controling condensation in windows

[john7]

We have condensation inside double-glazed window problems. It's a German van with a full width front window. It started with condensation that developed into droplets last year. The bungs were removed but over the winter things actually became worse. Over the last few weeks using the van, in Scotland, the window for much of the time was so misted with droplets of water that it was impossible to see the beautiful bay we were sited beside. When cooking the roof and side window are always opened. The heater fan was left on all the time so air circulation was OK. There is no sign of condensation anywhere other than that in the windows (some others have some but nowhere as bad as the front one).

Worse, there are graphics round the window that have degenerated (UV?) and mixed with the moisture and run down the window (how anyone could be so stupid as to use such a material is beyond me!). The net result is we are now trying to get the maker to replace the window.

My queries are (1) where might I be able to get self-venting bungs which I have seen mention of, which I hope might help (can't make things worse) when the window is changed. (2) What else can we do to try to keep the problem under control?

 

[john7]

I just found a crack down part of the window. Where water comming from but not why graphics running down window.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello John,

This is just a guess but, it seem quite likely that if water can get into teh window gap, then it take very little heat to cause it to vaporise , and then it will convect within the void. Some will condense on the decal and begin to cause it to deteriorate.

sadly there is no way that I can think of to repair the damaged decal, but the crack in the window can be sealed.

the only real alternative is to get a replacement window.

 

[Guest]

You do not mention the age of the van so I am guessing it is out of warranty.

Val A mentioned in one of her Posts of a Company in the Uk that could supply replacement full width windows at a reasonable costs, and bluntly this will be the only solution that will work on a long term basis.

For the amount of moisture you are describing suggests a communication somewhere between the panes and the outside, more than normal as normal condensation should disappear quite quickly. you mention a crack, is this the source? Can you try sealing it and see if the condensation at least diminshes? The other suggestion is to park the van so the window is directly facing the sun, and hopefully if we get a sunny day it will allow it to dry out.

 

[john7]

Thaks for replys, the crack looks a bit mutch for sealing and the mess in the window can't be removed!

The caravan is comming uo for 5 years now. The problem started early last year, but being our first caravan we didn't do any thing about it other than take out the bungs as recomended. It was only today after finding a post else ware I looked for cracking and found it. clearly water from road and rain must have got in and the side ofn the crack has/is much worse than the other side.

 

[john7]

You do not mention the age of the van so I am guessing it is out of warranty.

Val A mentioned in one of her Posts of a Company in the Uk that could supply replacement full width windows at a reasonable costs, and bluntly this will be the only solution that will work on a long term basis.

For the amount of moisture you are describing suggests a communication somewhere between the panes and the outside, more than normal as normal condensation should disappear quite quickly. you mention a crack, is this the source? Can you try sealing it and see if the condensation at least diminshes? The other suggestion is to park the van so the window is directly facing the sun, and hopefully if we get a sunny day it will allow it to dry out.

I have tried doing a search for Val A. but the search isn't comming up with her. I did find a post but there is no link fron name to posting information as on many sites. Pitty information could be usfull but this news group isn';t very easy to find such things in.

 

[Andrew_374383565]

Hi John.........the problem you are experiencing is caused almost certainly by delamination..for more details please check out www.caravanandmotorhomewindowproblems.co.uk

regards Andrew