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Window Condensation

causes, solutions, and when to consider replacement

Struggling with foggy windows? This guide explains the causes of window condensation, the types, and why preventing it matters. We also explore how condensation differs from blown double glazing, so you’ll know when it’s time for professional window condensation repair.

Introduction

Many homeowners encounter condensation on their windows and doors, especially during colder months. Window condensation may seem like a small issue, but it can affect your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and even its structural integrity. In this guide, we’ll cover what causes window condensation, its different types, and effective solutions. We’ll also explore the difference between window condensation and blown or failed double glazing, with tips on when to consider double glazed glass replacement.

What causes window condensation?

Window condensation occurs when moisture-laden air meets a cool surface, releasing tiny water droplets on the glass. This can happen on the inside, outside, or even between the panes, each indicating a different cause.

Temperature Difference

Colder outdoor air meets warm indoor air, especially with single-pane or outdated double glazed windows, causing condensation to form on the interior glass.

Poor Ventilation

Poor airflow keeps moisture trapped indoors, often from cooking, showering, or breathing. This trapped moisture raises indoor humidity, leading to condensation.

Activities Generating Moisture

Rooms with excess moisture—like kitchens, bathrooms, or even laundry rooms—often experience more condensation, particularly in winter.

Types of window condensation

Recognising the type of condensation can help you choose the right approach

Interior Condensation

Forms on the inside of windows and doors, often due to high indoor humidity. It’s common in rooms with moisture, especially in winter.

Exterior Condensation

Occurs on the outer side of windows, typically on humid mornings. This type doesn’t indicate a window issue and usually disappears as the temperature rises.

Window doctor in London repairing double glazing

Condensation Inside Panes

This points to a seal failure, allowing moisture to enter the space between the glass panes. It’s a common issue in older double-glazed windows.

Window Condensation Health risks!

Condensation itself doesn’t pose direct health risks, but it can create conditions that contribute to other issues that may affect health. Excessive condensation on windows or other surfaces can create a damp environment conducive to mold and mildew growth. Mold spores can exacerbate respiratory problems, trigger allergies, and cause other health issues, particularly in individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

According to the NHS website, moulds produce allergens and toxic substances that when inhaled or touched can cause “allergic reaction, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash.

“Moulds can also cause asthma attacks.”

Window Condensation vs. Blown or Failed Double Glazing

While condensation may be temporary or manageable, blown or failed double glazing is a more serious issue that typically calls for professional intervention.

Blown or failed double glazing

Blown double glazing is like a broken promise, where the seal between the glass panes fails, letting in unwanted moisture and fogging up the view.

Signs of blown double glazing

How to address blown double glazing

The only way to fix blown double glazing is to replace the entire unit.

Misted glazing replacement for UPVC windows

How to Stop Window Condensation!

To effectively reduce or eliminate condensation on windows, you can employ several strategies:

  1. Improve Ventilation:

    • Increase airflow throughout your home by opening windows or using exhaust fans in areas where moisture tends to accumulate, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
    • Use ceiling fans to circulate air, which helps prevent moisture buildup by promoting evaporation.
  2. Use Dehumidifiers:

    • Install and use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air, especially in areas with high humidity levels or where condensation is a recurring issue.
    • Place dehumidifiers strategically in problem areas to target specific areas of moisture buildup.
  3. Monitor Indoor Humidity:

    • Invest in a hygrometer to monitor indoor humidity levels regularly. Aim to maintain indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% to minimize condensation while avoiding excessively dry conditions.
    • Adjust your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system settings to regulate indoor humidity levels as needed.
  4. Seal Windows and Doors:

    • Check for and repair any gaps, cracks, or leaks around windows and doors that may allow warm, moist air to enter your home from the outside.
    • Apply weather stripping or caulking as necessary to improve the sealing of windows and doors and prevent air infiltration.
  5. Insulate Windows:

    • Upgrade to double-pane or triple-pane windows, which provide better insulation and help maintain warmer interior glass surfaces, reducing the likelihood of condensation.
    • Consider installing storm windows or adding window insulation film to improve energy efficiency and reduce heat transfer.
  6. Use Insulating Window Treatments:

    • Install thermal curtains, cellular shades, or window quilts to add an additional layer of insulation and reduce heat loss through windows, which can help prevent condensation by maintaining warmer window surfaces.
  7. Increase Surface Temperature:

    • Use radiant heaters or other localized heating sources near windows to increase the surface temperature of the glass, reducing the temperature differential between the indoor air and the window surface and minimizing condensation.
  8. Remove Excess Moisture Sources:

    • Address sources of excess moisture within your home, such as leaky plumbing, dripping faucets, or water seepage from the foundation or roof, to reduce overall humidity levels and minimize condensation.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively reduce condensation on windows and create a more comfortable and healthy indoor environment. However, it’s essential to assess your specific situation and needs to determine which combination of methods will be most effective in addressing condensation issues in your home.

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