Window Condensation Part 3 : Between the panes of glass

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Paddy's DIY – Window Condensation Part 3 : Between the panes of glass
Another great video brought to you by Paddy's DIY

This video is the 3rd of three, about three types of condensation that forms on windows and doors.

In this video I’m going to be talking about condensation that forms between the panes of glass in double and triple glazing.

When a double glazed unit is being made up. The two panes of glass are glued onto a hollow spacer bar. You will see this as a silver or sometimes black bar in your windows. The spacer bar is partially filled with a silica desiccant. The desiccant is more or less the same as those little packs of silica beads you get in the box when you buy a new pair of shoes. This desiccant removes the moisture from the air that is now trapped between the two panes of glass. If this desiccant wan't here the moisture that is in the air that is trapped between the two panes would condense and cause a fog on the inside of the glass.

Over years the poly sulfide glue that sticks the two panes of glass onto the spacer bar can let in outside air. Like in this double glazed unit, you can see the small gap where the glass is coming away from the spacer bar. When this happens air and moisture now enters between the two panes.

The desiccant can only absorb so much moisture, and when it gets to the point that it can't absorb anymore moisture it forms between the panes of glass. This depends on the outside temperature. In general, during hot weather, the moisture between the two panes of glass evaporates, and can look like the condensation is gone, only to then condense when the temperature drops. It's this cycle of evaporation and condensation that leaves the unsightly staining between the panes. The staining usually coincides with the amount of moisture that is getting in between the two panes, and can be really bad like this double glazed unit here.
Unfortunately, when the seal has broken down the only real solution is to replace the double glazed unit. I've seen some videos on YouTube of guys drilling a hole in one of the panes of glass and washing the stains out. Another taking the double glazed unit apart cleaning the glass, replacing the desiccant and re-gluing the glass back on. I can't imagine how doing either would be better or cheaper than getting a brand new double glazed unit made and fitted.
Anyway, that's all from me, don't forget to give a thumbs up and hit the subscribe button. Thanks for Watching

[PaddysDiy]

Hey lovely people! Why not buy me a cup of coffee or a beer to say thanks. Click on the THANKS button above 👍☕🍺

[liadekesthler]

This was very informative and clear. It wasn't the answer I was hoping for, but it helped non the less.

[MortimerCat]

I was searching for a solution for my dirty windows and I just knew I was going to see another "Replace the lot" video. But this one was actually useful, explaining and demonstrating how the problem occurs. At least I now understand why I am having to replace the lot rather that just taking the word of the window salesman.

[DLeighWifey]

I was hoping there was an easy fix but now I understand why there isn't. Thanks for taking the time to make this and explain what's going on.

[inspiralistvonscheidt]

Thumbs up to the honest answer, if not to the (inexistent) DIY solution. Thank you.

[esanchezp]

Thanks for your demonstration. Now I understand why it happens. Also, your sincere solution is appreciated even though it's the most expensive.

[jesserawson]

I used to make IGU's on a small scale many years ago when double glazing was essentially taking off. All I can say is that it is perfectly possible to re-do the units provided it is approached in a professional manner.

Split the unit apart into two pieces of glass.
Reclaim the spacer bars and empty out desicant or buy new pieces and cut them to length.
Fill spacer bars with new desicant and assemble into a "picture frame".
Thoroughly clean both pieces of glass on the sides that are to be inside the completed unit
Attach spacer bar assembly to one pane of glass appropriately set in from the edge of the glass
Lower 2nd piece of glass onto spacer bar and align
Lightly clamp or tape assembly together to prevent glass/spacer bar movement.
Fill the gap between sheets of glass up to the level of the edges of the glass with sealant
Allow sealant to fully cure, (several hours).
Reglaze window with repaired unit.

You will need something to fill the hole in the wall that used to be a window while you carry out repairs
You will need to purchase new desicant, new spacer bar if original cannot be reclaimed.
You will need a flat area to lay down the prepared unit while you fill the edge with sealant and allow the sealant to cure. The sealant will likely be two part polysulphide rather than hot melt (not silicone sealant).
Of all the chores, cleaning the glass will likely be the most difficult. It will be mortifying to be installing your nice re-assembled unit into the window frame only to notice a smear or some dirt inside the unit that cannot be dealt with.

Good luck ! ! ! ! Properly done the unit will be as good as a purchased new unit. No one said it would be easy, but it is doeable

[vivalaleta]

It behooves us to try as much as possible to fix something as expensive as a window.

[marktindal]

This is EXACTLY my problem and such a shame to have to replace. Thanks for this. Well explained.

[dcalhoun]

Thank you for giving an honest answer on this issue. I have see other videos that, like you said, show someone drilling holes in the glass and using a chemical to clean out the moisture, and seal the holes. I trust your evaluation that this cannot fix the issue, it seemed too good to be true. I am going to replace my 12 year old double pane glass in my doors that have this issue.

[kyre-vt]

Thanks for explaining it, it now makes sense to change the windows👍

[guyintheshado]

Honest, Informational and To the point; Thank you!

[Zomby_Woof]

I'm not seeing the difficulty in removing/cleaning/replacing.

I'll grant you, if your labor is worth anything at all, it's not cost effective.

But I'm mostly retired, and would rather putter than go do a couple of hours at what I normally do to pay to replace the window.

Just looked at my problem window again - looks to be a tri lobe rubber seal.
I know those can be a bit of a pain to seat, but it's not that bad.

Off to find a guide somewhere.

[dGanger]

Ah man... I was looking for a miracle cure.. great vid and to the point. Makes perfect sense. Thanks

[RedPillTrades]

Great video but sad for my wallet, thanks for ACTUALLY answering these questions! Nice one

[leowrestler]

very well explained and thank you for posting!

[amandabelaire]

I saw those videos, too. And I'm glad I found this one because drilling holes and such seemed like it would cause more problems than fix. So the answer is they're old and need to be replaced. A pity, but I'd rather know that than wreck something trying to do it myself. Thanks!

[AbsurdlyAwkward]

I have this on the doubble glazing in my council flat and they won't replace the windows. The best I could do as some form of solution was find the damaged parts of the sealent and reseal it, it doesn't remove the condensation but it stops it getting any worse. Thankfully it's not as bad for the age of them as some of the examples youve shown here.

[kaitlandoherty]

i was so excited to see if i could clean it :( i had no idea it was on the inside. my apartment complex will never give me new windows :, (

[paulharris]

Its called cost, buying double glazing isn't cheap.