I’ve noticed the same thing with condensation in the corners, especially when the temps really drop. I went with wood frames mostly for the look, but they seem to stay a bit warmer than uPVC, which maybe helps a little with the fogging. Still, it’s not a magic bullet—ventilation seems to play a bigger role than I expected. Has anyone tried those trickle vents or passive air bricks? I’m wondering if that’s a better fix than just swapping window materials.
ventilation seems to play a bigger role than I expected. Has anyone tried those trickle vents or passive air bricks?
You’re spot on about ventilation being the real game-changer. I’ve installed trickle vents in a few older flats up high, and they honestly do help with the condensation—much more than just swapping frame materials. Wood frames are a bit warmer to the touch, but if the room’s still air-tight, you’ll get fog regardless. Passive air bricks work too, though sometimes folks complain about drafts if they’re not placed right. It’s a balancing act... keep the heat in, let the moisture out!
Yeah, I’ve messed around with both—trickle vents are pretty decent if you’re after something simple and not too disruptive. They’re not magic, but they do take the edge off that damp feeling in winter. Air bricks can be a bit much up high, though. Cold drafts are no joke when the wind picks up. Honestly, if you’re in a tall building, trickle vents are less hassle and easier to control. Just gotta watch out for cheap ones that rattle in the wind... learned that the hard way.
Just gotta watch out for cheap ones that rattle in the wind... learned that the hard way.
Had the same issue with rattling vents—ended up stuffing a bit of foam in there just to get some sleep. Did you notice any real difference in condensation with trickle vents versus just cracking a window now and then? I always wonder if the small airflow is enough when it’s freezing out, or if it’s just a placebo effect.
I always wonder if the small airflow is enough when it’s freezing out, or if it’s just a placebo effect.
Honestly, I’ve had both setups—trickle vents and the old “crack the window and hope for the best” method. Trickle vents do help with condensation, but in my experience, they’re not magic. If you’re cooking pasta or drying laundry inside, you’ll still get foggy glass unless you ramp up the airflow. But yeah, leaving a window open when it’s blowing a gale at the 10th floor? That’s a hard pass. Trickle vents are better than nothing, but sometimes I feel like they’re just there to make you *feel* like you’re doing something smart.
I get where you’re coming from—trickle vents aren’t a cure-all, but they do have their place. When you’re up high and the wind’s howling, leaving a window open just isn’t realistic. The vents provide a controlled, minimal airflow, which helps with background moisture, but yeah, they’re not going to clear out heavy steam from a boiling pot or laundry day. Still, it’s better than nothing, especially in modern airtight flats. I’d say don’t underestimate small improvements—they add up, even if they’re not flashy.
The vents provide a controlled, minimal airflow, which helps with background moisture, but yeah, they’re not going to clear out heavy steam from a boiling pot or laundry day.
I hear you on that—trickle vents are like the slow and steady tortoise, not the hare. I’ve found they do just enough to stop my windows from dripping in winter, but if I’m cooking pasta or drying clothes, it’s like they’re waving a tiny white flag. My trick is to use them all the time, then crack the bathroom fan or kitchen extractor for the big stuff. It’s not perfect, but at least I’m not getting hit with a faceful of wind every time I want fresh air. Anyone else tried those window restrictors that let you open a window just a crack? Not sure if that’s any better...
I’ve tried those window restrictors, and honestly, they’re a bit of a mixed bag. On windy days up on the 10th floor, even a tiny crack turns my living room into a wind tunnel, but at least it keeps the rain out. Trickle vents are fine for everyday stuff, but once you’ve got a pot bubbling away or the tumble dryer going, it’s like bringing a water pistol to a wildfire. I’ve just gotten used to running the extractor fan and timing my laundry for when I can actually air things out without freezing. It’s all a bit of a juggling act.
That wind tunnel effect is rough—I've seen folks try those adjustable restrictors, but they only help so much when you’re that high up. Have you ever tried any of those magnetic window seals or draft stoppers for the colder months? I’ve wondered if they’d take the edge off without making things stuffy. Also, do you get a lot of condensation with everything closed up, or does the extractor fan handle it?
I’ve actually tried those magnetic seals—honestly, they cut the draft a bit, but you’re right, things can get stuffy if you leave them on all day.
For me, the extractor helps, but I still get some moisture on the coldest mornings. I’m curious, have you noticed any issues with mold around the window frames, or is that just me?“do you get a lot of condensation with everything closed up, or does the extractor fan handle it?”