Some of the storm windows in our home, with insulated doublehung sash, get moisture buildup on the inside of the storm. I have drilled holes in the top of the storm window frame but it made not difference. I have covered the inside of the window with plastic, as an experiement, but still the same. I have tried the “match test” in an attempt to find escaping air.
Any Suggestions?
Replies
Would these be anywhere near the sun?
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
The windows most problematic are on the east and south. They are on the second floor.
thanks for the response
Wayne
My thinking was that if you stopped any warm moist air escaping from the inside, then perhaps the sun warms the air (moist) in between and it condenses on the cold storm glass. Maybe?Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Next time you find those little packets of silica gel packed with various items, saved and use those. I believe they bake them at 100 degrees to dry them out. Just throw them between the windows.
There are two possible sources of the moisture: warm, moist inside air escaping into the space between the windows, and rainwater getting in from the outside. Do what you can to keep the inside sash closed and airtight. Check the tops and sides of the storms to be sure the caulking and paint is in good shape. Be sure the weep holes at the bottom of the storms are open and clear.
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA
I have the same problem, Its the interior windows & poor seals, Anderson dbl. hung from 1989.
PJE
Does this happen all winter, or just as the weather changes? I've had that happen as the house was "giving up" moisture built up during summer.
Albert Einstein said it best:
“Problems,” he said, “cannot be solved at the same level of consciousness that created them.”
Your mileage may vary ....
It is happening now, not even cold yet, and will continue all winter. Usually the same windows to the East, South and West, and all in the same room. Same windows as others, Double hung, insulated.
It has me baffled.
wayne
That room wouldn't be a bathroom, would it?
If you can remove or prop the storms open for a while on a warm dry day yet this fall you chould be able to remove much of the moisture that's in there by allowing it to dissipate to the great out-of-doors, but if the prime windows are allowing migration through poor seals, moisture will be back sooner or later unless you seal 'em better.
On that note, if you washed the storms and/or jamb area and remounted without allowing adequate drying time, you'll have trapped moisture in there that will last all winter even if no more leaks in.
If you're not adverse to the notion of applying some clear caulk made specifically for this sort of problem, try sealing them (AFTER drying things out) with Dap's Seal & Peel or Red Devil's Zip Away. Peels right out like a rubberband come spring. Don't try to make the caulk bead tiny or you're only making removal more difficult.
Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.
Edited 10/31/2003 9:23:51 AM ET by GOLDHILLER
Edited 10/31/2003 9:25:32 AM ET by GOLDHILLER