Condensation on windows is a pain. It spoils the view, there’s water on the window boards, curtains can get damp and as a worst case scenario it can cause mould on the plaster. The question is, what can we do about it? How do we fix and prevent condensation in our homes? Let’s take a closer look at what condensation is and why it forms on windows.
Condensation in homes – what is it?
Condensation in its purest form is caused when moisture in the air comes in contact with a cold surface and it condenses from water vapour to a liquid again. Condensation points to problems in humidity levels in the home and a lack of adequate ventilation which in turn can lead to damage to the property and mould growth as well.
Why does condensation form on windows (and especially newer windows)?
The reason we notice condensation on our nice new thermally efficient windows, particularly in the cooler months, is simple: they are doing their job.
Older windows are usually less air tight, allowing moisture-laden air to pass from inside the home to outside without causing any condensation.
Modern windows will have been manufactured to minimise air loss and sealed up nice and tight during their installation. Now the moisture can’t escape and when it hits the glass, which is usually the coldest part of the room, it forms condensation.
Condensation can also appear when there’s simply too much humidity in a home, so it can manifest at any time of the year. Think hot showers and steamed up mirrors. Likewise when boiling a kettle or cooking.
So condensation is the result of relatively warmer and humid air meeting a cold surface, in this case, glass
Check out FENSA Tips on how to reduce condensation in your home