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.
For those who are unfamiliar with the term secondary glazing and do not know what it is, secondary glazing is an additional glazing panel added to the inside of an existing single glazed window. Typically a single glazed piece of glass, but sometimes a plastic film or shrink wrap, it is often surround by a metal frame which incorporates some sort of membrane or gasket to create a sealed interior air space between the new glazing and the old.
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.
Another potential culprit is the metal frame on the glazing panel. Metal is also capable of transferring the temperature through the air and can also have moisture on it. Moisture on glass is easily seen, but when it is on the metal, it is not as visible.
Windows manufactured with a wood frame that are having moisture problems need to be replaced right away. This is usually a labor intensive, expensive project. When considering the best way to protect windows from the weather, it is necessary to consider all the choices available to you, and decide what is best. If you have wood frame windows, you may want to avoid secondary glazing due to the risks associated with secondary glazing and condensation.
Looking for more info on the downside to secondary glazing and condensation. Get the low down now in our complete secondary glazing London and sash window restoration London review.