Double glazing problem.?

Question

I have recently had a new double glazed window fitted in my kitchen. The problem I have is that there appears to be a grey film on the glass which, by the way, is Pilkington "K" glass. The other thing that happens is that first thing in the morning the window is completely misted over ( ON THE OUTSIDE ) but clears as the day goes on. I have contacted the company that installed the window and they said they would send the glass rep. along to have a look at it. But they couldn't tell me when.
Has any one any idea as to what the problems could be?
Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

I hear this problem quite frequently and rest assure this is absolutly normal. The grey film is more likely what they call low-E, its a thin coat applied to glass to reflect the heat away from the glass, therefore helping in excessive condensation, as well as keeping heat away to keep your home cooler in the summer.
The outside condensation forming is not in any way a sign of bad installation or bad window, this will happen on even the most high end windows and is very little that can be done. Its just cause by the atmospheres condition with the dew point, and therefore is actually proof that the window is doing what its supposed to do, so techically you should feel good about seeing this.
you more than likely wont' stop this completly but you can help, im not sure if you use drapes but if you leave them open, this will allow heat to transfer through the window. Sometimes this can be temporary, very common in new construction/remodeling, and rapid changes in environment.
On another note if you start seein condensation on inside, this is caused from to much inside humidity, and you'll soon find out you need to probably invest in a dehumidifier or ventilation system. Again the windows are doing their jobs by not allowing the heat to escape from the inside. And on another note on that, when winter rolls around and you find this water content excessive definitly do something about it because it can cause mold issues, you would be surprised how many gallons of water are in the air. And this is why newer tight houses built today has so many legal issues with this. Your house still needs to breathe

Answer 2

The window (the glass part simplest) is considered a thermal pane or insulated glass. Most commonly once the seal has long gone the window is junk. The condensation may fit away from time to time however it's going to leave an ugly cloudy look between the layers. There may be oftentimes an invisible coating or some kind of fuel within the two layers so when that seal is compromised virtually all the insulating houses go away. Is the window covered under any variety of warranty or did you fee out altering the glass handiest(not the whole complete window from the framing)? Unless you are a severe DIY'er or have just a few committed associates i would not recommend the following however here goes... Take the glass out, smooth and check up on the entire perimeter. With a bit of luck you can assess where the source of the leak is. If not,(assuming right now the condensation has dried up) that you would be able to sit the entire window in a best bead of silicone all of the approach around. That is very low cost however VERY bold and if done early into the detection of the leak this just could discontinue the clouding. I want I had an handy reply for ya but excellent success none the much less.

Answer 3

Are you sure its not a double laminated glass window? they have a grey reflected film btween the layers,
A double glazed window is 2 sheets of glass with about a 2 inch space between the sheets & the gap is filled with gas to help with noise & to stop misting.
you will get a mist on the outside because of the overnight cold

Answer 4

I don't think you have a problem. Low E glass is treated to reflect heat rays. The coating is not perfectly clear. Moisture on the outside means your window is working. The inside glass is warmer. The outside glass gets cold quickly, so moisture from the air condenses on the cold glass.

Answer 5

if you have taken old windows that where letting in air, then the new window has solved that problem but due to no cold air getting in now its causing condensation on the inside if you have had the new window it should have a night vent keep or trickle vent, open the vent tonight and tell me if this problem is there tomorrow. the only way to test that the k is right way round is with a k tester so try the night vent and the company is correct in saying they will send rep round my advice is keep chasing them.

Answer 6

I have a sound of something,that sounds like,something hitting my double glazed window from the outside,almost like a small bird flying into it,i'm sure it's not this as i have the same problem on two further windows.Any ideas what it could be.

Answer 7

I have the same problem...its called misting...and I have been told I have to change my patio doors because of it. They probably didnt do a very good job!!!