Our Solutions for Problematic Window Condensation

Our Solutions for Problematic Window Condensation

Winter is upon us, and with its arrival condensation might begin appearing on the glass surfaces of your patio door and windows. Why does this occur? Why is this bad? And most importantly, what can you do to stop it happening in your home?

Here is everything you need to know about condensation and 10 tips to guard your windows against it.

 What Is Condensation?

In winter, condensation occurs when the outside temperature is drastically lower than the one on the other side of the window, i.e. inside our heated homes. You’ll have noticed the phenomenon in summer too, on the surface of the glass holding your ice-cold drink. The good news is that condensation on windows in the colder months, while unpleasant, is not generally an issue. It may in fact be proof that they are well sealed against air leaks and are effectively trapping humidity in your residence. Which is exactly what you want! 

When to Worry?

However, if there is condensation the window’s interior surface, it’s probably evidence that the air has become too humid inside your home. Moreover, if you can’t easily remove the condensation by wiping the glass, this means that the humidity is building up between the panes. Both scenarios may be a sign that something more serious is going on!

In fact, overly humid air inside a residence could lead to health problems for occupants and compromise the property’s safety by promoting the proliferation of mould, bacteria, dust mites, etc. You could equally discover water damage along the walls and roof, peeling paint, and even water inside the walls—a very serious issue—which will affect your house’s lifespan.

An Ounce of Prevention…

As the saying goes, it is best to prevent condensation from happening in the first place during construction or renovation, instead of then trying to fix it. Here’s how:

1.    Choose more efficient windows for better insulation.

2.    Seal around windows to make the home as airtight as possible.

3.    Install adequate ventilation systems, in the kitchen and bathroom, for example.

4.    Opt for insulation with a higher performance rating.

What are the next steps when the above-mentioned tips aren’t sufficiently effective, or you don’t want to carry out renovations in your existing home? Thankfully, it is possible to reduce indoor humidity levels and prevent condensation in windows! Here’s how:

1.    Use a hygrometer to make sure your home’s humidity level never exceeds 50%.

2.    Open the curtains during the day to allow air circulation around the windows.

3.    Take shorter showers.

4.    Always turn on your kitchen and bathroom fans.

5.    Install the dryer exhaust hose so that the air is evacuated outside the residence.

6.    Cover your pots and pans while cooking to limit the amount of steam released. 

Remember that your windows can be a good indicator of your home’s relative humidity, and condensation is a clue that there is too much. If this is the case, then implement our advice before all this moisture causes you bigger and costlier problems! For further guidance, consult a business specializing in insulation or in the sale and installation of doors and windows.

RE/MAX Québec

By RE/MAX Québec

By RE/MAX Québec

A leader in the real estate industry since 1982, the RE/MAX network brings together the most efficient brokers.