, you must study the instructions.
2. Treatment of windows with a saline solution is considered an effective method. This will require salt (1 tablespoon) and water (5 liters). The solution must be filtered, removing undissolved crystals. Then you can wipe the window with the agent. If after processing stains, white spots appear, a little water is added to the solution, after which you can wipe the structures again.
3. A soapy solution will do. You will need a little water and detergent. A microfiber napkin should be moistened in the prepared solution, squeezed out and processed the window. Then you need to wash the window with clean water and wipe it with a dry cloth.
4. A solution based on water and alcohol. This method should be used when the house is cold. Add a little alcohol. The product is easy to apply and provides moisture protection.

Reasons: the windows on the balcony fog up, what to do (video)

In conclusion, it should be noted that when the windows fog up, you cannot immediately figure out what to do with it. But the appearance of condensation depends on many reasons, as well as the solution to this problem. And the correct answer to this problem, as well as elimination, is best left to specialists.

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other methods

And here are some more tips:

1. You can get rid of condensation with decorative candles. To do this, you need to buy several decorative candles, preferably large ones, light them, install them on the windowsill. It was noticed that this way the air circulation is normalized.
2. The "Second" tool is suitable. The liquid should be sprayed onto the problem structure, and then wiped dry with newspapers.
3. The fans help to normalize the air flow. The device must be directed towards the window, and after 10-20 minutes the problem will disappear.
4. You can rub the windows with a mixture of glycerin and alcohol. The ratio of substances should be 1:10. Only first you need to wash the windows with warm water, wipe them. After that, you can apply the mixture and leave it without rinsing.

Ways to protect windows from condensation

You can eliminate the problem of crying glasses in other ways, including folk remedies. The task of a similar nature is faced by motorists. For them, special chemical compositions have been developed to counteract the formation of condensation. The most commonly used methods:

1. Saline solution: 1 tbsp. spoon for 5 liters of water. Wipe the glass with liquid. If whitish stains remain, repeat the procedure with a lower salt concentration.
2. Soap or detergent solution. The actions are similar, in conclusion, wipe the glass with a dry cloth. Do the same with water and glycerine-alcohol mixture. The proportion is maintained at 10: 1.
3. Means for cleaning windows Second - spray evenly over the entire area, rub dry with a clean newspaper.
4. Decorative candles lit and placed on the windowsills (away from curtains and curtains) will raise the temperature near the glass. The dew point will disappear.
5. A household fan will cope with condensation in 10-20 minutes if the flow is directed to a weeping window.

Tips for eliminating condensation

It is important to control the state of the glass units, following the rules for stabilizing the microclimate. If you neglect the advice, then even on two-chamber and reliable structures, condensation appears in winter and at other times of the year. It is necessary to know not only why plastic windows "cry". How to deal with this is an important question. You need to follow the following guidelines:

1. Check ventilation regularly.
2. Air the house for 10-15 minutes every day.
3. Do not choose single chamber kits for replacement.
4. Control thorough foaming of the frame-wall joint and other stages of installation.
5. Do not choose wide window sills that cover the battery.
6. If the glass unit has several modes, then change them according to the season.
7. Seal slopes.
8. Maintain humidity at a rate of 45-60%.

As you can see, glasses can perspire for a variety of reasons. By following simple rules, it will be possible to get rid of condensation. Then the glasses will always be clean and beautiful.

"Weeping" windows in an apartment and a house: how to solve the problem?

There are quite a number of methods for eliminating "crying" windows. So, let's talk about the most effective and common:

• If you know about high humidity in your apartment or house, make it a rule to ventilate the room every day. It is also necessary to remove all indoor plants directly from the windowsill, because they release moisture, which will then settle on the window in the form of condensation.
• Provide good ventilation.
• If your window can work in two modes, then do not forget to use this function. Accordingly, in winter your window should not be in summer mode, and in summer in winter mode.
• Do not skimp on buying windows, remember - a stingy person pays twice. Since you have decided to replace your old windows with plastic ones, choose the highest quality ones. Correctly selected and installed windows will serve you for many, many years.

Solving the problem of sweating windows

• If there is no extractor hood in the kitchen, it would be good to purchase one. And use it regularly while cooking.
• If possible, the windows should be kept in the "airing" mode. This will provide a constant flow of air.
• Do not forget that over time all things break down or wear out. Therefore, it will not be superfluous to check the integrity of the fittings from time to time, and, if necessary, replace the components.

A little theory about the dew point

The dew point (TC) is the temperature at which the vapor in the air reaches saturation, as a result of which it begins to condense. This value directly depends on the relative humidity and air temperature.

To understand what this is about, consider the following table:

According to the given data, at 25 ° C and 60% relative humidity, the dew point will be 16.2 ° C. That is, on objects with a surface temperature of 16.2 ° C and below, condensation will fall out. You can notice a tendency: the higher the humidity value, the closer the vehicle is to the actual room temperature.

If the dew point exceeds 20 ° C, the person begins to experience discomfort as it becomes stuffy. And situations when the vehicle is approaching 25 ° C pose a serious danger to people suffering from heart and respiratory diseases. Therefore, with such diseases, it is not recommended to visit countries with a tropical climate.

Various dew point readings are perceived by humans as follows:

• <10 ° С - slight feeling of dryness;
• 10-15 ° С - comfortable;
• 16-17 ° С - possible feeling of humidity;
• 18-20 ° С - uncomfortable for most;
• 21-24 ° С - very stuffy;
• 25 ° C and above is extremely uncomfortable, life-threatening for heart patients and asthma patients.

For your information! The highest dew point of 35 ° С was recorded on July 20, 2012 in Iranian Jask. On this day, the air warmed up to 36 ° C, and the relative humidity was 95%.

The dew point is the most important indicator not only for human well-being, but also for construction projects. If this parameter is incorrectly calculated, condensation will form on the surface, which will accelerate the corrosion of the material. Therefore, builders are obliged to take into account the vehicle when insulating or painting a structure.

Condensation is the main problem of insufficiently insulated construction projects