My Basket 
As the temperature continues to drop in the evenings, it is more likely that you will start noticing condensation on your windows by the morning. Left unchecked, this moisture can lead to mould growth and damage to your windowsills and frames. Fortunately, there are some easy ways and effective ways to stop condensation forming on your windows.
Understanding why condensation happens.
Understanding the root causes of condensation can make it easier to tackle. Condensation happens when warm, moist air makes contact with a cold hard surface. For example, when steam from a shower touches the colder glass of the window condensation will form on the glass. Warmer air holds more moisture, so during the winter months, when external surfaces are significantly colder than the inside air temperature, condensation is more likely.
5 ways to prevent condensation in your home:
- Maintain proper ventilation.
- Insulate your windows.
- Exclude draughts and keep the warmth in.
- Adjust your thermostat.
- Practice good daily habits.
1. Maintain Proper Ventilation
One of the main reasons for condensation is insufficient ventilation within the home. During the winter, moist air is more likely to build up as we are not keeping our doors and windows open for extended periods.
When cooking, try and keep lids on pans to trap the warmer air inside the saucepan. If you do need to lift the lid, consider turning on the kitchen extraction fan. Similarly, when showering or taking a bath it is a good idea to keep the bathroom extraction fan running. Condensation is more likely to occur in the bathroom and kitchen because of regular temperature fluctuations and excess water in the air.
2. Insulate Your Windows
Improperly insulated windows can be a major contributor to condensation. Applying weather stripping around the edges of your windows can seal any gaps, preventing colder air from entering the building. Alternatively, sealants can also be used along the outside edge of the window or door to seal the unit and close any gaps where outside air may be seeping through.
If you have single-pain windows, now is a good time to consider upgrading to double or triple glazed units. Double glazed windows have two layers of glass with a sealed space in between. This provides a layer of insulated protection to the glass inside the home, reducing the temperature difference between the glass and the internal temperature of the house. Plus make sure your trickle vent is properly installed to allow for air flow during the colder months.
3. Exclude Window Draughts and Keep the Warmth In.
Window films and insulation kits are affordable solutions that can help to reduce condensation in the home. The film creates an additional boundary between your indoor space and the colder outside air. These options are particularly helpful on single-pain glass. The window film is a transparent sheet that you can apply directly to the window. Some insulation kits also include transparent magnetic sheet, mimicking a double-glazed window.
As you already know, curtains and blinds are essential during the winter to improve the insulation of your home. Keeping the curtains closed at night also help to keep the warmer internal air aways from the windows, reducing the condensation.
4. Adjust Your Thermostat.
The key cause of condensation is a considerable temperature difference between that of the glass (kept cold by the outside air), and the warmth inside the house. Maintaining a constant, low indoor temperature can help to prevent condensation. It is advisable to maintain a house temperature of 18-19°c to prevent damp and to keep everyone inside the home healthy.
Avoid drastic temperature fluctuations – i.e. going from 17°c to 24°c in a short space of time – as this will increase the amount of warm, moist air in the property and the likelihood of condensation on windows and doors.
5. Practice Good Daily Habits.
Where possible, continue to dry clothes outside. However, if you need to dry clothes indoors because of the weather, invest in a dehumidifier. Not only will this speed up the drying time, but it will capture the excess water in the air and prevent condensation from forming.
Try and open the windows for 20 minutes a day to allow the transfer of moisture out of the home. As already mentioned, making good use of kitchen and bathroom extractor fans during the winter is also a great way to prevent moisture build up in the home.
Finally, when you spot condensation on a window, wipe it away with a clean cloth and clean the window seal with a disinfectant to prevent any mould growth.
Top tip: Desiccants, such as moisture-absorbing crystals or silica gel, can be placed in small containers and placed near your windows to absorb excess moisture from the air.
Condensation on the inside of your double-glazed unit?
If you spot condensation on the inside of your double-glazed window – i.e. between the two panes of glass – then this is indicative of a bigger problem. It is likely that the seal holding the inert gases between the two panes of glass has broken, allowing the moisture to seep in between the glass. This window is no longer functional and needs to be replaced.
Here at Edge, our windows and doors team can help you find the perfect window for your home, with excellent thermal efficiency, security, and a great range of styles to choose from. Get in touch with our Bespoke department by emailing [email protected] or calling 0345 021 3333 ext. 2.
Final thoughts:
Condensation on windows is a common issue during the winter which can be managed effectively with the right strategies. By maintaining proper ventilation, controlling humidity levels, insulating your windows, and adopting good daily habits, you can enjoy clear, dry windows all year round. Remember that preventing condensation contributes to a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment.
Got any questions, or need to discuss a window replacement? Just ask a member of our team – we’re always on hand to help with any queries. Drop an email to [email protected] or call us on 0345 021 3333 ext. 2.