Internal Condensation in Double Glazed Units Post questions and find answers on glazing, double glazing, upvc glazing, conservatory glazing, fixtures and fittings etc....

[ash1001]

In one of the articles on Condensation in Double Glazed Units the following is mentioned:-

"It is now possible to rectify a broken down sealed unit. A small hole is drilled in the glass (can be done from outside in most cases) and a tiny vent installed. This job requires specialist equipment and is not a DIY task. It is certainly worth finding out about in your area as most of the repair companies state that up to 50% can be saved on the cost of a replacement sealed unit".

My question is simple, has anyone ever had this done - did it work - whats the correct terminology for the process and were can I find out more about it.

Regards

[welsh brickie]

Drilling the glass and installing a vent will not stop condensation.
there is no quick fix solution.
Replacing the failed unit is the only way to stop condensation
sorry.

[scientist]

I have taught and practised science for many years and I would be AMAZED to see "solar activated one way moisture valves" work. Selective diffusion, gated charged channels, ion channels, membrane carriers...nah!
All power to the industry for coming up with this concept, but I can't begin to imagine on what principle these could possibly work.
I even searched international patent databases to get some insight, and can find no trace of such devices.
I suspect these valves can do no more than keep dust and liquid water out - it's the ventilation that allows the moisture to clear, but good luck marketing this service guys! Meantime, get out your old augur and drill some holes - bottom of inner pane, top of outer.

[James Boyd]

Drilling holes in the window will not work. The air between the panes will be at in-house humidity and will still condense. If a draught is set up inside the panes by this and can clear the window it will negate the idea of double glazing. I am about to try taking the unit out, drilling largish holes top and bottom through the aluminium separators, putting the window out in hot sunlight on a black surface if possible then resealing all of the sides with silicone.
If the silica gel drying agent can be got out, it will regenerate by heating in an oven at over 150C. Has anyone tried any of the above ?

[welsh brickie]

the problem could be fixed by ash101 idea,never tried it myself but sounds quite reasonable.
the spacer bar between the units of glass is filled with tiny polystyrene balls which suck in any moisture in the unit.sometimes when assembling these units they dont fill them full enough thus condensation appears.
When you remove the unit from the frame and tilt it you should hear the polystyrene moving within the unit.

[winger]

When you drill your large holes in the aluminium spacer bar the dessicant will fall out from the hole. It all sounds like alot of work and hassle for a short term solution. As i've said in previous posts the only answer is a new sealed unit. Most manufacturers give a 5 year warranty if fitted correctly