Condensation and what to do about it

Have you been dealing with condensation, particularly after the installation of your new windows? We are often asked about condensation by our customers, and for this reason it is helpful to understand precisely what causes condensation and what to do about it.

What is condensation?

Condensation is what’s commonly referred to as “sweating” on colder objects like windows and doors, usually occurring when the temperature outside becomes drastically colder compared to the temperature inside the home. While some condensation is normal, particularly during the winter months, condensation is dangerous when it results in phenomenon like peeling paint and rot in unseen areas of the house.

What causes it?

In essence, condensation is when there is excess humidity inside the home. All homes have a certain level of humidity being contrasted with that of the outside. During the winter this difference is especially noticeable, but not necessarily abnormal. Ordinary activities like showering, cooking, and simply having a large number of people in the home causes the humidity to rise in the house. This increase in humidity causes water droplets to collect on surfaces that are cooler, particularly places like doorknobs, hinges, and especially windows.

If you have noticed that the level of condensation has increased since the installation of your new windows, this is actually a good thing as it is a sign that the windows are doing their job. Your new windows, having a higher energy rating and seal, are more energy efficient and are better able to prevent the air inside your home from transferring with the air outside. While this results in keeping cold air inside your home during the Summer, it also means that less warm air is escaping during the Winter. This in turn is responsible for the higher humidity levels and more condensation compared to when you had your old windows.

What to do?

The main goal is to lower the amount of humidity in your home. You can do this by better ventilating your home, such as turning on the bathroom and kitchen fans. You can also keep your curtains open, as closing keeps the windows colder, encouraging condensation. You may want to air out your home periodically as well if this does not solve the issue.

We hope you understand why condensation occurs and some of the strategies you can use to tackle it.