During the rainy months of the year, window installation and replacement companies often receive calls from customers regarding visible water in the bottom of sliding units, as well as interior/exterior condensation issues. Many of these issues are actually a byproduct of the windows working as they are intended to. Below is an explanation of the causes of these occurrences and what a homeowner can/should do in theses cases. This information is provided courtesy of Anlin Window Systems, manufacturers of Monte Verde Windows.
Visible Water in Bottom Track/Sill of Sliding Units:
When storm conditions exceed the performance rating of a window or patio door, water may infiltrate through the product. The water management system or drainage weep system is designed to reduce this water infiltration and drain toward the outside of the home. The track pocket in the sill of any slider unit, is a designed reservoir which stores excess water infiltration until the weep system passes enough water through the frame to empty the reservoir. Therefore, it is perfectly normal for a homeowner to visibly see water in the track of their sliding windows after or during stormy weather.
Exterior Condensation:
Condensation can form on exterior glass surfaces, such as the glass of a window or patio door. This collection of moisture is more likely to occur during the Spring or Fall, or when cool nights follow a warm day. Exterior condensation does not indicate a failure of the glass on a window or patio door unit. It is perfectly normal under certain conditions, especially on high performance windows and doors, for condensation to form on the exterior pane of glass.
Interior Condensation
Condensation can form on interior glass surfaces when there is too much moisture in the air. If the interior of a home exceeds certain limits of moisture in the air, moisture will condense and show up on cooler surfaces, such as glass. Interior condensation does not indicate a failure of the glass on a window or patio door unit. It is perfectly normal under certain conditions, especially on high performance windows and doors, for condensation to form on the interior pane of glass.
Check out our Monte Verde windows page for video tips on how to deal with window condensation and how the weep drainage system works!