We are always pleased to put you in touch with "local-to-you" customers, so that you can take up references and see the quality of our work.

	secondary glazing preventing condensation over a traditional leaded window
	secondary window for condensation where inside & outside temperatures vary greatly
	vertical sliding secondary over stained glass sash window where proximity of other buildings & lack of direct sunlight caused condensation problems
	secondary sash system over large sash window facing small courtyard – built in 1670, no damp proof course, no cavity walls & little direct sunlight
	combination secondary inward opening french doors with large toplight – the large expanse of cold single glazing was previously a condensation trap

Secondary Glazing for Condensation
In the majority of cases the installation of GRS Secondary Double Glazing will result in the total elimination of condensation.
                                     
However their can sometimes be more complicated cases where there are underlying problems causing it where elimination will be more complicated.

In most cases, condensation is caused by how we live and how we ventilate our living space.

A tightly sealed house or flat where a lot of water vapour is produced that cannot escape via good ventilation will inevitably result in the inside air becoming saturated to the point that the excess water vapour starts to condense onto colder non-porous surfaces – glass, mirrors, window frames, gloss paintwork, etc.

This is known as the “Dew Point” – the point at which the air cannot hold any more water – naturally the air circulates in a room and as it passes cooler surfaces such as windows it cools and releases moisture in the form of condensation onto those cooler surfaces.

What are the Primary Causes of Condensation?
The figures quoted are the daily averages for a family of four:

• Breathing – adds nearly 10 pints of moisture to the air every day!
• Cooking – adds over 5 pints per day
• Baths & Showers – adds nearly 2 pints each day
• Washing & Drying Clothes – adds more than 9 pints per day
• Heating - especially paraffin and flue-less gas heaters and in fact every carbon fuel produces some amount of water when used.

Common Secondary Causes of Condensation
Condensation is primarily an Autumn & Winter problem, caused by:

• Ill fitting windows & doors, cracked & missing putty
• Broken, missing or worn out door & window seals
• Damaged brickwork, cement pointing  & sills around windows & doors
• The materials in newly built property contain a lot of water – this will gradually dry out during the first Autumn/Winter heating season

Other Underlying Causes of Condensation
You can check for some of these yourself or ask our surveyor check – if you suspect that there may be problems with the damp proof course, rendering, cement pointing, etc, you will need a professional building surveyor or builder to check.

Properties built before 1919 would not generally have included a Damp Proof Course (DPC) and Cavity Wall construction only became common after the Second World War.

• Faulty rainwater goods - guttering, downpipes, joints and drains
• General damage to cement pointing
• Faulty, cracked or missing rendering
• Damaged or non-existent DPC – especially under solid floors
• Blocked up air bricks
• Leaking pipes or water tanks
• Paths or borders raised above the level of and breaching the DPC
• All outside solid surfaces adjacent to walls should be at least 6 inched below the DPC to avoid splash back from heavy rain
• Solid Wall construction may need waterproofing
• Vegetation, creepers & climbers on outside walls

Aids to Eliminating Condensation
Once you have established and dealt with any of the other underlying causes:

• Install Secondary Glazing
• Ensure sufficient ventilation – if the cold can’t get in then the moisture can’t get out!
•  open chimney flue dampers or vents
• vent all gas burners
• fit extractor fans in kitchens & bathrooms, they are available with an air/moisture switch for automatic functioning, e.g;

http://www.rhldirect.com/Webpages/Autostat.html

• if you have fans, run them for a bit longer
• air the house daily for just a few minutes by opening windows & doors
• shut kitchen, bathroom & laundry doors during use – then open the window for a few minutes afterwards
• Consider using a dehumidifier

Other Considerations

Secondary Glazing is Ugly & Obtrusive
Not True. Our Systems have been designed to be effective, stylish & discreet - they are nothing like the sort of thing that you may have seen elsewhere or in years past.

Additionally, we put as much emphasis on achieving an Unobtrusive Installation as we do on developing an effective tool to beat condensation. 

Suitability
Our extensive range of Secondary Glazing is suitable for installation into virtually any type of primary window or door in both Residential & Commercial properties.

We have fitted it in flats, houses, offices, Listed & Period properties, hotels, churches, public sector buildings, etc.

Other Benefits

• Peace of Mind With the Added Security
• Excellent Thermal Insulation
• Can be glazed with Acoustic Laminated Glass for maximum Noise Insulation
• Cheaper than Replacing Windows
• Improved Energy Rating
• Reduced Carbon Footprint
• Reduced Heating Bills
• Virtually Maintenance Free - an occasional wipe with a damp cloth & a drop of oil to the moving parts
• The Environment - no old windows adding to the rubbish mountain & lower environmental production costs

Listed, Conservation Area & All Other Period Properties

• Retains the Character of Traditional & Period Windows
• Not generally subject to Listed Building or Conservation Area Restrictions
• Very Discreet – designed not to spoil the appearance of Traditional Buildings