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
Impressive financing options with no money down
Lifetime material and labor warranties on all our windows

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!