With the onset of cold weather, many home and apartment owners are wondering why windows freeze and how to prevent this phenomenon? Moreover, this problem concerns not only owners of old-style wooden structures, but also modern double-glazed windows made of metal-plastic profiles. Next, we will look at why this happens and what to do to prevent windows from freezing.
Frozen window made of metal-plastic profile
Why do wooden windows freeze?
Among the main reasons, the following can be identified - poor ventilation in the room . As a result, condensation begins to accumulate on the surface of the window and it freezes. The accumulation of moisture is facilitated by the difference in temperature in the house and outside.
Due to the difference in temperature outside and indoors, condensation accumulates on the window due to poor ventilation.
There are two ways to deal with a problem caused by poor ventilation. The first involves replacing the ventilation system and the windows themselves if they are faulty. This is an expensive and time-consuming process that not every person is willing to undertake. The second solution is more accessible - frequent ventilation of the house. However, the second method will not completely solve the problem.
An equally common cause is poor window sealing . As a result, it freezes, because the microclimate inside and outside the room is different. Incorrect installation can also lead to problems. Most often this happens when people try to save money and install structures themselves, without knowing all the intricacies of the installation process. Sometimes the reason lies in the fact that the windows in the house are not suitable for the microclimate of the region. In this case, they will freeze, even if the installation is correct and the ventilation meets the requirements.
Additional reasons include the following:
- Incorrect operation of the window structure.
- Distortions and the need for structural repairs.
- Insufficient heating at home.
- Wide window sill. It can also cause a problem due to the fact that the convection stream of hot air meets an obstacle, due to which condensation forms and accumulates on the window.
- Freezing of fittings.
The cause of freezing of a wooden window may be poor heating at home.
Many people try to solve problems on their own. Most often, they place various materials between double panes of glass - sawdust, cotton wool. As a result, these materials absorb moisture even more. This leads to condensation accumulating faster, the windows freezing, and frost appears on them.
Conclusion
When choosing between a plastic and wooden window, you need to understand that the key to their long-term performance is proper use.
This includes:
- Proper ventilation;
- Open access of heat to the glass;
- The normal room temperature during the cold period is not lower than 18 ° C;
- Professional installation;
- PVC profile design suitable for temperature conditions for a given area. Otherwise, the plastic windows will freeze through.
Solving the problem of poor sealing
To prevent wooden windows from freezing in winter, it is worth performing high-quality sealing of the window structure. One of the methods is to remove a quarter of the window block, sashes and frame. To eliminate the appearance of possible cracks, additional platbands are attached to the sashes.
Removing a quarter of the window block reliably seals the structure
If the method described above does not suit you for some reason, you can use another one - glass fastening caulk. The method involves removing the old putty and using new one. You can also replace old beads using silicone sealant. This method is only suitable for old wooden windows, but for modern ones with double-glazed windows it is worth looking for other ways to solve the problem.
For old products, caulking is carried out in the areas of the narthex where the window block and sashes touch. It is important to ensure a tight fit of the strips to the window frame. You can use elastic materials. The work algorithm is as follows:
- Remove old trims.
- The contact points between the window block and the wall are caulked using polyurethane foam or tow.
- The platbands are put in their original places. You can use both old and new ones.
- A special wallpaper tape or construction tape is glued between the sashes on the inside.
Caulking the window block and installing platbands prevents the access of cold, but also impairs ventilation.
The result is a completely blocked access of cold air inside and warm air outside. However, it should be understood that this method reduces natural ventilation.
When the customers themselves are to blame
The desire to save on such complex and important structures, which are plastic windows, does not lead to anything good. One of the likely consequences of purchasing economy class models is the appearance of ice. It can be caused by:
- thin single-chamber double-glazed windows
- such models are not suitable for use in our climatic conditions, since in extreme cold they instantly cool down on the inside; - poor-quality fittings
- this leads to depressurization around the perimeter of the active sash and blowing; - A 3-chamber PVC profile without reinforcement
- it itself has the lowest energy efficiency and is an additional “cold bridge”, and can also be deformed in cold weather, which will automatically lead to the windows blowing out.
It is also important to know that freezing occurs most often in rooms with high humidity levels. That is, for ice to appear, condensation must first form, and then the process progresses, and the window structure gradually becomes overgrown with ice
What other problems might arise?
Many owners try to insulate window structures before the start of the heating season. This leads to another problem - their fogging. If there was no such problem before doing the insulation yourself, it means that natural ventilation was disrupted during the repair process.
You can prevent windows from fogging up in a more modern way - by gluing a special film. Most often, a specialist is called for this, who performs the work quickly and efficiently. But if you wish, you can paste the film yourself; there are no difficulties in this work. It should be remembered that the film will prevent fogging only at temperatures outside the window down to minus 20 degrees . The product may have additional functions, for example, energy saving or protection from sunlight.
A special film protects the window from fogging
Many experts advise using a solution of glycerin and alcohol in a ratio of 1:10 to prevent windows from freezing. First, the glass is wiped with a solution and then wiped dry.
High humidity and condensation lead to the formation of mold. It should be gotten rid of immediately, since mold is one of the most powerful allergens. It can have a negative impact on the health of household members, especially children. This happens because mold releases spores, causing allergic reactions.
Excessive moisture can cause mold to appear on a wooden surface.
First, the affected areas of the structure are treated with a bleach solution. There are also special chemicals that remove mold. Particular attention is paid to the corners. Additionally, you can treat them with a heat treatment using a hair dryer. To prevent the recurrence of mold, the corners are treated with ultraviolet light using special irradiators.
Causes and ways to eliminate freezing of wooden windows
Korovin Sergey Dmitrievich Master of Architecture, graduated from Samara State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering. 11 years of experience in design and construction.
Frosty patterns on the windows are very beautiful. But not everyone knows about the reasons for their appearance. This happens because wooden windows freeze. In fact, this is a serious problem that requires elimination for a comfortable life. There are several different reasons why window structures can freeze. But before you begin to solve the problem, you should determine its root cause.
How to get rid of ice?
If ice does form, it must be properly disposed of. This is done as follows:
- Use a plastic scraper to carefully remove ice formations. It is not recommended to use scrapers made of other materials, as this will scratch the glass.
- Next, use a paper towel or dry rag to remove the remaining moisture.
To remove ice and snow from window glass, it is better to use a special plastic scraper.
Some tips will help alleviate the problem until it is completely eliminated. Firstly, during the daytime you should try to ventilate the room every four hours for an average of ten minutes. Secondly, at night you can place a towel at the bottom of the window frame. It will absorb condensation that forms at night.
There is no need to seal the outer frames, as this will lead to freezing of the window structures . It is best to lubricate the glass with a special solution on both sides. You should also try to maintain temperature and humidity at normal levels.
So, if wooden or plastic windows freeze, the root cause should be eliminated. Also make sure that the installation of windows is professional from the very beginning. This will significantly reduce the likelihood of windows freezing.
How to treat car windows to prevent them from freezing in the morning
If you come to your car in the morning and see that the windows on both sides are frozen, then the action plan is this: you need to turn on the engine and heater and the issue will be resolved - the windows in the car are freezing. In the meantime, you need to get out of the car and apply an antifreeze liquid to the outside ice, but since it costs money, it is better to make a solution of vodka and water in a 2:1 ratio and the effect will be the same, because the basis of any glass cleaning product is alcohol and you can safely save money when the issue is resolved: car windows freeze, how to solve it?
After applying a vodka solution using a spray bottle, the glass will begin to quickly thaw, but you can speed up the process with a scraper and quickly resolve the issue of why car windows freeze. In the meantime, the ice on the glass inside the cabin will have time to melt thanks to the stove. After these simple steps, you can safely drive with clean windows and forget about the question: why do car windows freeze.
Video: main tips on what to do to avoid car windows freezing:
Detergents
The hardware departments of supermarkets are replete with an assortment of cleaning products, among which you can find what is most suitable for a particular case.
There are several options for going greener.
Adding 9% vinegar in the amount of 2 tablespoons per 1 liter of liquid. The resulting mixture is convenient to distribute using a spray bottle.
Spray detergent
Add 1 tbsp starch. spoon, but it is possible to increase the cleaning properties of the solution if you add a little alcohol, vinegar, and then add water to 4 liters.
The most ancient method of peeling is considered to be rubbing with a cut of a potato.
A common component of ready-made solutions is ammonia. The substance copes well with the nicotine residue formed when smoking through a window. A glass of ammonia is dissolved in 10 liters of water.
Keeps glass clean for a long time by forming a protective film, glycerin. For application, prepare a small amount of emulsion: 50 g of water, 100 g of glycerin, a couple of drops of ammonia.
Never mix ammonia with bleach or baking soda, as the components will react with each other chemically, and strong stains will remain after cleaning.
Some housewives add grated laundry soap.
It happens that over time the glass somehow turns yellow. It is possible to return them to their former state if they are washed with blue dissolved water.
More detailed options for preparing home remedies are shown in the following video:
Preventive actions
The following measures are recommended to prevent the formation of condensation and ice on the balcony:
- Regular ventilation of the balcony.
- Conduct preventive inspections of fittings and seals. If necessary, lubricate metal parts, tighten fasteners and change protective rubber.
- Use special solutions. After autumn cleaning, you can wash the glass with a salt solution, wipe it with ammonia or regular alcohol, and polish it with crumpled newspaper. Simple means can prevent condensation from settling. Anti-fog glass sprays, which are sold in car stores, also help.
- Cover the glass with thermal film. It is sold in construction stores. The material is cut to the size of the glass and rolled onto it with a roller. The procedure must be carried out in the warm season, otherwise the film will not stick to the glass. It is necessary to check the quality of the fit, otherwise condensation will begin to collect under the thermal insulation.
Thermal film is a preventive measure to prevent windows from freezing on the balcony
If the balcony system is still under warranty, it is better to call a specialist who will inspect it and call technicians to fix the problems. It is better to contact professionals if you have any doubts about the correct installation of structures after the warranty has expired.
Old balcony structures will definitely freeze in winter until possible points of penetration of cold air are eliminated.
6) Other tips
Vinegar can also be used in the summer. For example, diluted vinegar with flavored additives can be added to the washer reservoir. This will help you when removing heavy dirt from the windshield (for example, vinegar helps to easily clean insects from the glass). Unlike special, not entirely healthy liquids that are sold in car dealerships, adding vinegar to the washer fluid reservoir will not harm your health.
Reasons for freezing windows
Therefore, one of the reasons for poor indoor air ventilation is excessive sealing of a certain area. This occurs due to the fact that in winter many housewives seal the windows in the house so tightly that the air humidity increases and ice appears on the windows. The second popular reason that moisture and ice appear on windows in winter is the fact that modern double-glazed windows are completely sealed.
Therefore, the practice of solving this problem shows that most often plastic windows fog up. Thus, condensation on plastic windows occurs when there is high humidity in the room, and when it is also cold enough, then such windows freeze. As a result, it should be said that if excess moisture does not accumulate in the room, and the rooms are heated at the proper level, then ice will definitely not appear on the windows in the house.
Recommendations for further care against freezing and fogging
You can avoid freezing of plastic windows on the balcony if only two conditions are met: reducing air humidity and increasing temperature. To do this, you can equip a “warm floor” system on the balcony, and also provide for the location of autonomous heating.
Special air dehumidifiers that can be installed directly on the windowsill in areas of greatest condensation accumulation also work well.
In case of technical malfunctions of the double-glazed window, it is advisable to call a specialist. Problems with fittings or insufficient window sealing are quickly resolved. The last resort is to replace the entire glass unit, which will also help prevent glass from fogging up.
This is especially important for equipment that has already expired.
Preventive actions:
- Try to ventilate the room more often, do not allow air to stagnate, especially when drying clothes.
- Monitor air humidity, use special dehumidifiers if necessary.
- Insulate the room to prevent windows from freezing.
- Ensure good ventilation indoors.
If your windows on your loggia or balcony are constantly freezing, it is important to correctly determine the cause of this phenomenon and eliminate it. Constant accumulation of moisture is fraught with the destruction of wooden and metal elements and the spread of fungus on the interior decoration of the room
What will help if the windows of a loggia or balcony freeze, as well as the main methods of preventing such phenomena are described in detail in the information provided.
