When you think of condensation on a glass surface, your first thought might be a sweating glass of ice-cold water on a hot summer day. Condensation on windows is unfortunately much less glamorous and can pose a risk to your home.
If you are dealing with window condensation, understanding the why is key to taking action to prevent it. We’ll cover what causes window condensation, the three types, and some long-term solutions. Take action now to prevent water condensation and subsequent damage to your home.
- Why Windows Have Condensation
- Types of Condensation
- Interior Condensation
- Exterior Condensation
- Between Window Panes
- Managing Condensation
- Long-Term Solutions
- FAQ
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What Causes Condensation On Windows
What causes condensation on windows in the first place? When warm, humid air contacts a cold surface, like a window or a glass of cold water, the air particles condense into liquid droplets. With porous materials, the water has a place to go, However, it collects on solid glass or metal surfaces.
The buildup of moisture on windows is common no matter what type of window you have. It doesn’t necessarily indicate poor quality or seal. It could mean just the opposite. A properly sealed home also locks moisture inside your home. The makeup of your home, daily activities, and environmental factors can all play a part in window condensation.
Types of Window Condensation
Moisture buildup on a window can occur on the interior, exterior, or even inside the window between panes. Interior window condensation is the most noticeable and is especially common during the cold winter months, but you can easily dry it off and take steps to minimize it from happening.
Condensation inside windows is the most frustrating and worrisome because you can’t just dry the moisture off and it usually involves replacing a window pane entirely. Condensation forms on the outside of windows more frequently in the spring, summer, and fall when cool nights are followed by hot and humid days.
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Interior Window Condensation
Condensation on the inside of windows is worsened by certain household activities such as showering, cooking, and drying clothes, which generate extra moisture in the air. To prevent moisture buildup on the inside of windows, it’s crucial to understand these factors and take the necessary steps to manage them. Without effective management of indoor humidity levels, condensation can drip down and collect on window sills and even drywall. This can potentially result in mold growth and deterioration of the window frame and walls.
Exterior Window Condensation
Condensation on the outside of windows is climate-related and does not indicate an issue with your windows or the humidity level in the home. Temperature swings and high humidity outside form condensation when warm, moist air meets the cooler surface of the windows in an air-conditioned home. This is most often seen in the early morning after a cool summer night, and luckily the condensation will quickly evaporate when the sun comes out.
Condensation Between Window Panes
Condensation in windows, between the panes, is a problem that usually indicates a failure in the window’s seal or insulation properties. Moisture is then allowed to seep inside and get trapped there. It requires a professional assessment to understand the full extent of the damage and most repairs include fixing the window seal or replacing a window pane or the entire window.
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Managing Interior Window Condensation
Moisture on the inside of windows can be managed by controlling the indoor humidity levels. This is particularly high in kitchens and bathrooms, and promoting air circulation throughout the home helps. To keep tabs on your home’s indoor humidity levels, install a smart thermostat or purchase an interior thermometer with a humidity sensor. With the simple solutions below, you can reduce the likelihood of window condensation by managing the indoor humidity levels and protecting your home from the potential moisture damage that results.
- Use Dehumidifiers: dehumidifiers are a simple way to decrease the moisture in any space and just require you to plug them in and occasionally empty the water receptacle.
- Improve Ventilation: when the weather allows, try cracking a few of your windows or running fans to improve the circulation of air in your home; just make sure your fan is set in the proper direction depending on what season you are in.
- Weatherstripping and Caulking: to improve insulation, seal off any cracks or holes with caulking and use weatherstripping around exterior doors to prevent moisture infiltration.
- Move Indoor Plants From Windows: plants and other natural materials like firewood give off moisture into the air, and condensation is worsened when those items are placed right in front of windows.
Managing Exterior Window Condensation
While slightly more difficult to prevent, there are some proactive measures you can take to manage exterior window condensation. Much of it comes with managing your home’s heating and cooling to minimize the extreme temperature differences between the indoors and outdoors. In addition to environmental and temperature controls, there are certain window treatments you can install to provide protection against weather changes and keep the surface of the outer glass warmer.
- Adjust Thermostat Settings: Increase the temperature on your thermostat, even by a few degrees, to warm your windows and decrease the amount of condensation that forms.
- Use of Storm Windows: Most storm windows are made with holes or a small, adjustable gap at the bottom to allow moisture to escape, preventing condensation from forming.
- Install External Window Insulation Kits: Insulation film kits installed on the exterior of your windows create a barrier to the window and provide a buffer.
- Improve Ventilation: Increase the ventilation by cracking exterior windows and removing any barriers to airflow.
- Landscaping Adjustments: If you have the option, avoid planting large plants and shrubs right next to windows as they can increase the window condensation.
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Managing Condensation Between Window Panes
If you are dealing with persistent condensation between window panes, it’s best to call in the professionals. This is usually a sign of a failure in the insulation or window seal. Initially check for any visible signs of damage to the window or frame. Professionals then thoroughly evaluate the window. They assess the extent of the damage, and offer options for a repair or a replacement.
- Inspect Sealant and Gaskets: Check the window sealant and gaskets for any areas of damage that may be allowing moisture in.
- Get A Professional Assessment: A professional can quickly and efficiently assess the problem and recommend the best course of action.
- Install Energy-Efficient Windows: Energy-efficient qualities like low emissivity glass allow for better performance and decreased temperature swings in the glass.
- Use Moisture Absorbers: Moisture absorbers like silica gel packets or water snakes can be placed near the window to soak up excess moisture in the air.
Preventive Measures and Long-Term Solutions
Much of our advice for how to get rid of condensation is to address the root cause of moisture buildup. There are some long-term solutions and preventative measures to combat condensation on windows that include upgrades and modifications to enhance window performance. In addition to investing in home improvements like high-quality windows, regular maintenance is key to keeping your windows clean and working properly, ensuring the thermal efficiency of your home.
- Upgrade to Double-Glazed Windows: Making an upgrade to more energy-efficient windows like double-glazed with low-e coatings can help to regulate the temperature fluctuations.
- Invest in New Windows: New windows will have a tighter seal and likely better performance than older windows (especially those with a high R-value which slows heat transfer).
- Check Seals and Insulation: Proper window seals and insulation help to keep the windows at a stable temperature and minimize condensation.
- Implement Regular Maintenance Checks: Getting a routine home inspection will include a detailed examination of all windows to ensure proper working condition.
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Condensation on Windows FAQ
Why is there condensation on my windows?
Condensation on your windows is the result of warm, humid air coming into contact with the cool, solid surface of your glass window. Window condensation can occur on the exterior, interior, or between panes of the window. Some activities, like cooking and showering, can greatly increase the humidity levels and result in increased window condensation.
How do I prevent condensation?
To prevent window condensation, there are a few simple steps you can take. Improve air circulation by leaving windows slightly cracked when the weather allows. Manage indoor humidity by using dehumidifiers and exhaust fans. Schedule regular maintenance checks on your windows to make sure they are functioning as they should.
Is condensation on windows bad?
Condensation on windows can be problematic for several reasons. It indicates high humidity levels in the home and can lead to mold growth everywhere, not just near the windows. Persistent condensation can collect on window sills or drywall, leading to warping and other moisture-related damage.
Why do my windows get moisture on the inside?
When moisture collects on the inside of a window, it’s a sign of a broken seal or gasket. Condensation enters and stays trapped. If moisture control techniques are not working, it’s best to reach out to a professional for a thorough evaluation and recommended approach for repair or replacement.