Window Condensation and How to Fix It
Condensation is a popular topic in the window and door industry. This is even more so now than ever, with the thermally efficient products being offered today compared to windows past. Although condensation can be a frustrating issue for homeowners, it is a problem that is easily addressed. However, it is important to understand what condensation is, why it occurs and the science behind your window and door’s design.
What is Condensation
Condensation is when water vapor changes from a gaseous form into a liquid state. The process occurs when there is a sudden drop in temperature. Warm air is capable of holding higher amounts of water vapor and when it comes into contact with a cooler surface, the water vapor condenses, changing into a liquid. Condensation can often look like fog, or when it is in excess, you can expect to find water droplets forming. This is the same process that occurs when you take a hot shower and see a foggy mirror, or if you have a cold drink on a hot day and see beads of water on the outside of the glass.
Why Does Condensation Happen on My Windows
Condensation on your windows is a big indicator of a humidity problem within your house. Condensation occurs on your windows when the inside is warm and humid and the outside is cool. As the warm humid air touches the cooler glass surface, condensation occurs.
I Replaced My Old Windows and the New Ones are Experiencing Condensation!
Some homeowners experience condensation when replacing their old windows with new energy-efficient windows. Often, they may think that the new windows are faulty, however, this indicates that the new windows are well insulated and performing as designed. This issue was not occurring on the older units because they were poorly insulated and likely had an air leakage problem.
Should I Be Concerned About Condensation on My Windows?
Condensation on your windows is relatively easy to remediate, but you should address sooner rather than later. If left untreated, the excess moisture can result in mold or mildew buildup, which could lead to respiratory issues. The excess moisture could also damage your windows or the area around them. It is also worth noting that if you are seeing condensation on your windows, there is a good chance that there is moisture in other areas. Addressing this issue early can prevent more significant problems from occurring later on.
How Can I Prevent Window Condensation?
When addressing a condensation issue, it is crucial to address the root cause of the problem, which is excess humidity. You can do a couple of things to limit or prevent excess humidity within your home. The simplest way would be to increase your home’s ventilation. Opening windows and doors, or using exhaust fans can circulate air within the home and limit humidity. An alternative would be to use a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers are designed to pull moisture from the air and can be configured to regulate air moisture to a set percentage. On the other hand, if you are using a humidifier, you may need to lower the humidity to eliminate the issue. These are the most effective ways to prevent condensation on your windows.
There is Condensation Inside My Window/ My Window Is Foggy!
If there is condensation between the glass panes of your window, this is indicative of a different problem than condensation. Condensation or moisture within the Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) occurs when the seal that traps the insulated gas in the unit has been compromised. This is often referred to as a seal failure. With Viwinco windows, argon gas is sealed within the glass unit to provide enhanced thermal performance. When the seal is compromised and the insulating gas escapes the unit, moisture will find its way inside. In this case, the only thing you can do to fix the issue is to replace the glass unit. Depending on the style of window, this may be as simple as swapping out a window sash or an IGU replacement, which is a little more complicated. If a seal failure has occurred, you will need to contact the distributor where your windows were purchased from so they can work with us to get you a replacement unit. If you have a different brand of windows make sure to check their warranty?
Looking Forward
While condensation can be frustrating for a homeowner, a positive takeaway is that your windows are performing as they were designed. With a few quick changes, you can correct the humidity problem within your house and ensure year-round comfort. To learn more about Viwinco’s insulated glass packages and how they perform, check out our blog post on Low-E glass. If you confirmed that you have a seal failure in your window, check out our post on how to submit a warranty claim. To locate a Viwinco distributor near you, check out our where to buy page! To learn more about window condensation, check out the Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance FGIA page on the topic.
