Why Is There Condensation on My Windows?

Ideally, the windows in your home will provide a great view while keeping the interior warm in the winter and cool in the summer. So, when you see condensation on your windows, which happens when humid air meets a cool surface, you may wonder if they are effectively keeping the cold at bay.

What Causes Condensation?

Condensation is a natural phenomenon that occurs when hot, humid air meets a cool surface. Hot air can absorb more moisture than cool air, so when hot, humid air cools rapidly, it leaves behind liquid water. This happens frequently in bathrooms during a shower, where the cooler surface of the mirror will cause water to condense out of the air.

Condensation can happen anywhere there is a cooler surface and moisture in the air. Inside your home, the air is constantly being filled with moisture from activities like showering, cooking, or simply breathing. Because windows are located on the exterior walls and they have less insulation than the wall itself, they tend to be colder than the rest of the room, creating a natural spot for condensation to form. Even the best windows will lose some heat to the outside during cool weather, and every window is a balance between great views and energy efficiency.

Interior vs. Exterior Condensation

Condensation on the inside of the windows occurs due to humid air inside the home and colder temperatures outside. If it happens often, it may be a sign that your home has significant humidity and ventilation problems, or that your windows are poorly insulated. Excessive condensation can lead to water damage and mold growth, so it is a good idea to tackle any humidity problems promptly.

Condensation can also form on the outside of your windows in rare cases where the air is warmer and just a bit humid outside and your windows are cooler than the air temperature. This shows that your windows are working well to limit heat transfer between the interior and exterior.

If condensation forms between the panes of glass in your windows, this shows that the seals in your windows are faulty. Dual-pane and triple-pane windows feature a sealed space between the panes that is filled with an inert gas like argon or krypton. This acts as an insulating layer to reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. If these seals have failed, it is best to repair or replace the window.

How to Reduce Condensation in Your Home

Reducing humidity can go a long way toward preventing condensation. Use the exhaust fan in the bathroom when you are showering or bathing, and turn on the exhaust hood when you are cooking. If your home does not have an exhaust fan in the bathroom or a hood over the kitchen stove, it is wise to install one. Meanwhile, open windows as necessary to improve ventilation when bathing or cooking. Make sure that your HVAC system is serviced and working properly as well, as it helps to control humidity, and if humidity is still a problem, consider adding a dehumidifier.

If old, damaged, or inefficient windows are the primary cause of the condensation problem, replace the weatherstripping and make sure they are insulated and caulked properly. Otherwise, consider upgrading your windows to modern, energy-efficient replacement windows. Choose quality windows for the greatest performance, and select a skilled, professional contractor to make sure that they are installed and insulated properly.

A quality installation can improve the performance of any window, and at Zen Widows, we offer both top-quality replacement windows and energy-efficient, professional window installations.

Quality Replacement Windows for Your Home

Our team at Zen Windows makes the process of buying replacement windows easy with fast quotes, quality products, and great financing options. Our company features:

• Top-quality vinyl and fiberglass replacement windows
• Fast, accurate, free window replacement quotes
• Energy-efficient, professional window installations
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• Impressive financing options with no money down
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• Lifetime material and labor warranties on all our windows
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Are you ready to upgrade your old, inefficient windows? Call today or contact your local Zen Windows dealer to request a free, no-obligation window replacement quote!

What Makes a Window Energy-Efficient?

Energy-efficient windows keep your home comfortably warm or cool while saving you money for decades after they’re installed. Replacing your home’s windows with energy-efficient models not only improves comfort but also filters out damaging ultraviolet light. New ENERGY STAR® qualified windows can also save you hundreds of dollars a year in heating and cooling costs.

For the greatest energy savings, you want to choose replacement windows that are best suited to your climate.

Energy-Efficient Terms You Should Know

• Heat gain and loss refers to direct transfer through the glass, heat radiation into your home, and air leakage through windows and skylights.
• IGUs, or insulated glass units, are two or three window glass panes in one frame. Each pane is separated by a transparent, odorless, and inert gas, typically argon, krypton, or both, minimizing heat gain and loss.
• Low-E refers to low-emissivity coatings, invisible layers that are applied to windows during the manufacturing process. They provide insulation and control heat transfer. While more expensive than windows without the coating, low-E windows can reduce energy loss by 30%-50%, making them a cost-effective investment.
• SHGC, or solar heat gain coefficient ratings, measure the fraction of transmitted solar energy transmitted and let you know how well the window blocks the sun’s heat. The lower an SHGC rating, the less solar heat the window transmits.
• U-factor rates a window’s performance by measuring its heat transfer rate and tells you how well the window insulates. The lower the U-factor, the better the window insulates. A window’s U-factor is affected by the window frame material, glazing, and low-E coatings.

How Windows are Insulated

Technology plays a big role in how energy-efficient windows work.

Glass coatings or glazing

Low-emissivity glass helps block 90% of the sun’s UV rays, keeping heat inside when it’s cold and outside when it’s hot. Glazing options include tints, gas fills, and reflective coatings, and all are designed to help save you money on your heating and cooling costs.

Spacer systems

Instead of metal, 100% polymer structural foam is now used to help keep windows thermally efficient and condensation-free. Spacers can lower the U-factor by .01%.

Window technology

Other advanced technologies that improve window energy efficiency include double and triple-paned windows and filling the space between insulated glass panes with Krypton gas to reduce heat transfer further.

Signs Your Windows Aren’t Energy-Efficient

Heat loss and gain through windows is one of the primary ways energy usage increases in homes. Signs your home’s windows aren’t energy-efficient enough include:

• Inability to open or close windows easily or entirely
• Reduced indoor comfort from drafts
• Higher energy bills
• Improper installation
• High volume outdoor noise
• Damage such as fog, broken glass, or rotted frames

Maintenance Tips For Maximum Energy Efficiency

Routine maintenance increases windows’ life span and keeps them as energy-efficient as possible. Together with periodic window inspections, here’s how to ensure your windows are operating at peak performance.

Keep them clean

Environmental factors can damage your windows and leave them less efficient. Though vinyl window frames aren’t necessarily affected by salt, the area around them can be. Washing it away is always a good idea.

Window caulk and weatherstripping

Heat and cold air can easily enter your home through gaps between the glass, frame, and window sash. Caulk or weatherstripping seal off drafts. Check them once a year to ensure they’re still providing adequate protection.

Window treatments and awnings

Insulated draperies and outdoor awnings can reduce the amount of solar heat gain by up to 65%. Awnings installed on western-facing windows can reduce heat gain by nearly 80%. Indoors, shades and drapes used together maximize sun protection and prevent heat loss.

10 Neat Facts About Windows You Might Not Know

They let natural light into our homes, allow us to enjoy the outdoor views, and keep the house cross-ventilated. Windows are a fundamental part of our lives, but we so often hardly notice them — that is, until we need to clean them or one gets broken! We thought it’d be fun to do a little research and learn more about the history of these essential home elements.

We never suspected windows could be so fascinating!

The History of Windows

The first use of glass windows dates back to 100 A.D. and is typically credited to the Romans. Before then, different civilizations used cloth, paper, animal hides, or even thin marble slices as window coverings. It wasn’t long before glass for windows became the norm, with the process continually evolving into what we’re familiar with today. It wasn’t until the 1800s, though, that double glazing came into use when the Scottish wanted to combat their perpetually harsh winters. The version in use today dates to around 1940.

Fun Facts About Windows

Ready for some more fun and handy facts about windows? Here we go.

1. The English word “window” is derived from the Old Norse word “vindauga,” a combination of wind and eye. It was first recorded in the early 13th century and described as a roof hole. The Old English version of window literally translates to eye-hole or eye-door.
2. There was a window tax in England until 1851. Homes with fewer than 10 windows were exempt from the tax. When people started boarding up their windows to avoid the tax, it was repealed. In Amsterdam, homeowners were taxed based on the number and size of their front windows.
3. A window’s R-value reflects its resistance to heat flow; the higher the R-value, the more efficient the window.
4. Windows make up about 15% of the average home’s wall space! That might not sound like a lot, but it starts to add up when you consider how much energy you lose through poorly insulated windows.
5. England’s Buckingham Palace has 760 windows in 775 rooms. The U.S. White House has 147 windows in 132 rooms. The tallest building in the world, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, has over 34,000 windows!
6. Stained glass windows get their unique colors from added metallic salts incorporated into the glass.
7. When glass breaks, the cracks move at 3,000 miles per hour. That’s five times faster than the average airplane! Shatterproof glass in windows gives your home an extra level of security.
8. Glass is a sustainable material that can be endlessly recycled without losing its purity or quality.
9. When you Google “windows,” the top results are for Microsoft’s Windows operating system. Be sure to type in “Zen Windows” to get all the information you need!
10. Windows have a long life, but most experts agree you should replace them after about 20 years or so. Failing window signs include draftiness and interior condensation buildup.

4 Advantages of Vinyl Replacement Windows

Vinyl window frames do not require painting and have good moisture resistance. The hollow cavities of vinyl frames can be filled with insulation, which makes them thermally superior to standard vinyl and wood frames.

—Energy.gov

If you’re considering replacement windows, you’re looking at styles, maintenance, energy efficiency, and materials. You might be surprised to learn that vinyl windows score well on all these fronts.

There are lots of vinyl windows available, and some are expensive. Some are (and look) cheap. How do you tell the difference in quality?

Here are four things to look for in the best vinyl replacement windows.

1. Superior Energy Efficiency

ENERGY STAR® says when looking for replacement vinyl windows, you should make U-factor one of your biggest considerations. The U-factor is the rate of heat loss during cold weather and heat gain during warm weather.

The lower the U-factor, the better your window’s energy efficiency and thermal performance. The U-factor rating is included on your window’s NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) label and is a number between 0 and 1.

Another energy rating to consider when buying replacement vinyl windows is SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient). This measures how much solar radiation passes through your window and heats your home. Again, the rating is between 0 and 1, and the lower the number the better.

Replacement windows deliver a measurable ROI (return on investment) for your property. Your vinyl replacement windows can return as much as 77.5% of your cost. You may also be eligible for tax credits with ENERGY STAR® rated Zen Windows installations. Call or request a free quote from Zen Windows.

2. Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is the attractiveness of your property when viewed from the street. A lot of factors contribute to your home’s curb appeal: landscaping, entrance, paint or siding, and of course, windows.

Your home is probably your biggest investment. It just makes sense to protect it and make choices that will increase your property value. Zen Windows offer the styles, colors, and options that will work with your home’s architecture.

First impressions do matter. Zen Windows will increase your curb appeal. And Zen Windows warranties surpass industry standards. That’s just a part of the Zen difference you’ve heard about. Call or contact Zen Windows today.

3. Reasonable Value

A “reasonable value” for replacement windows considers the quality of materials and installation, price, and return on investment. So, the lowest price may not offer reasonable value in replacement windows. Zen Windows offers superior value and return on your investment.

The national average per-window cost for upgrades is $500/window. Depending on where you live, the cost can be from $200-$850/window. Costs vary by region because materials and labor are different within U.S. states. You can use a ZIP code calculator to find median prices for windows.

For the best price and the best value in replacement windows, find a Zen Windows professional near you. Call or request a free quote.

4. Professional Installation

Even the best vinyl replacement windows you can buy are useless if they’re improperly installed. It’s imperative your windows be professionally installed by a company with a proven track record for good workmanship.

Look for:

• Ability to customize/work with special window requirements
• Company transparency
• Energy efficiency
• Financing options
• Hassle-free quote – No mandatory visit to your home, no upselling, no bait-and-switch or high-pressure sales
• Knowledge and experience
• Local business commitment/investment
• No upfront fees or deposits
• Testimonials and customer reviews
• Transferrable warranties
• Warranties

From your first connection through installation, you’ll be glad you partnered with Zen Windows. Why wait? Call or request a free quote.

How to Tell Your Windows Need Replacing

After your windows are initially installed, it’s easy to forget about them. Even though windows are made to be durable and last for a while, they’ll eventually need to be replaced. However, the signs that your windows need replacing aren’t always as obvious as a busted window. It’s important to learn to recognize the signs so you can set up quick window replacement services and protect your home and comfort levels. Here are some common indicators that it’s time to replace your windows.

High Energy Bills

If you notice your energy bills have been higher than normal, it could be a sign that you need new windows. Windows are designed to do a lot of things for your home, including keeping desired air in and undesired outside air out. If your windows are outdated or no longer efficient, they could be letting the air inside your home out and the air outside in, causing your HVAC system to work harder to maintain your desired comfort level. This will ultimately lead to higher energy bills.

If you suspect your windows are the cause of your high energy bills, have a window professional take a look. They’ll be able to tell if your windows are the culprit and if they need to be replaced.

Hard to Open or Close Windows

Your windows should never be difficult to open or close. If they are, it could be a sign that they need to be replaced. Some causes can be caused by something that’s easy to fix, such as dirt and dust buildup or a spring that’s too tight. You may be able to fix this issue by thoroughly cleaning your windows or applying lubricant. If you still are having a hard time opening and closing windows after troubleshooting the problem, then it might be a sign that the issue is more complex, and you might require a replacement.

An experienced window professional can get to the root of the issue and determine if a replacement is necessary.

Decaying Frames and Leaky Windows

Your windows are essential for your home’s security and safety. They help keep out intruders and the outside elements that can damage your home. That’s why it’s crucial to have windows with a strong structural integrity. A major sign that you need window replacement as soon as possible is decaying frames and leaky windows. A decaying frame can compromise the structure and reliability of your windows. If your windows’ frames are showing signs of decay, you need to reach out to a window professional immediately.

Additionally, leaky windows also call for a window replacement. If you notice water leaking through your windows, first make sure that your windows are completely closed or sealed. After you’ve made sure your windows are closed, if you’re still experiencing leaks then you should reach out to a professional. Leaky windows can lead to extensive and expensive water damage. To avoid unnecessary water damage, make sure to have any leaky windows replaced.

Condensation Between Glass Panes

If you notice water or condensation between your windowpanes, then your windows are failing you. Moisture between windowpanes is a telltale sign that the seal on your window glass has failed. Window glass is sealed into the frame of your window. If this seal gets punctured then moisture can creep in.

If your windows are having issues with moisture between the glass panes, then they need to be replaced. There is no repair option for this kind of issues. If you’re experiencing this, contact a professional to discuss your window replacement options.

Sound Pollution

While windows don’t keep out every outside noise, they’re supposed to filter out a certain level of outside noise to keep your home as quiet as possible. If you think your windows are letting in too much noise, they may not be properly soundproofed. You may not even realize that your windows are the culprit. If you feel like your windows don’t block out noise as well anymore or want to upgrade to higher-quality soundproofed windows, then it’s time for a window replacement.

A professional can help you choose the right soundproofed windows for your needs to help you maintain a quiet and comfortable home.

Schedule Window Replacement with Zen Windows

If you’re experiencing any of the signs discussed in this post, turn to Zen Windows for easy and reliable window replacement. One of our window experts will discuss your current window situation and needs to suggest the right window options for your home. When you’ve selected your new windows, we’ll properly install them and make sure there are no issues.

Call Zen Windows now to discuss your window replacement needs with a professional. We’ll go through your options with you and set up an appointment.

Bay Windows vs. Bow Windows

Are you looking for unique replacement windows to make your home stand out? Bay or bow windows could be the answer! These styles are similar, so learn how to tell the difference between them, along with tips for choosing which one to add to your home.

What Are Bay Windows?

Of all the window styles available today, bay windows are among the most recognizable because they jut out from the wall of the building. They feature three separate windows, with a picture window in the center and two smaller operable windows angled on either side.

These are most often casement or double-hung windows. The entire installation sticks out from the house in a square or hexagon shape, creating a unique look that sets it apart from ordinary windows.

What Are Bow Windows?

Similar to bay windows, bow windows also protrude from the exterior wall. The biggest difference is that bow windows feature four, five, or six windows set in a gentle curve. All the windows are the same size and style, which might be casements, double-hung windows, or picture windows.

Benefits of Bay & Bow Windows

Because of their similar designs, bay and bow windows share many of the same benefits. These include:

• More usable square footage: Extending the wall in your dining room by a foot or two could allow you to fit a banquet-style table in the space. You can also add a window seat and storage under a bay or bow window to create the perfect reading nook.
• More natural light: If you’re replacing a small window in a dimly lit room, you’ll be amazed at how a bay or bow window can brighten it up!
• Expanded views: With windows that jut out from the foundation, you get a full 180-degree view of your property, allowing you to soak up panoramic vistas or keep a closer eye on the kids playing in the yard.
• Increased ventilation: While you can install picture windows, opting for casements or double-hung windows allow a bay or bow window installation to provide fresh air for your home. Open two or more windows to create a lovely cross breeze.
• Improved curb appeal: Bay and bow windows are often installed purely for aesthetic reasons. This unique architectural feature will turn heads as people pass by your home. It may even allow you to increase your asking price if you move someday.

How to Choose Which One Is Right for Your Home

Deciding between bay and bow windows largely depends on your aesthetic preferences. Do you love the angular look of bay windows, with their large central window for interrupted views of the exterior? Or do you prefer the sweeping curve of a bow window? Either one may appeal more to you or be better suited to your home’s structural design.

Other considerations when installing bay and bow windows include the building’s proximity to the property line and sidewalks, as well as the roof overhang and any support structures required. Rest assured that you can customize the design and placement of your installation to suit your needs.

Install Bay or Bow Windows with Help from Zen Windows

Replacing standard window openings with bay or bow windows may seem overwhelming, but with Zen Windows by your side, the project couldn’t be easier. Get started with no money down, and don’t pay a dime until you’re thrilled with the final results! We would love to have a no-pressure conversation with you about choosing bay or bow window brands that meet your expectations.

You can receive a quote, so call Zen Windows to get started!