What Can Effect the Performance of Windows

YOU ARE HERE:   HOME   >  CUSTOMER CARE   >  CONDENSATION   >  WHAT CAN EFFECT THE PERFORMANCE OF WINDOWS

>   Condensation (Home)
>   Technical Condensation Information
>   Controlling Humidity
>   Surface Condensation
>   What Can Effect the Performance of Windows?
>   Condensation on the Outside of Windows
>   Window Convection & Drafts

Air Circulation

A window may be in an area in which there is poor circulation of warm air. This means the temperature of the inside glass surface is colder than in other parts of the home and this may cause condensation to form at humidity levels which are practical for the rest of the home.

Drapes

The figures in TABLE 1 (following) are based on natural circulation of warm air on the inside surface of the window. By drawing heavy drapes or Venetian blinds over a window or patio door the possibility of condensation can be increased because the flow of warm air is restricted.

Varying Humidity Levels

Remember that the humidity in some rooms, kitchens and bathrooms mainly, can be higher than in other areas of the home, thus encouraging condensation to form on windows in these rooms.

Orientation

If windows are exposed to prevailing winds, then they will be slightly colder than the other windows in the home and may cause condensation to form at humidity levels, which are practical for the rest of the home.

Exposure

Some windows may be protected by other buildings, trees, etc. which form a windbreak while others are totally exposed to the wind and, therefore, colder.

Wind Chill Temperatures

Traditionally this has been the method used to relate wind and temperature. Usually traditional temperature readings do not include a wind chill factor. For example, with an indoor temperature of 20 degrees C and an outside air temperature of -12 degrees C TABLE 1 recommends a relative humidity of 30%. However, with an outside air temperature of -12 degrees C and a 20 km per hr. wind chill temperature is -26 degrees C and so the level of relative humidity should be reduced to 20%.

TABLE - 1
(Inside Relative Humidity of 21 degrees C with Double Glazing)