Condensation is everywhere, from the outside of your glass of water on a hot summer day to the mirror that fogs up after
a hot shower. One place a homeowner doesn’t want to see condensation, though, is on their windows.
There isn’t anything inherently wrong with having condensation on windows, as the tiny beads of water can often indicate
that your windows have a good seal since they’re keeping air from exiting your home. The problem stems, however, from
windows dealing with constant condensation, as such consistent water exposure isn’t good for them.
Fortunately, there are some relatively simple ways to prevent window condensation, and it all starts with knowing how
the first water droplet forms.
How Condensation Inside Windows Forms
The primary culprit of excessive window condensation, just as it is when it appears on your glass of water, is humidity. Your home’s humidity levels
should stay below 60%, and ideally, they’ll fall below 50%.
You want to avoid humidity reaching either extreme, as low humidity can make the air feel stagnant, and when the
humidity gets too high, windows develop more condensation. You may still wonder, though, just why that’s a problem at
all.
For starters, window condensation isn’t great for the wood surrounding your window. It’s generally a non-issue for the
glass, but the more moisture that hits the frames, the higher your chances are for experiencing paint chipping,
blistering, or even water damage that could potentially ruin your window frames and cost a lot to replace.
How to Stop Condensation on Windows
There’s some good news in all of this: Window condensation is relatively easy to address. Start by getting a read on the
humidity levels in your home and taking the necessary steps to lower them if needed. You can do so with the help of a
smart thermostat or dehumidifier, but you don’t necessarily need to invest in new technology to know how to fix
condensation between window panes.
There are simple steps you can take to mitigate condensation right now, such as:
- Increasing ventilation with fans or opening windows
- Drawing window treatments, like drapes, to avoid trapping heat
- Turning down your humidifier, if necessary
- Paying attention to humidity in rooms with plants or firewood
- Applying a water repellent to the window panes if the condensation is outside
You can combine any of these tips to help prevent condensation on your windows, and whenever you notice those pesky droplets forming, you
can also handle it manually by gently drying the window with a microfiber cloth. You can even point a fan at the window
to speed up the evaporation.
Note, however, that some of these fixes are only temporary: If condensation continues to be a problem, you may
eventually need to replace the window frame entirely.
Professional Results Start with Complete Window Care
Windows are essential fixtures for your home that keep it comfortable year-round, so if condensation woes have gotten to
you and it’s time to replace or fix any part of your window, Complete Window Care is here. We help ensure that
everything isn’t just done: It’s complete. Contact us today to
learn more about our services and schedule a visit from one of our technicians.
