Window sill ventilation: methods and detailed instructions for arranging window sill ventilation

You can solve such a common problem of “crying” windows in just a couple of hours, because often the cause of condensation is insufficient air exchange due to too wide window sills. Additional ventilation in the windowsill is the main way to correct the direction of the flow of hot air coming from the heating radiator and let it go to the double-glazed window.

With proper circulation of air masses and airing the room, the owners of plastic windows will be able to forget about excessive moisture, annoying puddles on the windowsill and unhealthy fungus. But what is such airing and how to properly arrange it?

In this material we will consider the principle of operation of a window sill ventilation system with a supply valve, we will talk about the types of ventilation grilles and how to install them in plastic or wooden window sills.

The need to install ventilation in the windowsill

Of course, high-quality plastic windows are much better than old wooden frames. The modern design provides excellent sound insulation, retains heat in the housing, protects against drafts and is easier to care for. However, the advantages of ergonomic window systems lie in their disadvantages.

Tightness and the complete absence of natural ventilation often lead to the formation of condensation on the double-glazed window even of a correctly installed window. The cold, damp surface of the plastic is an excellent environment for mold development.

Sealed double-glazed windows and reliable seals prevent heat loss as much as possible. However, along with the heat in the apartment there are also excess steam, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. The old-style wooden frames made it possible to partially release air from the dwelling even without airing.Modern window systems, the frames of which do not have a supply channel, do not possess such abilities.

Old wooden windows contribute to intense heat loss. However, the presence of gaps allows moisture to leave the room more freely, so that condensate does not settle on the inner surface of the window leaf

The main reason for installing an additional ventilation system in the windowsill is an attempt to get rid of condensate. The double-glazed window remains cold due to low temperature, after contact with warm air masses, micro-droplets of moisture are formed on its surface, which can turn into real flows. Therefore, timely measures must be taken to get rid of excessive humidity in the room.

However, if the air flow from the battery will fully pass near the surface of the glass, condensate simply will not have time to form. And even a short airing of the room will provide good air exchange: heavy room air with undesirable impurities will leave the room, being replaced by fresh street air.

Correct direction of warm air flow from the battery and periodically opening the sash or installation supply valve on the window they will save homeowners from high humidity in the apartment, and from settling of condensate on the glass.

Methods for ventilating the windowsill

Depending on the initial depth of the window sill, the thickness of the outer wall and the depth of the window frame, there are two ways to provide air circulation in the double-glazed window:

• using the natural passage of flows through openings made in the windowsill for ventilation;
• thanks to the installation of a separate ventilation duct with a supply valve.

Each of the methods has its own characteristics both in the selection of materials and in the implementation.

Ventilation through grill openings

The first method of improving the passage of air is quite simple and does not require special skills.

The figure schematically shows the direction of air movement through the ventilation holes in the windowsill, equipped with special grilles. The lamellas in these products have a certain angle, due to which the flow rushes towards the window

Even the inexperienced master can make the necessary holes and fix the ventilation grill. The method is suitable for windowsills of medium and large depth, the protruding part of which significantly overlaps the heating battery. Ventilation grilles will allow air to freely pass through the window sill and in sufficient quantities to enter the double-glazed window.

The grilles themselves can be made of different materials: plastic, aluminum, steel and even wood. The most ergonomic are metal products coated with a special paint that is resistant to high temperatures. Plastic is not less common on sale, however, this material may deform over time and lose its original shade, which will also not add to it aesthetics after a year of operation.

The dimensions of the ventilation grill are selected based on the width of the window sill. To ensure that the window warms up more evenly, it is better to install the grate along the entire window sill. Particular attention should be paid to the living cross-section of the grill - the size of the holes through which air will pass. The larger their area, the more efficient the circulation will be.

Lattices with a large distance between the lamellas, like ordinary wide ventilation openings, should not be mounted on window sills, which are actively used by the owners as a storage area, as small objects can fall through them

The lamellas themselves can be static or regulated. The second option is more preferable for installation, as it allows you to more accurately adjust the angle of air direction or completely block the air exchange.

Mounting a duct with a supply valve

A more complex way, requiring more skill during installation and knowledge to select a special complex - a window sill.

The method consists in equipping a special window sill ventilation system, which consists of:

• inner box with grillesthrough which the intake of exhaust air;
• ventilation duct in the form of a pipewhich brings the flow out;
• external grill with filtersthat do not allow street dust.

The lamellas of the internal house duct are usually adjustable, which allows you to change the intensity of air intake. The channel itself is equipped with additional filters and reliable noise isolation, which will not allow too loud outside sounds to penetrate into the room.

The design may also have an engine that will provide more efficient capture of street air. To reduce heat loss, it is worth taking a closer look at devices with heat recovery.

The figure shows the installation diagram of the supply valve under the window. Thanks to this design, the room is naturally ventilated to prevent condensation

Such ventilation systems are optimal for houses and apartments with thick walls and deep window sills.

The main advantages of the designs are:

• maximum and continuous updating of air in housing;
• the ability to avoid sudden changes in temperature or drafts that may occur when the room is aired during window opening;
• restriction of ingress of street dust during ventilation;
• reduction of heat losses.

However, a significant drawback of this method is that this measure will work properly only with properly functioning house buildings ventilation ducts.

If there is a problem with the draft in the shaft, they must be solved before installing window sill ventilation with a supply valve. May need ventilation cleaning.

Additionally, ventilation should occur evenly in all rooms. To do this, interior doors must have ventilation grilles or have a lower clearance between the door leaf and the frame

To choose the optimal device for a particular room, it is worthwhile to focus on the throughput of a particular system and the noise absorption coefficient. The usefulness of air exchange depends on the first parameter, the second affects the comfort of the residents of the house. And the presence of soundproof membranes will significantly reduce the penetration of street noise into the apartment.

Window sill installation instructions

Depending on the method chosen to create ventilation in the windowsill under the plastic windows, the homeowner or foreman will have to perform certain manipulations.

Option # 1 - drilling holes with grill overlay

This is the easiest and fastest way to slightly improve the circulation of warm air generated by a heating radiator.

A decorative overhead ventilation grille in the windowsill hides the holes made and looks aesthetically pleasing. During installation, you should be careful and place the product so that the angle of inclination of the lamellas is directed towards the glass

For installation you will need: a screwdriver (drill) with a drill, a marking pencil, a ruler, an overhead grill of the required size, glue for fixing.

After preparing the necessary equipment, you need to follow a few simple steps:

1. Compare the dimensions of the purchased ventilation grille and the length of the window sill to place the cover in the center with the same indentation from the edges of the window sill, and make serifs with a pencil.
2. Attach the grate to the windowsill, focusing on the notches put down, outline its perimeter.
3. Inside the outlined area, make multiple holes with a drill, deviating from the pencil line about 1-1.5 cm.
4. Close the perforated section of the window sill with a ventilation grill, fixing it with glue.

Virtually all work can be done in less than half an hour. The plastic chips remaining after drilling can be easily removed with a vacuum cleaner.

Advantages: quick and easy execution, minimal set of tools, simple preparation for installation. But such a lattice protrudes above the window sill. Also among the disadvantages is a decrease in the efficiency of the cross-section of the lattice.

Such measures will make it possible to slightly improve air circulation and partially solve the problem of condensation settling.

Option # 2 - installing a grill with a groove cut

This method of arranging a window-sill ventilation system is no more complicated than the previous one, however, it makes it possible to more aesthetically hide an impromptu ventilation duct in the thickness of the window sill, if an integrated ventilation grate is used.

Similar lattices more organically fit into the interior, as they do not rise above the window sill. You can safely put indoor flowers on them, without worrying about the stability of the pot

However, a similar product can be installed and the overhead product.

In addition to the tools listed above in the description of the first method, you will additionally need:

• jigsaw or grinder;
• a heavy object for use as a press if the grate is fixed with glue;
• bolts if the grill is attached by them.

After the preparatory work on marking the place where the grill will be located, the following steps must be performed:

1. Drill four holes in the corner serifs. The diameter of the drill bit must be larger than the width of the cutting blade jigsaw.
2. After inserting the jigsaw blade into one of the holes obtained, cut out the slot-groove.
3. Insert the grill into the hole to make sure that it matches the dimensions.
4. Fix the grate with glue or bolts. When using glue put a press for the best coupling with a window sill.

If desired, you can use neither glue nor bolts. Free dismantling of the grate will greatly facilitate the care of it, as at any time the product can be removed and washed with water.

The advantages of this method:

• ease of installation;
• installation of a lattice flush with a window sill;
• aesthetic appearance.

Among the drawbacks is the need for more tools and a violation of the integrity of the windowsill.

Such a window sill ventilation system looks quite aesthetically pleasing, making it possible to fully use the surface as a storage area.

Option # 3 - installation of fresh window sill ventilation

This is the most time-consuming, but also the most effective way to correct the movement of air flows.

An additional ventilation duct with a supply valve is not only extremely effective, but it looks quite attractive both inside and outside the building

Such a measure allows you to fully replace heavy indoor air with fresh street air and get rid of excess moisture, which causes condensation to settle.

The main working tool for installation will be a puncher with a crown that can make a hole in the wall of the required diameter. Check for draft in the apartment ventilation duct. If the ventilation system is working properly, proceed with installation.

Procedure:

1. Select an installation location. The optimum is the area between the heating battery and the window sill itself.
2. Disassemble the purchased product by disconnecting the indoor unit from it. Mark the place for installation, focusing on the mounting points of the box.
3. Using a hammer drill, drill the outlet for the future channel at a slight downward angle.
4. Wrap the ventilation pipe with insulation and install it in the duct. The external part of the device should be flush with the surface of the wall.
5. Following the instructions for the device, install soundproofing membranes and air filters.If the valve has a fan to generate additional air flow, connect this unit to the wiring, based on the connection diagram in the passport.
6. Fasten the inner box with dowels.

For more detailed installation instructions for the supply air valve in the wall, see next article.

An installed ventilation system requires minimal maintenance. However, the user should at least once a year clean or replace the filters so that the equipment does not lose its effectiveness.

Advantages of this option:

• the most effective way of ventilation;
• full air exchange;
• removal of excess moisture from the room.

Among the disadvantages are more complicated installation, violation of the integrity of the wall, higher cost of work due to the price of the valve to be purchased.

The choice of a supply valve and the execution of work is still more appropriate to entrust to a specialist. The wizard will be able to accurately calculate the necessary performance of the equipment and install it correctly.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

An experienced master shows how to install ventilation grills in a plastic window sill:

Installation of the supply valve made by specialists is described in detail in the video below:

A window sill ventilation system is a reliable method to eliminate unwanted condensation on plastic windows and to prevent mold and mildew. Improving air circulation can be quite simple and inexpensive ways, simply by installing additional ventilation grills in the windowsill. However, if you create a new ventilation duct under the window with an efficient supply valve and heat recovery system, the replacement of heavy and humid air will take place continuously and without heat loss.

And what method of disposal of condensate do you use? Tell your story of installing ventilation in the window sill fabric, share your experience of using such a system, participate in discussions - the contact form is located below.