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Is window condensation normal?

Posted: 27 December 2020

Tags: popular

As the mornings get colder, you may have noticed condensation forming on your window panes. You might be surprised to know that it’s completely normal. In fact it could be a sign that your new windows are doing their job.

When problems occur is if the windows are streaming with moisture and black mould starts to form on walls and window frames. That’s a sign you have a serious damp problem that needs taking care of fast.

To tackle condensation, you need to know what it is and whether you should be worried about it. There are actually three types of condensation: exterior, interior and between the panes of glass in your windows. Think of them as the good, the bad and the ugly and read on to find out what causes them and what you can do to tackle the issue.

What does condensation on windows mean?

If you’ve noticed your windows fogging up as the weather gets colder, you’re not alone. Condensation is the phenomenon that occurs when humidity in the air lands on a cooler surface like your windows. The water molecules then cluster together and ‘stick’ to the surface in the form of water droplets.

If you’ve recently had your double glazing installed or replaced, don’t panic. Condensation on the outside of your windows is actually a sign that they’re successfully reducing the transfer of heat from indoors to outdoors.

Why do you get condensation on the inside of windows?

Condensation on the inside of windows starts to occur as the days grow colder, and the difference between the inside and outside temperature increases. This is when you usually become more aware of your windows fogging and steaming.

But the problem is actually caused by the humidity inside your home. The bad news is that the moisture caused by condensation is a breeding ground for mould and mildew that can cause a range of health problems from allergies to infections.

Left untreated, condensation can rot wooden window frames and start to cause damage to structural integrity. Left unchecked, this can cost thousands of pounds to put right.

Why do you get condensation on the outside of windows?

Condensation on the outside of windows might look unsightly but it’s actually a good sign that your windows are doing their job effectively.

Exterior condensation means your windows are doing an excellent job of preventing heat loss from your home. You won’t even need to wipe down your windows, just let them dry naturally as the day warms up.

However it does make sense to regularly check window sills and frames for any gaps that could allow moisture to collect inside your walls, leading to an unpleasant damp issue.

Why do you get condensation between window panes?

If you’ve spotted condensation between the window panes then you could have a problem with a failing window unit.

If you notice fogging between the panes of glass then the window seals are no longer doing their job properly. That means the insulating gas has leaked out of your double or triple glazed window and moisture has seeped in. When the temperature of the glass drops below the dew point, condensation forms between the panes – not a good sign!

Seal failure can happen for a range of reasons from everyday wear and tear to extreme weather conditions. However, once the insulating gas has leaked out of your windows they’re no longer performing efficiently and you’ll need to fix the problem as quickly as possible.

As a general rule of thumb, the more condensation there is, the bigger the break in the seal. There’s only one way to deal with the problem and that’s to replace your windows to protect the thermal efficiency of your home.

How do you stop window condensation?

From washing machines and drying clothes indoors to taking showers, baths and cooking your dinner, there are plenty of everyday activities that release moisture into the air and can cause interior condensation.

Fortunately there are some simple steps you can take to significantly reduce the moisture in your home and keep the problem of condensation under control.

Turn down your thermostat

The warmer the air in your home, the greater the amount of condensation. Try turning down your thermostat by a couple of degrees to equalise the temperature and tackle the problem.

Ventilate

Keep your home properly ventilated by regularly opening your windows. Always open curtains and blinds to prevent the formation of humid air between the curtain and the glass.

Dry clothes outdoors

If you have to dry clothes inside, do it in a well ventilated area to reduce the problem of humidity.

Try a dehumidifier

An automatic dehumidifier is a good – if pricey – investment if you have a big problem with condensation. Otherwise, you can try affordable dehumidifier boxes with damp crystals to remove excess moisture from the air.

Use your extractor fans

Bathing, showering and cooking are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to creating humidity so always use your cooker hood extractor fan and install extractors in your bathroom and shower room if necessary.

Do you still get condensation with double and triple glazing?

Condensation on your newly installed double and triple glazed windows can be a real pain, but it can actually be a positive sign that your windows are functioning as they should – especially if you see condensation forming on the outside.

Compared to single glazing, double glazed window panes retain more heat meaning they’re much better at controlling condensation on the inside of the pane. But if you really want to control the problem then you need triple glazing.

The additional pane of glass can take the U value of your windows down to around 0.8 which will make your home very well insulated. The lower the U-value, the more insulative the material. The temperature differential between higher U value windows and lower U value walls can contribute to condensation – triple glazed windows deal with the problem by cutting the temperature difference and preventing the formation of water droplets.

Upgrade your windows

If you have a damp problem in your home, then one of the most effective ways to tackle it is to invest in a window glazing upgrade.

If you’re ready to benefit from greater thermal efficiency and improved home security with our Secured by Design glazed doors and windows, visit your local showroom in the Bristol area or contact us today for your free, no-obligation quote.

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Is window condensation normal?

What does condensation on windows mean?

Why do you get condensation on the inside of windows?

Why do you get condensation on the outside of windows?

Why do you get condensation between window panes?

How do you stop window condensation?

Turn down your thermostat

Ventilate

Dry clothes outdoors

Try a dehumidifier

Use your extractor fans

Do you still get condensation with double and triple glazing?

Upgrade your windows

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