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.
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.
When it comes to wood windows, humidity and moisture are one of the things to avoid. They can cause warping and rotting, not to mention mold. Often times, problems are not identified until it is too late and the window has to be completely replaced.
Secondary glazing should not be confused with double glazing. Double glazing is sealed with a vacuum in a factory that is moisture controlled. Secondary glazing traps regular air, filled with moisture, between the new glazing and the single glazed panel of glass. A window that is drafty also allows moisture to settle inside, which increases the odds of the wood rotting. It also adds to the chances that the humidity level will rise between the panes of glass, effecting any wood that is exposed inside of the seal.
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.
Wood windows that have failed due to moisture need to be replaced immediately. This can be very costly and labor intensive. So, when it comes time to look at how to weatherize windows, it is important to weigh all options available, looking at the positives and negatives, and decide which one is best.
Looking for more info on the downside to secondary glazing and condensation. Get the ultimate low down now in our secondary glazing London and sash window restoration London overview.



