Say Goodbye to Condensation: Tips to Prevent Window Moisture

Condensation on windows can be a persistent and annoying problem in many homes. Not only does it obstruct your view, but it can also lead to mould growth and damage to your windowsills and frames if left unchecked. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to stop condensation on windows and maintain a healthier indoor environment. In this blog, we’ll explore these methods in detail, ensuring that you can enjoy clear, dry windows year-round.

Understanding why condensation happens

Before we delve into the solutions, it’s important to understand why condensation occurs in the first place. Condensation is the result of warm, moist air coming into contact with cooler surfaces. When the warm, moisture-laden air cools down upon reaching the cold glass of your windows, the water vapor it carries condenses into tiny water droplets on the window’s surface.

Now, let’s move on to the practical steps to eliminate this common problem.

Maintain Proper Ventilation

One of the main reasons for condensation is insufficient ventilation. To combat this, ensure proper airflow in your home. Here’s how:

• Use exhaust fans: Utilise exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom to remove excess moisture at the source.
• Open windows: When weather permits, open your windows regularly to let fresh air circulate through your home, reducing humidity levels.
• Install a ventilation system: Consider installing a whole-house ventilation system to exchange indoor and outdoor air regularly.

Use a Dehumidifier

• A dehumidifier is a valuable tool for reducing indoor humidity levels. It works by removing excess moisture from the air, helping to prevent condensation on your windows. Place a dehumidifier in areas where moisture tends to accumulate, such as basements, bathrooms, or laundry rooms.

Adjust Indoor Humidity Levels

Maintaining the right indoor humidity levels is essential in preventing window condensation. Aim to keep your indoor humidity between 30% and 50%. You can measure humidity using a hygrometer, readily available at most hardware stores. To control humidity:

• Use a humidifier: During dry winter months, a humidifier can add moisture to the air, helping to prevent excessively dry conditions that can lead to condensation.
• Limit houseplants: While plants can improve indoor air quality, they also release moisture into the air. Consider reducing the number of plants in rooms with condensation issues.

Insulate Your Windows

Improperly insulated windows can be a major contributor to condensation. To improve insulation:

• Install weather stripping: Apply weather stripping around the edges of your windows to seal any gaps here warm, moist air might enter.
• Upgrade to double-glazed windows: Double-glazed windows have two layers of glass with a sealed space in between, providing better insulation and reducing the likelihood of condensation.

Use Window Film or Insulation Kits

• Window films and insulation kits are affordable solutions that can help reduce condensation by creating an additional barrier between your indoor space and the cold outdoor air. These options are especially useful for older, single-pane windows. Window film is a transparent sheet that you can apply directly to the glass, while insulation kits involve sealing plastic film over the window frame.

Adjust Your Thermostat

• Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature can also help prevent condensation. Try to keep your home at a constant temperature, especially during the colder months. Avoid drastic temperature fluctuations, as they can cause moisture in the air to condense on your windows.

Use Curtains or Blinds

• Curtains and blinds can act as insulation, reducing heat transfer between your indoor space and the cold glass. Closing them at night can help keep the warm, moist air away from the windows, reducing condensation.

Monitor and Address Leaks

• Leaky windows or damaged seals can allow moisture to infiltrate your home, contributing to condensation. Regularly inspect your windows for any signs of damage or leaks, and repair or replace them as needed.

Use Desiccants

• Desiccants, such as moisture-absorbing crystals or silica gel, can be placed in small containers and positioned near your windows to absorb excess moisture from the air. This can help reduce condensation and maintain a drier environment. You can find these on amazon.

Practice Good Habits

Finally, adopting some simple daily habits can also help prevent condensation:

• Avoid drying clothes indoors: Hanging wet laundry indoors releases a significant amount of moisture into the air. Use a vented dryer or hang clothes outside whenever possible.
• Cook with lids on pots and pans: Cooking without lids allows steam to escape into your home, increasing humidity levels. Cooking with lids on helps contain moisture.

Have you got condensation on the inside of your double-glazed glass unit?

This means that the unit seal has failed, and the likelihood is that the unit has deteriorated and can no longer do its job properly. Unfortunately, the only answer to this is to replace the unit. (Pssst, we can help you with that!)

Condensation on windows is a common issue that can be managed effectively with the right strategies. By maintaining proper ventilation, controlling humidity levels, insulating your windows, and adopting good habits, you can enjoy clear, dry windows all year round. Remember that preventing condensation not only enhances your view but also contributes to a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment.

Got questions?

Just ask a member of our team – we’re always on hand to help with any queries. Pop an email to [email protected] or give us a call on 0345 021 3333.

13^th September 2023