DSS-A.01.02 — Moisture / Condensation Between Panes (#2 / #3)

Between-pane condensation is liquid water or condensate films/droplets observed on IGU cavity faces (typically #2 / #3) due to moisture ingress, seal failure, or internal humidity/temperature cycling. Because the cue resides inside the sealed unit, it is not accessible to in-place restoration; classification is governed by location/condition rather than surface-catch. Identify cavity faces via surface numbering and verify between-pane status by fixed parallax.

• Discrete droplets, streaking, or a continuous wet film inside the unit that persists after reveal/dry of the exposed faces and does not respond to wiping #1/#4.
• Often angle-dependent and more obvious in oblique/raking views; may vary with time of day / weather, yet remains inaccessible.

Location / access (primary):

• Confirm the condition is between panes using parallax: the feature’s apparent position is fixed relative to its reflection when the observer moves. Log as #2 / #3 per surface numbering. If between panes, classify CAT-5 by location.

Surface-catch class (MSRT):

• Not determinative for between-pane conditions; MSRT on #1/#4 cannot assess a cavity-face cue. CAT-5 is location/condition-driven.

Inspection environment / reveal controls:

• VIS requires clean, dry exposed faces before evaluation (Non-Invasive Reveal) and to avoid precipitation/condensation/wet surfaces on #1/#4. If the moisture is on #1/#4, dry/condition and re-inspect; if it remains between panes, treat as CAT-5.

Viewing / lighting:

• Apply VIS geometry: 12 / 36 / 72 in, normal incidence + oblique sweep (~60°-120°), with raking light; surfaces clean & dry.

• CAT-5 - Out of scope for in-place restoration when between-pane (IGU cavity) or otherwise inaccessible. Document and refer per project protocol (e.g., replacement or manufacturer service).
• If the moisture proves to be on #1/#4 (responds to reveal / drying), it is an environmental condition and must be removed/controlled prior to classification; only residual cues on the exposed face (e.g., films/etch) are classified under R or Ch families by CAT.

• Between-pane condensation is a transient internal wetting; there is no accessible face-side relief for MSRT. Numeric depth is not applicable; location governs classification.

• vs. Internal haze/volatile fogging (A.01.01): Haze appears as a dry veil/film and remains even when the cavity is not visibly wet. Condensation shows droplet/wet film morphology that may cycle with conditions, yet remains between panes. (Use parallax to confirm.)
• vs. Exterior/interior surface condensation (#1/#4): Disallowed by VIS environment controls; clears with dry/conditioning per §5.3. If it clears and no residue remains, no damage classification applies.
• vs. Coating rub/patchiness (Co.01/Co.03): Coating anomalies are worked-surface issues on an exposed coated face and are disallowed at acceptance on the worked surface (VIS §6.2.e); between-pane moisture shows fixed parallax and no worked perimeter.

• Photo set (VIS): 12 / 36 / 72 in; normal + oblique; include raking frames. Capture paired frames (or a brief sequence) to demonstrate fixed parallax (feature position remains fixed relative to reflection as the observer moves). Note lighting/time and reveal status.
• Forms: Record pane ID; product family & surface numbering (#1-#4; laminate-internal if applicable); worked surface Y/N; functional coating present on worked surface? (Y/N/Unknown); environment checks (dry; no condensation).
• Acceptance split: CAT-5 conditions are not subject to in-place acceptance under VIS; document and refer. Do not conflate factory/system issues with VIS acceptance for restored faces.

Attempting to work #1/#4 to “remove” a between-pane wetting artifact will create a worked region with a visible transition edge, which VIS disallows at acceptance (CAT-0...CAT-4). Confirm parallax and environmental dryness before any action.

• A.01.02 Moisture/Condensation Between Panes (#2/#3) - Between-pane wetting verified by fixed parallax; no change after Non-Invasive Reveal/dry of #1/#4; MSRT not applicable to internal cue. Logged as CAT-5 (out of in-place scope by location). Document per VIS (photos at 12/36/72 in; normal + oblique + raking; surface numbering recorded; forms per Appendix X3) and refer per project protocol.