Condensation in Double-Paned Windows
by Nick Gromicko, Rob London and Kenton Shepard
Condensation is the accumulation of liquid water on relatively cold surfaces.
Almost
all air contains water vapor, the gas phase of water composed of tiny water droplets. The molecules in warm air are far apart
from one another and allow the containment of a relatively large quantity of water vapor. As air cools, its molecules get
closer together and squeeze the tiny vapor droplets closer together as well. A critical temperature, known as dew point, exists
where these water droplets will be forced so close together that they merge into visible liquid in a process called condensation.
Household
air is humidified from high levels of water vapor in human and animal exhalation, plant transpiration, and fixtures such as
showers and dryers. This humidity can rise significantly higher than outside air because of the insulative design of a house.
Cold indoor surfaces can cool the surrounding air enough to force vapor to condense. This often happens on single-pane windows
because they lack the necessary thermal insulation available to better windows. Double-pane windows have a layer of gas (usually
argon or air) trapped between two panes of glass and should be insulated enough to prevent the accumulation of condensation.
If this type of window appears misty or foggy, it means that its seal has failed and the window needs to be replaced.
Silica
Desiccant
A desiccant is an absorptive material designed to maintain dryness within its vicinity. A common type of desiccant
is silica gel, a porous plastic used to prevent spoilage in various food products. A tightly packed assortment of silica pellets
is contained inside the aluminum perimeter strip of a window to dehumidify incoming household air that was not stopped by
the window’s seal. If not for this substance, incoming air could condense on the glass.
Silica gel has an
immense surface area, approximately 800 m²/g, which allows it to absorb water vapor for years. Eventually, the silica
pellets will become saturated and will no longer be able to prevent condensation from forming. A double-paned window that
appears foggy has failed and needs to be repaired or replaced.
Why Double-Paned Windows Fail - Solar (Thermal)
Pumping
Although double-paned windows appear to be stable, they actually experience a daily cycle of expansion
and contraction caused by “thermal pumping.” Sunlight heats the airspace between the panes and causes the gas
there to heat up and pressurize. Expanding gas cannot leave the chamber between the panes and causes the glass to bulge outward
during the day and contract at night to accommodate the changing pressures. This motion acts like the bellows of a forge,
pumping minute amounts of air in and out of the airspace between the panes. Over time, the constant pressure fluctuations
caused by thermal pumping will stress the seal and challenge its ability to prevent the flow of gas in and out of the window
chamber. Incoming humid air has the potential to condense on the window surface, if it is cold enough.
Can
Failed Windows be Repaired?
Inspectors should be aware that there are companies that claim to be able to repair misty windows through a process
known as “defogging.”
This repair method proceeds in the following order:
- A hole is
drilled into the window, usually from the outside, and a cleaning solution is sprayed into the air chamber.
- The solution
and any other moisture are sucked out through a vacuum.
- A defogger device is permanently inserted into the hole that
will allow the release of moisture during thermal pumping.
Inspectors should know that there is currently
a debate as to whether this process is a suitable repair for windows that have failed or if it merely removes the symptom
of this failure. Condensation appears between double-paned windows when the seal is compromised and removal of this water
will not fix the seal itself. A window “repaired” in this manner, although absent of condensation, might not provide
any additional insulation. This method is still fairly new and opinions about its effectiveness range widely. Regardless,
“defogging” certainly allows for cosmetic improvement, which is of some value to homeowners. It also removes any
potential damage caused by condensation in the form of mold or rot.
Window condensation will inevitably lead to
irreversible physical window damage. This damage can appear in the following two ways:
Riverbedding – Condensed
vapor between the glass panes will form droplets that run down the length of the window. Water that descends in this fashion
has the tendency to follow narrow paths and carve grooves into the glass surface. These grooves are formed in a process similar
to canyon formation.
Silica Haze – Once the silica gel has been saturated, it will be eroded by passing air
currents and accumulate as white “snowflakes” on the window surface. It is believed that if this damage is present,
the window must be replaced.
In summary, condensation in double-paned windows indicates that the window has failed
and needs to be replaced. Condensation, while it can damage windows, is itself a symptom of a lack of integrity of the window’s
seal. A failing seal will allow air to transfer in and out of the window even if it is firmly closed. Inspectors should be
aware of this process and know when to recommend that clients’ windows be replaced.
