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Window condensation, it may have happened to you at some time in your life... you go to sleep at night with your windows clean and clear and wake up the next morning with enough moisture on the inside of your window to make puddles on the sill. Or just the opposite, you can't see out of your windows because there is a "fog" on the exterior of your glass. And finally, you may be subject to a constant condensation that builds up between the insulated glass. Regardless of which type of window condensation you experience, it can be disturbing. While condensation can be concerning, it helps to know that it is not caused by the window product itself. Condensation happens because of a high humidity content in your house. The humid air carries around water vapor until it meets with a surface that has a temperature lower than the dew point (temperature where the air becomes too saturated and turns into dew). The glass on your windows are typically the coldest part of the house and create a location where moisture can form when the temperature difference is great between the interior and exterior of the window. With exterior condensation the same thing occurs, typically during the summer months. Exterior condensation requires a high exterior humidity and warm temperature coupled with a cool interior as a result of the air conditioning. Window condensation can be prevented by reducing the amount of interior moisture in your house. Some options include venting exhaust fans to the exterior of the house for at least 20 minutes after a shower, cover cooking pots to reduce steam, vent all appliances to the exterior of the house and avoid hanging clothes to dry indoors. You should also keep the window areas well ventilated and make sure window coverings do not block the windows and minimize humidifier use within the house. Condensation between the glass is the only instance where condensation can be really bad. This is because condensation between the glass is an indication that the seal has failed on the insulated glass and moisture is penetrating into the glass. When this occurs it is time to get new glass or consider replacement windows. Installing replacement windows can actually increase the occurrence of condensation in the house. This is because older windows that were drafty and poorly sealed allowed cool air in and around the glass, keeping the temperature on the interior cooler. When new, tighter, more energy efficient replacement windows are installed the window does not "breathe" as much and the air stays warmer on the interior. The good news is that condensation on your windows is a warning sign to try and reduce humidity levels within your house. While condensation on your windows is not critical, condensation can damage other areas of the house such as such as your walls and floors over time. If you are experiencing condensation on your windows, listen to what they are telling you and your house will thank you.
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