All homes may occasionally have interior condensation on windows, Window condensation
can potentially cause damaging problems in your home including paint, drywall
damage, frame rot and even black mold in some cases. This can potentially create costly
repairs and in some cases an unhealthy environment.
Causes of Condensation on Windows
Condensation occurs when warm, moisture-laden air comes into contact with a colder
surface such as glass. The air temperature in contact with the colder surface suddenly
drops, reducing the amount of moisture it can hold. This results in moisture formation, or
condensation, occurring on the cold surface. Think of it as pouring yourself a cold glass
of ice water and setting that glass on the table. After a few minutes condensation forms
on the glass dripping down onto the table. This is the same scenario as an inefficient
window.
How to Prevent Condensation on Windows Overnight
Remove Window Coverings
One major factor which causes condensation on windows is having the blinds drawn
closed for long periods of time. This traps the warm air and doesn’t allow any air
circulation against the glass which in turn creates condensation. It’s always a good idea
to keep your blinds open as much as possible and make sure that the floor registers
near the windows are open and free of obstruction. This will allow more circulation onto
the cooler glass which will help reduce the condensation.
Reduce Humidity
Another major factor in a home that creates condensation is having a high level of
relative humidity in the air. There are many things that can contribute to high levels of humidity; cooking, showers, humidifiers and even having a large family all are factors in producing humidity in the inside air of your home. The recommended humidity level for Dual Pane glass with a fresh air temperature of -10 degrees Celsius outside is 45% humidity. At minus 20 degrees outside it’s 35% recommended Humidity and -30 degrees is a 25% humidity level. As you can see, the colder it is outside, the less humidity is recommended to
avoid condensation problems from arising. Turning down the humidifier and consistently
using the exhaust fans in the bathrooms and kitchen areas will help dramatically.
In saying that, the other factor in this scenario is the quality of the windows and glass.
Older homes may have single pane windows or have frames and glass with low performance and R-Values and because of this, the glass has a much colder inner glass surface which creates condensation more quickly.
Replace Glass Window Panes
Now, if condensation continues after trying a few of the suggestions above, you may
have to consider replacement. There’s two ways that we can achieve this. Firstly, if the
windows frames will allow just replacing the glass to high performance glass, this is the
less expensive route and less intrusive. We would recommend replacing glass with a
minimum Dual pane with Two coats of Low E and argon gas filled between the panes.
This will almost triple the efficiency and warmth of the old glass reducing or eliminating
the condensation. There’s also a possibility, if the frames allow it, to install Triple Pane
glass which will maximize the warmth and efficiency as well which eliminate any
condensation concerns.
Window Replacement
Secondly, is to replace the entire window and frame. This will achieve the maximize
energy efficiency and eliminate the condensation issues. This allows us to properly
spray foam insulate around the frames creating a much warmer frame and seal.
Replacing the entire frame also allows us to install Triple Pane glass with two or three
coats of Low E and argon gas filled. We can Reach R Values of up to R9. Replacing
the entire frame also means new weather seals and, the new technology applied to
manufacturing the newest frames and glass, creates the maximum possible efficiency.
Even if you aren’t experiencing condensation, upgrading your windows to our high energy
efficient windows will create a much warmer home in the winter and cooler in the
summer. This will greatly reduce heating and air conditioning costs.
Red Deer Windows and Doors would be happy to come to your home and give you our
expert opinion on the ways to eliminate condensation and create a much more efficient
and comfortable home year-round.
Call us at 403.348.6433 to book an appointment today!
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