Window ‘cling film’ and condensation

[Tattoovirgin]

I’m thinking of applying that plastic film to my windows for winter as they are single glazed.
Will this reduce condensation as the house will retain it’s heat better?

If you can afford it buy a dehumidifier

I got one yesterday and it's amazing - I've had 4 pints worth of water out if it already from various rooms

I tried it out on the washing I doors and it's dried it overnight

Mines a meaco 12L from Curry's

But a 10L would be fine too

I bought mine for a bedroom with

Thanks for responses. I do actually have a dehumidifier but I am wondering if adding the window film will increase or decrease the problem.
So I have seen advice that using the film is a good idea in winter for single glazed windows.

However, as I am also reading that ventilation is important, I am thinking that my leaky windows are providing ventilation, and this would not be the case if I use the film.

In theory if you make the seal good then it should trap a layer of air between the window film and the window itself. If the seal is airtight then the only water that can condense is that contained in the air in the gap, which should be a small amount.

Condensation happens when warmer air containing moisture meets a cold surface. If you manage to make the gap largely airtight, then it probably won't condense because the warmer air from your room will not come into contact with the cold surface of the window. Even if it is not airtight the flow of air from the room in contact with the surface of the window should be much reduced.

Maybe try it on one window and see what happens if you can get a small pack.

But I'm going to guess it will be OK.

There is an element of the potential that sealing windows will create moisture

One of the causes of the sudden rise in cases of mould across MoD housing was found to be upgrades to double glazing. As these were old housing stock the basic rubbish single glazed windows with a breeze blowing in was contributing to the air flow

A ‘modern’ design will have airbricks to make up for double glazing etc

However - it’s definitely worth trying. The best case is you make your home more efficient, the worst case is that you lose air flow and start to get damp - but you can take it off again, or take some of it off

I’d say to go for it and to keep your eyes open, also remember to have a look around the least used parts of the house

Condensation forms because of excess moisture in the air which is attracted to the coldest surface. If you seal up your windows you might reduce condensation on the windows but the excess moisture will find somewhere else, often external walls and behind fitted and large pieces of furniture. You might also get more excess moisture as you won't be able to open your windows to aid ventilation. Think about how you can reduce excess moisture and how you'll ventilate your home before sealing up the windows.

I have a single glazed stable door in the roo I use as an office - this is lovely in summer but in winter this room can get very cold even with a radiator in here. 20 years ago my dad bought a DIY magnetic secondary glazing kit, and I am using it as I type this post! It makes a BIG difference in keeping this room warm and in fact it reduces the condensation massively. I held off putting it up this year but noticed the panes were literally running with water so I pulled it out from behind the cupboard where it lives in summer, dried the glass with a towel and within seconds it was in place. There hasn't been any condensation on the glass since as it provides a gap between the 2 panes just like a sealed double glazed window does.

No idea where he got the original kit but these people sell the kind of thing I have (not recommending them as I have never used them myself) www.theplasticpeople.co.uk/magnetglaze-double-glazing-kit/

I used the cling film style plastic on a large single glazed window a few years ago. It worked really well at stopping the condensation completely and keeping the heat in. It's such a low cost solution and providing the plastic film is applied properly (no gaps), it will work a treat over the winter months.