Condensation
What is Condensation?
Condensation occurrs with cold sufaces meeting warmer air, water droplets form on the surface of the glass, metal, wood and even plastic and other surfaces that seperate the two temperatures. Warmth and humity inside the home coupled with the cool temperatures below due point on the outside can cause condensation.
How Does Condensation Differ from a Leak?
Condensation is moisture that builds up on the inside. A leak occurs most often due to improper / incorrect installation. Fakro skylights designs don’t leak and are leak-proof due to engineering.
How to Avoid Issues with Condensation
1/ Use insulated flashing such as teh ELA-T step flashing kit
2/ Use warm skylights and roof windows, i.e. Fakro Energy Star(R) deck-mounted units and Fakro FTT high energy efficient roof windows, paired with insulated flashing.
3/ Try to keep moisture levels into your home in check to (60% ofr less)
4/ It is worth considering the installation of an airflow system below skylights to assist in the prevention of moisture build up. (Fig.1) Also keep areas well ventilated.
How Does the Design of FAKRO Skylights Deal with Condensation?
Given wood is an insulating material the more insulation, provides less condensation.
Fakro skylights are designed with a wood frame that is double the thickness to other leading competitors (Fig.2).
Glass is a far superior insulator to plastic. Fakro skylights use two glass panels (Double glazed) to create a chamber effect. Each chamber is filled with the thermal regulating gas, argon, which creates a barrier between the two temperatures.
Channels contril condendations. Invisible channels built into the Fakro deck mounted skylight collect and drain condendaton to the outside without touching the frame or dry wall.
Metal conducts temperatures easily to both the inside and outside. Condensation on metal components can collect enough water that it drips. On the outside metal components attract moisture and are notorious for rusting. Fakro skylights are installed without the use of metal brackets on the outside. Instead the frame of the Fakro deck mounted skylight is attached directly to the deck with multiple screws. (Fig.3).
The frame and corners of every FAKRO skylight are sealed with a clear double-coat of lacquer, which not only make the surface look smart, but protects the frame against moisture / condensation.
(Fig. 4).
Additional Tips
In addition to purchasing Fakro skylights and insulated flashing, always follow the installation instructions and remember to use water and ice shield. It is highly recommended to have skilled trades people or skylight installers to fit your skylights. With the correct care and proper installation, you can fulfil the look and feel that only skylights can provide.
