Would replacing ancient sash windows remove condensation problems?

[ificouldbeacamera]

We live in a mid 1800s house and have sash windows which condensate pretty badly in the winter. Last winter when it was really cold, there was ice on the inside of my dc's bedroom window.

Would replacing them sort this out, or is it more an issue with this kind of old proprerty? Obviously if we replaced we'd have to get sash windows again in keeping with the property - some of our neighbours have done this and they look fine.

thanks for any advice!

Our last house was 1880s and when we replaced the sash windows the condensation problem was greatly mitigated by the combination of double-glazing and little vents that are integral to the windows. We used the National Replacement Windows Advisory Service and they did an excellent job.

surely condensation is mainly caused by the outside of the window being colder than the inside. I'd imagine that new windows woudl reduce this, but not remove the problem. We have new double glazing, and still have a little condensation.

It would probably help, but IME the only 'cure' for condensation is to have less moisture in the house.
Do you dry washing inside? If so get a dehumidifier.

Thanks, some interesting replies there.

We do dry washing inside, and we don't really have space for a dryer. So, yes, we should look into a de-humidifier.

But it's enouraging that window replacement may help too. The windows are very draughty, so I do think we should do something about them. We're listed so will have to be very much in keeping.

You can get sash windows repaired so they seal properly and can also have them fitted with sealed double glazing units. It's not cheap but it should make the house warmer, help with the condensation problem and reduce your heating bills.

Try bubble wrap-see other post.

Always had ice on the windows growing up-beautiful frosted patterns.

draughty windows actually decrease condensation, because they allow some of the warm, wet air from indoors to escape outside, and allow cold, dry air from outside to come in (cold air holds less moisture than warm air).

Sealing the draughts will make the house warmer, but wetter.

Double glazing (including secondary glazing, which will not spoil the look of your original sliding sashes) will keep the warm wet air away from the cold glass surface, so the moisture will not condense so much on the glass, but will instead make the walls damp.

Just for fun, weigh your washing for a day when it is dry, before it goes into the machine, and then again when you take it out, after spinning. Every kg is a litre of water.

Have you got an extractor fan in your bathroom?

We have a similar aged house, also listed.

We have secondary glazing (installed by previous owners) and it stops the condensation by buffeting the cold air/hot wet air meeting point.

We have removed some panels of the secondary glazing for decorating - those windows now have condensation.

So, I think double glazing (secondary if you're feeling rich, double glazing if you win the lottery) will solve your problem. On the mean time, a dehumidifier might help.

Good luck!

Hi, I work with listed buildings- you will need listed building consent to replace the windows and double glazing isn't always allowed as it does change the character of the windows. Any work you do without consent is a criminal offence so please contact your local council. Secondary glazing is usually a better option that doesnt always need permission as well as being cheaper and warmer. In relation to condensation windows don't solve the issue as the moisture needs to escape somehow.

dehumidifier.
But you're losing a lot of heat through your windows, you could get some of that secondary glazing film for a few quid for the worst windows and just leave it up for the winter.

My partner works for a sash window company called Roseview and he said it sounds like you have single glazed windows. You may be able to find a sash window repair company (like Ventrolla) who can upgrade them to double glazing, which will get rid of the condensation and keep more heat in. However, if the windows are drafty or rotten you'll probably be better off replacing them, with either uPVC sash windows or timber ones.
The post mentioning getting consent to replace does sometimes apply - particularly in conversation areas.

I know this is an old thread - but arloo, I live in Harrold so very close to Roseview windows in Olney (and strangely I used to get a lot of phone calls when I lived in Olney as the numbers were very similar)!! I am sure when I called them they only do the upvc sashes and these are a definite no, no from the conservation officer. Do they do wooden sashes at all?