exterior insulated shutters..

[Erich_870]

I've thought about building something similar. Can't wait to see photos!

Erich

[buteman]

Hmm hadn't thought about condensation. Will have to bear it in mind if I make some.
Fortunately lowest temps around here for the last few years have been -3C or higher.
Dew point temp if the air in the enclosed area is quite dry should not be too much above that.
So I am thinking that I might include an amount of silica gel in there to reduce the problem.
Not much point in constructing anything until later in the year ready for next winter though.

[Erich_870]

Originally Posted by buteman

Hmm hadn't thought about condensation. Will have to bear it in mind if I make some.
Fortunately lowest temps around here for the last few years have been -3C or higher.
Dew point temp if the air in the enclosed area is quite dry should not be too much above that.
So I am thinking that I might include an amount of silica gel in there to reduce the problem.
Not much point in constructing anything until later in the year ready for next winter though.

They really must go on the outside of the window. The glass (and window frame) serve as the vapor barrier so if you put the insulation on the inside of the window the water vapor in the room will condense between the foam and the glass. The real trick is to make these shutters light, good looking, strong enough to withstand the wind and have a plan for them during the summer.

I've thought about making 2/3 window shudders that cover the lower 2/3's of the window because we have those blinds that you can adjust top and bottom and we usually have them closed on the bottom for privacy, but still letting light in up high. It's so dark and deary here during the winter that closing off the whole window and blocking the limited daylight would put us in the nut house! I just don't want it to look too ghetto.

Erich

[buteman]

I understand what you are saying but if the shutters are a good fit so it is difficult for air to exchange between the trapped air and the room then a fairly small amount of silica gel will absorb all of the moisture in the trapped air so there will be no chance of condensation.
Of course the only way to be sure is to fit one, wait for a cold night, and then remove it before the temperature starts to rise such as at dawn and see if there is any condensation. Practical tests often prove a better source of information than theory.

[kenora]

Originally Posted by buteman

I understand what you are saying but if the shutters are a good fit so it is difficult for air to exchange between the trapped air and the room then a fairly small amount of silica gel will absorb all of the moisture in the trapped air so there will be no chance of condensation.
Of course the only way to be sure is to fit one, wait for a cold night, and then remove it before the temperature starts to rise such as at dawn and see if there is any condensation. Practical tests often prove a better source of information than theory.

-----
I to used fit foam to a "tight push" to plug the window hole (think of a cork in a bottle) for a single winter... I used 2 inch EPS and found the icing/condensation problem astounding. I gave up on that and now use plastic film to cover the interior... this deals with the condensation since the plastic acts as a 4th pane and is air tight (or darn near).

Now the temps (exterior) get a lot colder here but "give er a shot"... your mileage may vary