Plastic windows are leaking and there are puddles (water) on the windowsill. Why windows leak, and how to fix it Plastic windows flow very strongly

The phenomenon of "weeping" windows is more or less familiar to every owner of plastic double-glazed windows. However, if for some, condensate only occasionally reminds of the need to ventilate the room, then for someone it becomes a real test and requires constant attention not only to the windows themselves, but also to the adjacent surfaces and the room as a whole. After all, fogged double-glazed windows - whether it is the space of a room or a balcony and a loggia - do not just “close” the view of the street. They provoke the appearance of dampness and fungus and entail damage to the window sill coating, which occurs due to the regular presence of flowing water on it. But what is the reason for the increased formation of condensate? Let's try to understand our article.

Natural phenomena at home

Even from school lessons, we all remember the description of such a vital process as the water cycle in nature. One of its stages is associated with the transformation of water from a gaseous state into a liquid, an example of which in the natural environment is the dew drop on the grass. Invisible water vapor contained in warm air cools with decreasing temperatures, turning into particles of water. We can observe a similar physical phenomenon in the example of some windows, which, due to their tendency to fogging, are called "weeping".

Condensation occurs due to temperature differences across inside double-glazed windows and indoors. Accordingly, the colder the window surface, the more likely it is that drops of water will appear on it. By the way, the window temperature at which the vapor contained in the air is converted to liquid on the glass is called the "dew point".

So, main reason condensation is a violation of the microclimate, a large gap between the temperature on the surface of the double-glazed window and inside the entire space of a room, house, loggia or balcony. However, it is necessary to understand what this problem is connected with.

Experts identify several factors:

Lack of proper circulation of warm air;

Violation of ventilation;

High humidity;

Installation of low-quality and technologically imperfect windows, as well as their failure professional installation.

In order to identify the true causes of excessive moisture, it is necessary to analyze under what circumstances it “decorates” the surface of the window and whether all structures in the house are subject to its formation. Here, any detail can play a role, including the time of year and time of day when perspiration appears, turning into liquid, the depth of the window sill, heating parameters and fresh air access, the presence of indoor plants and the purpose of the room.

Thaw in winter cold

As you watch the formation of condensate, you may notice that its precipitation is more characteristic of a seasonal cooling. This indicates that with the onset of cold weather on the street and the inclusion of the heating system in the house, the surface of the double-glazed window became its coldest part. That is, heat from heating devices either does not enter the window, or “leaves” due to some source of cold air.

If we talk about the disturbed circulation of warm air, here, first of all, it is necessary to pay attention to the operation of heating devices. Perhaps the reason is in the low heating parameters and then you just need to solve the issue of heat supply. If the heating is at the proper level, then the cause of the appearance of drops on double-glazed windows should be looked for somewhere nearby. First you need to check the window sill: it is likely that too much overhang blocks the flow of heat into the window area. Protective screens on heaters can also lead to this problem, which prevent heat from reaching the bottom of the window, which is why dew is released here. Sufficient heating of double-glazed windows can also be hindered by thick curtains covering batteries.

It also happens that heat loss is associated with the presence of "cold bridges" in the plastic. Because of them, the air temperature near the windowsill becomes lower than room temperature. In this case, the difference can reach 5-7°C. In addition, the flow of cold air occurs due to insufficient tightness in the area of ​​​​the porch, seams or lower loop. But we will dwell on this a little later.

Windows need a breath of fresh air

The first thing that fans of wooden windows point out is that such structures, unlike plastic ones, “breathe”. In fact, of course, it is not the tree that breathes, but the cracks through which fresh air from the street enters the room. By the way, it is in these cracks that the secret of the appearance of fabulous winter patterns on glass lies, which you definitely will not see on high-quality plastic windows. Is this good or bad? It depends on what to put in priority - warmth and comfort in the house or drawings from ice on glass, and sometimes ice on the frame. But back to the question of ventilation.

Condensation is often caused by poor ventilation when exhaust system does not fulfill its function. By the way, checking this is quite simple - just open the sash of any window and attach a sheet of paper to the hood hole in one of their rooms. If the air flow presses it against the decorative grille, then the ventilation is working properly, if not, an additional exhaust system channel is required.

Regular airing can also solve the problem, which will be useful not only for windows, but also for your body. In addition, this option can be made continuous - by organizing a permanent supply ventilation. The supply of fresh air in this case is provided either by installing modern window structures with built-in micro-ventilation systems, or by installing wall or window inlet valves.

It is also important to ensure free passage of air through the doors of rooms, bathrooms and toilets. To do this, the distance between the floor and the bottom door leaf should be 1.5-2 cm. If there is no such gap, ventilation valves (transfer grates) should be installed at the bottom of the doors.

Wet business

Often, fogging of double-glazed windows and their subsequent “weeping” is caused by high humidity in the room. Moreover, as a rule, this is not typical for the entire living space, but precisely for that part of it where the greatest evaporation occurs. This is a kitchen with a working kettle and a stove on which food is cooked, and insulated balconies and loggias where linen is dried and numerous plants delight the eye.

Get rid of excess moisture different ways- with the help of a dehumidifier, regular ventilation, use of a hood, competent housekeeping and rational operation household appliances. So, for example, turning glazed loggia v " winter Garden» be prepared for the fact that in the absence of air circulation you will encounter the so-called "greenhouse effect" and, as a result, misted and "weeping" windows. In case of disturbed air exchange, the insulated glazed balcony, on which the laundry is dried, will also turn into a mini-sauna. To avoid this, it is enough just to put the shutters on the ventilation mode and ensure full air circulation in the room.

Good windows don't cry

As mentioned above, the difference between the temperatures on the surface of the double-glazed window and inside the room contributes to the formation of condensate. Like morning dew, it covers the windows with perspiration, the droplets of which eventually end up on the slopes of the lower frame, and then on the windowsill. This unnecessary moisture causes sheer inconvenience, as it requires constant attention. After all, otherwise the accumulation of liquid can lead to damage to the window sill coating and the appearance of mold and mildew, which is much more dangerous.

Often, condensation is caused by poor-quality or technically imperfect window systems, as well as the lack of professionalism of the employees of the company that installed them. The shortcomings include, in particular, the insufficient thickness of the double-glazed windows, chosen for reasons of economy, and not for the climatic features of the area and performance characteristics windows. So, in winter conditions, an ordinary single-chamber system will behave incomparably worse than a standard two-chamber or single-chamber system, but made of modern heat-saving material and equipped with an energy-efficient profile.

Regular "crying" will be typical for cheap plastic windows. Often they are made from low-grade raw materials, have insufficient heat-shielding properties and tightness. In addition, the same dubious quality distinguishes the fittings and the profile system with which they are equipped, and this is a loose fit of the sashes, gaps between the frame and the double-glazed window and the lack of thermal insulation. Moreover, the dimensions of such products and the opening intended for them may simply not coincide.

The result of all the defects listed above is the freezing of the window, which, being unable to "keep" heat, at the same time perfectly conducts cold street air. The result is condensation. Caused by the temperature difference at the junction of air flows, it turns into a constant companion of such window structures.

We add that during the installation of low-quality windows, moisture can form not only outside, but also inside the double-glazed window. This indicates a manufacturing defect. And about your mistake when choosing a window company.

Recipe for crying: high-quality windows and professional installation

The installation of high-tech plastic windows from a reliable manufacturer will help to avoid such problems. For example, Okna-Etalon, one of the leaders in the window market in the Far East, offers its customers high-quality glazing of residential spaces, as well as balconies and loggias. We are talking, in particular, about the installation of energy-efficient plastic windows in a heat-saving profile from German concern REHAU. Modern materials, advanced technology and professional installation make these products virtually invulnerable to nature's tests.

Windows from the company "Windows-Etalon" can independently regulate the temperature in the room, creating the environment in which you are most comfortable. Such unique abilities of these structures are primarily due to the fact that their production is based on the use of i-glasses. That is, glasses with a multilayer coating and the thinnest silver coating on the surface, deposited in a vacuum space and under conditions of an acting magnetic field. The silver ions contained in the material allow the window to reflect long-wave heat rays towards their emitter, leaving heat where there is more of it. In other words, in summer the rays turn towards the hot street, bringing coolness into the house, and in winter they are directed towards heated rooms, while reducing heat loss and “returning” up to 90% of the heat waves emitted by heating devices.

Another very important technical specification such double-glazed windows are improved indicators of thermal protection. If for a conventional double-glazed window at +20°С indoors and at an outside air temperature of -26°С, the temperature on the surface of the window inside the apartment will be only +5°, then for a design with i-glass, the same figure is up to +14° ( !). As you can see, the temperature difference is very small. This means that the likelihood of condensation, which is so characteristic of conventional window systems, is also minimal. By the way, in terms of thermal insulation plastic windows with i-glass are significantly superior to their predecessors. They don't feel cold. And this also suggests that such structures will not “cry” due to the access of cold air from the street.

The profiles with which they are equipped also have high rates of thermal protection and energy efficiency. Manufactured at the factories of the famous German concern "REHAU" - a recognized world leader in the production of profile systems for modern plastic windows - they are endowed with exceptional heat-saving properties. Take, for example, the REHAU SIB profile, designed specifically for the harsh climatic conditions of Siberia. Its unique capabilities have been confirmed in the course of tests carried out by specialists from the leading branch institute of the Research Institute of Building Physics of the RAASN. The experiment, which took place in a special chamber, demonstrated the invariance of the performance of REHAU SIB under the influence of extremely low temperatures. In particular, at a temperature of outside windows at -42°C and +20°C - inside, as well as at an increased relative humidity of ≈55%, the window did not freeze and did not “cry” with condensate, excellently withstanding a temperature difference of more than 60 degrees. By the way, the material used for the production of profiles under the REHAU brand is so ready to withstand the whims of nature that it performs equally well at temperatures from -50 ° to + 50 ° С.

In addition, all REHAU profile systems have high waterproofing parameters. A double-circuit seal guarantees the tightest fit of the sash to the frame around the entire perimeter and 100% tightness. Due to this, plastic windows in the REHAU profile reliably protect the premises from drafts, and windows from unnecessary moisture.

We also note that no matter what profile from the REHAU concern the customer chooses, he can be sure of the highest quality of the product. The control on the part of the manufacturer is very strict and involves its own verification of the accuracy of the dimensions and quality of incoming raw materials, as well as the analysis of its chemical and physical properties. In addition, internal monitoring is enhanced by the presence of independent experts, which generally ensures impeccably high quality, which means reliability and durability of windows in REHAU profile systems. By the way, the service life of structures equipped with the latest generation REHAU profile can reach 60 years, which has been proven at the stage of their testing.

The principle "Quality in everything!" the Okna-Etalon company also adheres to, which also controls the quality of products at all stages of its production. So, for example, for the manufacture of high-quality products, the process of cutting and cutting glass at the enterprise was fully automated. It is carried out by a special automatic table. Along with dimensional accuracy, this Italian equipment provides high-quality processing of the edge of the cut material. And this guarantees increased tightness of double-glazed windows and, of course, increases their service life. Thus, the errors and shortcomings characteristic of manual processing, are completely excluded here.

As well as the negative consequences of unprofessional installation, which are so typical for one-day firms, are also excluded. Unlike unscrupulous service providers, which, unfortunately, are present on the local market, all Okna-Etalon employees have undergone special training and have the appropriate certificates. That is why the quality guarantee here extends not only to the plastic windows themselves, but also to their installation. The company "Windows-Etalon" values ​​its reputation.

You can get detailed information about the installation of plastic windows at the partner offices - the Okna-Etalon company, as well as by phone:

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

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

In an ordinary apartment, hoods are used for ventilation 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;
  • exit roof closure ventilation duct 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 your supply ventilation is not working properly, 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.

V 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;
  • mounted decorative lattice, hiding the heating battery and preventing 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 that cold air is able to penetrate into a 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.

In different conditions, different methods of ventilation are selected.

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

If you install a plastic window, be prepared for the fact that with the onset of cold weather it will often fog up. Plastic windows are leaking - it is with such a problem that the owners of PVC structures turn to the companies where they were purchased. As a rule, the dialogue boils down to indignation: “You sold a low-quality product, the previous (wooden) windows did not cause us so many problems, please, correct the situation.” A person may not even guess why plastic windows are flowing - he blames the company in which he made the purchase for everything. This is not entirely correct. There are many reasons why condensation accumulates on the product. Why windows cry - we will answer this question. In addition, from this article you will learn how to deal with this phenomenon on your own. You will be convinced that repairing plastic windows with your own hands is possible.

Why windows cry - causes of condensation

To begin with, it is necessary to destroy the long-established stereotype that wooden windows don't sweat and that's the only problem plastic products. Any modern design with a double-glazed window, regardless of the material from which it is made, lends itself to "sweating" under certain conditions. It should be noted that single windows are more susceptible to this than double ones. This is due to the fact that two-frame products have an increased thermal insulation coefficient. Since PVC products are mostly single-frame, condensation on a plastic window accumulates faster.

On the other hand, it may seem that the material plays a paramount role - wooden structures Even in Soviet times, they practically did not sweat, unlike modern plastic ones. However, not everything is so simple here either. If the old windows had a good seal in the porch, and even had no gaps between the frames and glass, they would sweat no worse than PVC products. Plastic structures are reliably sealed. Upon their installation, the warm air in the apartment does not escape to the street, as this would happen with old windows. As a result, the humidity in the room increases. This is where condensation appears on the plastic window. Consider the reasons why windows cry more closely.

  1. First, we should still touch on the issue of the quality of plastic structures. Not every window can be made to last. So in winter, first of all, those products that were made from a thin profile sweat. This is due to the fact that they cannot retain heat in sufficient quantities. As a result of this, a dew point is formed, and the air near the glasses condenses into a liquid, settling on them. In addition, the appearance of moisture can be affected by the quality of the fittings, as well as the lack of special openings for slotted ventilation. Taking into account all these factors, in order to avoid possible problems in the future, windows should be ordered from reputable and time-tested suppliers. If a poor-quality design has already been installed, you should contact the service center for the help of specialists.
  2. Secondly, plastic windows most often cry because of their tightness. This is observed if there is no normal ventilation system. In this case, the tightness coefficient should not be attributed to the design flaws, on the contrary, this is its main advantage. Plastic windows are crying to a greater extent due to a poor-quality ventilation system. In such conditions, moisture on the product will accumulate constantly.
  3. Thirdly, the width of the window sill may be the cause of condensation on the glass. No matter how strange it may sound, this design can contribute to the formation of moisture on the product. This is due to the fact that the protruding window sill plays the role of a kind of protective screen, blocking the warm air flow. As a result, the air stagnates due to violation of convection. As a result, the window fogs up quickly. To exclude such a possibility, the attention of the measurer should be focused on this when ordering the structure.
  4. Fourthly, plastic windows often cry from problems with heating the room. If the heating system is working correctly, this will to some extent be a guarantee that you will not have to deal with fogging of the windows. The optimal temperature regime in the room contributes to the formation of ascending currents that prevent the air from cooling to the dew point that accumulates near the window.
  5. Finally, the most common cause of condensation on glass is high humidity in the room. The most obvious example is the kitchen. During cooking, steam is regularly generated here. As a result of this, windows often sweat. However, this is not the only place where condensation can be observed on the product due to high humidity. For example, such a picture can be seen in the bathrooms.

Of course, this phenomenon should be combated, since humidity also negatively affects other factors besides the formation of moisture on the glass. For example, a fungus forms in a room, which has a negative effect on building materials and even on human health. In addition, the fungus can cause even more active condensation on the plastic window.

The dew point is nothing more than the temperature to which air is cooled and then saturated with water vapor at a given humidity and constant pressure. As soon as the dew point is reached, water vapor condenses in the air itself or on objects in contact with it. At a relative humidity of less than 100%, the dew point will remain below the air temperature and the lower the relative humidity, the lower its temperature will be. At 100% humidity, the actual air temperature will coincide with the dew point.

The image below shows the surface temperature as accurately as possible at atmospheric pressure, which is normal (762 mmHg). Condensation will form on such a surface at a known air temperature and its relative humidity:


Everything here is outrageously simple. If the window fogs up, just open it for 10-15 minutes to ventilate. When you close it, you will find that all the condensation has disappeared. The reason for this lies in the physics textbook for the eighth grade. At a given temperature, the air can contain a strictly defined amount of vapor. For example, in a steamed bath at t=+80°С, the content of steam exceeds its amount in dry air tenfold. When the window is opened, the humid air in the room is replaced by dry air from the street. As soon as the temperature drops to normal limits (~20°C), the relative humidity of the air decreases and the condensate disappears.

Optimal conditions for residential premises - relative humidity 40%-50% at a temperature of 19-24°C. If such a regime is maintained in the room, you will be able to avoid the appearance of condensate on the slopes, the frame, or the double-glazed window itself. Least of all, increased humidity in a room depends on human activity - the main factor affecting it is poor-quality air exchange. In other words, in a well-ventilated room, the likelihood that condensation may appear on the windows is rapidly reduced to zero.

conclusions

  • First of all, it is necessary to ensure the sealing of the inner binding of the window wound so that as little air as possible from the room gets into the space between the panes. In this case, moisture cannot get on the outer glass.
  • Since the workmanship of most of our windows is such that complete sealing of the binding is impossible, it is necessary to ensure ventilation of the space between panes. That is, there should be as few gaps as possible between the inner frame of the window and the binding, and there should be gaps between the outer frame and the binding.
  • But, of course, they should not be very large. Indeed, in this case, the inner glass will be cooled and condensate will already accumulate on it. True, now it will not freeze and accumulate on the windowsill, but will begin to drain to the floor of the room, which is also unpleasant. Therefore, usually, if the gaps between the outer binding and the frame are small, they are not sealed at all, but if they are large, small areas at the top and bottom of the binding are left unsealed. Old traditional materials are also suitable for this work.
  • The joint between the glass and the binding is smeared with window putty, and the gaps between the binding and the window are pierced with tow (or any other material) and pasted over from above. True, paper is not particularly convenient for this: it can be difficult to remove it in the spring.

Another method

  • Prepared strips of white fabric (usually from old sheets) are moistened with milk, rubbed laundry soap and glued on.
  • After drying, the mixture of milk and soap forms an airtight film, and in the spring the fabric can be easily removed after being wetted with water.
  • It can be washed and reused.
  • But there are now a wide variety of more convenient imported materials for window sealing in the shops of the city.
  • The joint between the glass and the frame is better treated not with window putty, but with rubber-like silicone sealant. After all, putty is a short-lived material, it quickly cracks, and then falls off.
  • Silicone sealant, on the other hand, not only lasts almost forever, but also provides a much better seal. This is already evidenced by the fact that it is increasingly used for gluing frameless glass aquariums.
  • To seal the gaps between the frames and the binding, it is better to use self-adhesive rubber compressor. It is available in various thicknesses - for gaps from 2 to 10 mm, it is very convenient to use and provides almost complete sealing.

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Through the window we look at the world, the sun, the sky, and the drips of moisture on the glass cover this beauty. There may be several reasons for their appearance. Therefore, before calling with claims to the company about the problem with plastic windows, where you ordered them, try to figure out for yourself why this is happening.

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Increased indoor humidity

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Compared to wooden windows (which have many small gaps), PVC windows are very airtight and do not let in air from the outside at all, so the room needs to be ventilated more often. It is enough to open the windows for five minutes three times a day or put on micro-ventilation. Heat loss in this case is not at all significant, and moisture should return to normal.

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Violated convection mode in a plastic window

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It is good when the window is installed above the battery: warm air, rising from it, will heat the cold glass, and there will be no moisture. But if, when installing windows, you made wide window sills that cover the radiator, warm air will not reach the windows. In this case, you can get rid of moisture by drilling several holes (for air) in the windowsill, and fogging will stop.

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Wide double-glazed window at the plastic window

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It is better if it is no more than 70 mm thick. A thicker double-glazed window will not retain much heat, but will interfere with other properties of the window. In this case, only ventilation will help, which will significantly reduce the moisture inside the room.

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Defect of the plastic window itself

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This can be determined only by discarding all the above defects. If there are a lot of windows in the room, and only one fogs up, it means that the defect is on the face. Now you can safely contact the company that installed them for you. I think they will not refuse to correct their mistakes. If all the windows in the room are sweating, then most likely the reason is not in them.

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How to deal with condensation on windows?

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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, the optimum air temperature should not be lower than twenty degrees Celsius, and the relative humidity should not be 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 window fittings, as well as hypothermia of the slopes, it is better to fully open the window for about 5-6 minutes. This time is enough to remove all excess moisture, while the heat from the room will not have time to leave.

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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.

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How to do it? Below are a few simple ways.

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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.

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2 way - advanced

If there are no plants on the windowsill and plastic windows are crying, 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.

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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.

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4 way - chemical

Now that you know why plastic windows are leaking, what to do with them becomes immediately clear. 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.

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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.

Why plastic windows cry

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 the problem of weeping windows, many of us begin to accuse manufacturers of cheating. That is why it is first of all necessary to dispel the myth of poor quality products. It's 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 inside.

So how to understand why plastic 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) 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 leak. 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 the increased humidity 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 go out of the cold into warm room- glasses usually fog up immediately, and windows cry.

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) 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 leak. 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 the increased humidity 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, your glasses usually fog up right away, and the windows cry.

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

In addition, the cause of condensation on plastic windows can be

next:

  • carrying out construction works or renovations of apartments using such wet processes as painting walls with water-dispersed 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 existing system ventilation, as well as the demolition of interior partitions.

Ventilation

Often the reason why condensation on plastic windows 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 there are many multifunctional household appliances in addition, it is often located next to the bathroom. In such areas, it is clear why plastic windows are leaking.

Often, the problem of weeping windows is faced by residents of the upper floors of houses, because through ventilation holes Dirty, damp air enters 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 heavy condensation on plastic windows, it is enough just to equip the ventilation openings in the apartment with forced ventilation fans with check valve. In fact, the houses that were built according to the USSR SNiPs are designed for the fact that the air flow into the premises will be carried out through the slots in the windows (the principle of 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 central heating system plays a very important role in the problem of condensate. 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 heating radiator, this can lead to difficulty in the convection of warm air from the radiator, and therefore, the moisture content will increase. Make sure the radiators are not cluttered 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, the optimum air temperature should not be lower than twenty degrees Celsius, and the relative humidity should not be 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.


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 it is very cold outside, put a few candlesticks with slowly burning candles on the windowsill, as close to the glass as possible. 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 plastic windows are crying, and you are a fan of witty technical solutions and love 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

Now that you know why plastic windows are leaking, what to do with them becomes immediately clear. 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.