What Causes Condensation on Windows?

It doesn’t matter if you live in an old heritage property or a new-build home, condensation can affect everyone. If you have noticed condensation in your home for a while now, you may also notice mould developing around the window frames and on the walls as moisture builds up in your home.

Condensation starts small, but it can have a big impact. The cause of condensation in your home could be the result of numerous factors. It is important to discover the cause for yourself so that you can put the appropriate prevention methods in place. If you don’t deal with condensation right away, it can develop into a more serious long-lasting problem.

Condensation on the Outside of Windows

Condensation that forms on the outside of your windows is a good thing as it is a natural result from temperature fluctuations in the weather. If you discover condensation developing on the outside of your windows, there is no need to worry. It’s just a sign that your windows are performing well and doing a good job of insulating your home.

Condensation on the Inside of Windows

Condensation that forms on the inside of your windows is usually the result of high humidity levels in your home. All of this excess moisture collects and cools on your windows. Properly ventilating your home is the best way to prevent this problem from worsening.

Condensation Between the Window Panes

What happens when vapour gets in between your window panes and condensation starts to form? Condensation between window panes is a bad sign that your windows have sprung a leak. This means that water vapour has been allowed to get in and is a sign that your windows are no longer performing effectively.

If your windows are new and you have noticed condensation between the window panes, it is likely your windows have not been properly installed. If you discover the problem of condensation between the window panes, it is time to replace your windows as the problem unfortunately won’t get better on its own.

When Does Condensation Occur?

Condensation occurs when warm air collides with a cold surface. The levels of humidity in our homes are always higher during the colder months when the heating is turned up high and the windows are kept closed for most of the day.

High humidity in the home can also cause condensation. Activities like showering, cooking, drying clothes, and turning up the heating can increase humidity. When humid air packed with moisture comes into contact with a cold surface, like your windows, it quickly cools down, releasing the water which turns into small liquid droplets.

While a little bit of condensation probably sounds harmless enough, if it isn’t dealt with it can encourage mould growth, which in turn can lead to harmful health issues including skin rashes, sinus issues, and even bronchitis. So, it is important to reduce the levels of condensation in your home as much as you can.

Condensation on Windows in the Bedroom

Condensation on the inside of windows is the most common type of condensation. The chances are that you will notice a build-up of condensation in three main rooms of the house:

  • The kitchen
  • The bathroom
  • The bedroom

Many people can understand why condensation tends to build up in the kitchen and the bathroom, but why is it also common in the bedroom? The most likely reason for condensation in the bedroom is that we are typically confined to our bedrooms for extended hours during the night, often with the door closed, and this may cause the levels of humidity to increase.

Condensation on Newly Installed Windows

If you have recently had new windows installed, don’t be surprised to see more condensation build-up. Newly installed double-glazed windows are extremely effective at doing their job and, therefore, in this case an increase in condensation is a good sign as it means that your windows are working effectively.

How Double Glazing Reduces Condensation

One of the main advantages of double glazing is how it prevents condensation. It does this by holding a vacuum or layer of gas between two sheets of glass. This means that when heat builds on one side of the window, it has trouble passing through the inner layer of glass, and as a result most of the heat is conducted back into the room. This is how double glazing prevents heat escaping from your home and helps reduce your energy bills.

How to Reduce Condensation in Your Home

  • Use a dehumidifier
  • Ventilate your home properly
  • Install double glazing
  • Manage the temperature in your home
  • Keep doors closed while cooking or showering
  • Turn on extractor fans
  • Keep your plants outside to reduce moisture build-up
  • Dry clothes outside
  • Use fans to move air around.

The Long-Term Solution to Condensation

There are many ways you can reduce the problem of condensation inside your home. Check out this article on the best prevention methods. However, just like many other things in life, preventing condensation is so much easier than attempting to cure it. The best way to avoid condensation in the long-term is to invest in high-quality windows that are properly sealed, providing both effective ventilation and thorough insulation when you need it.

Upgrade You Windows Today

If you don’t have double glazed windows in your home, you should definitely consider an upgrade. Double glazed windows are one of the best ways to protect your home from condensation. They keep your home warmer and drier than single-glazed windows because the levels of condensation are significantly reduced. If you would like to upgrade to double glazed windows, contact the team at Sash Windows London Ltd. We would be more than happy to help you find the perfect fit.