How to Prevent Condensation on Windows

Condensation on the inside of your windows can be unsightly at best; at worst it could be causing damage to your home and even your health. If you have older windows, the moisture can seep into the frame and rot the wood. The excess moisture in your home could subsequently damage the plaster or wallpaper around the windows.

Similarly, excess moisture in the home can account for the aggravation of respiratory problems. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of condensation, plus some of the ways you can combat it.

What causes condensation on windows?

Condensation occurs when water vapour in the air cools and condenses against the window pane, causing the window to steam up. On the window’s interior, this typically happens during the winter, when the air inside the home is far cooler than on the outside. It is also usual to experience some condensation in the bathroom after a bath or shower when the steam from the hot water condenses against the glass. However, frequent occurrence in other areas of the home may indicate excessive moisture content in the air.

This can lead to a myriad of problems in the home, from peeling wallpaper to mould and fungus appearing. Condensation appearing on the inside of your windows should, therefore, be taken as an early warning sign and an opportunity to prevent damage from occurring in your home.

How to Prevent Condensation on Windows

As condensation is caused by excess moisture content in the air, the key to preventing condensation on windows is to remove this moisture. Thereby preventing the condensation and the unseen damage being caused.

Buy a De-humidifier

The simplest way to tackle condensation is to purchase a dehumidifier which will extract the moisture from the air and prevent it from condensing on your window panes. The downside to this, of course, is that you have to find somewhere for it to go in your home.

Move your houseplants

Houseplants are a great way to brighten up your home and oxygenate the room. However, they also produce a great deal of excess moisture. And while you may wish to have your plants near the window so they get plenty of sunlight, chances are the moisture they create is causing the condensation on your window.

Buy a moisture eliminator

There are a number of products on the market which absorb moisture from the air. These come in a bucket which you can hang up in the room where the moisture is occurring.

Open your windows

Providing it isn’t too cold, open your windows and allow the air to circulate and moisture content to naturally escape into the air outside, preventing it from becoming condensation on your windows.

Condensation Between Window Panes

Occasionally you may experience condensation appearing between the panes in a double glazing unit. This indicates that the units weather sealing has failed, allowing air, and its moisture, inside the unit. In this instance, the unit, or the whole window will need to be replaced. If you do suspect you have a failed unit, you can contact Trade 2 Trade today to obtain a free quotation for the replacement of your window.