[Metallo]

Hi all,

Some time ago I discussed in this forum the condensation issue and came to the conclusion that this is due to the dew point balance between inside/outside.
During the last two weeks, the temperature dropped down ranging from -15F to 5F.
I get ice inside and due o the condensation drops, the rail gets iced and I can no longer open the French windows.

I thought a couple of pictures are better than 100 words.

I guess I will have to do something to fix this next sprint/summer, can you advise me?

Thank you
Alex

 

[joecaption]

That ones caused from air leaks, very common with sliders, there never air tight.

 

[HomeSealed]

I would not say that they are never air tight, some units are pretty good, but they are generally the leakiest configuration.... You scenario is clearly air leakage as joe mentioned.

 

[Metallo]

How do I fix this?

Alex

 

[joecaption]

Cover them with shrink wrap plastic, seal the gap with peelable caulking, or replace the windows with better ones.
http://www.dap.com/product_details.aspx?product_id=20

 

[Metallo]

Well, normally I use this door everyday to go outside to the backyard, cannot wrap it in plastic.

Do you think I can buy better sliders without changing the whole door?

Thanks
Alex

 

[HomeSealed]

No. Your only option if you use this unit on a regular basis is to possibly replace whatever weatherstripping is in there, if any. That may or may not even be doable... Honestly though, if your temps are as low as you mentioned, that really doesn't even look that bad, especially for a sliding door.
Only way to really seal it up would be to upgrade to newer, tighter unit.

 

[joecaption]

Had any issues with stains or wet areas on the inside flooring in that area?
Sure looks like someone did the building 101 mistake and built a deck, stoop patio ect. even with the threshold on the other side of that door.
By code it needed to be at least 4" below it and the wall and under the door needed to be flashed.

 

[paintdrying]

You could try a heavy curtain

 

[HomeSealed]

You could try a heavy curtain

Just to clarify for the OP: a heavy curtain or other type of covering can help the comfort level of the room, however if the condensation/icing itself is the primary concern, that would only serve to exacerbate the problem. It will keep the warm conditioned interior air from warming the surface of the glass, thereby making it colder and making it easier for the moisture in the air to condense on it.