Condensation Inside Window...

[Chipchopper]

I know an elderly lady who lives in a ground floor flat (1960s I'd say), she has a large easterly facing window (double glazed) which gets a lot of condensation running down on the inside, living room end (away from kitchen).
What is the likely cause and cure ?
I don't want to see her get ripped off.

T I A.

[silliemillie]

Sounds like the seal has gone.
She doesn't need a new window if that's the case. I had this problem and had it done for about £50 I think.
Hope that helps.

[gingejbee]

It's not clear what you mean....is the condensation running down BETWEEN the two sheets of glass in the "sealed" unit....or just inside the room?

[Chipchopper]

Sorry if I didn't make it clear.
Yes the water is accumulating and running down the glass 'INSIDE' THE ROOM.
Thank you. I'll check on the air vents,

[KARL]

I will assume the condensation is on the inside/room surface of the glass, i.e. it can for example be wiped off.

The reason for condensation on a window is that the air in the room has a high level of humidity and when it comes into contact with the glass or any surface colder than the room then the air is cooled down to and perhaps below dew point. The moisture in the air drops out and settles on the the cold surface (compare a glass bottle taken out of the fridge).

More ventilation will somewhat reduce the risk but the disadvantage is that ventilation alone means "central cooling", presumably not what the elderly lady would found unacceptable. Given your description of the person, I would guess that the room in question is normally closed and isolated from the rest of the house and only heated for a matter of a very few hours per day. This is then the real problem - the room is permanently damp and during short bursts of heating the air sucks up the moisture and dumps it again on cold surfaces (not just the glass - check between outside walls and any furniture, inside cupboards/cabinets/wardrobes - mould ?). The solution is adequate heating at all times and ventilation consistent with keeping the place warm - this can be leaving the room open to the rest of the house (internal venting/equalising).

[KARL]

oops *find (not found)