Condensation:
Are My Windows the Cause?
What’s Condensation?
Condensation is the result of high humidity levels. It happens when warm, moist air touches a surface that’s colder than the dew point. The dew point is the temperature at which air becomes saturated and produces dew. As the air temperature drops below its dew point, the excess liquid appears on the colder surface. This is how you get moisture on windows.
Condensation is not caused by faulty windows. Windows provide a surface for moisture to condense on, warning you there is too much moisture in your home.
Humidity Factors
Several things add moisture to the air in our homes. Breathing and perspiration add 3 pints of water per person into the air every day. Every activity that uses water increases the level of moisture in the air. These activities include cooking, laundry, taking showers, and washing dishes.
Damp air in your home may not seem like the most pressing issue in the world. However, it can lead to more severe problems, including mold, rotting wood, and insect infestation. It’s potential threats like these that make controlling the humidity in your home so important.
Controlling Humidity
Ventilation is the key to allowing moisture and humidity to escape your home. Houses are now made tighter than ever; with house-wrap, insulation and well-crafted windows from Harvey Windows + Doors, proper steps need to be taken to control humidity.
Tips to increase air circulation:
- Turn on vents when using gas burners and clothes dryers
- Install exhaust fans in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room
- Use a dehumidifier
- Install a roof ridge vent and soffit for attic ventilation
- Install foundation vents
Temporary Condensation in New Construction Homes
Wood, plaster, cement, and other building materials produce a great deal of moisture. Concrete foundations can take up to a year to completely dry out. Rapid drops in temperature can also create temporary condensation problems during the heating season.
Condensation on the Exterior of the Window
Like dew on grass or moisture on the outside of your car windows, condensation forming on the exterior of your home’s windows is a natural occurrence on energy-efficient windows. Be patient. The sun rising will evaporate this condensation as it does on your lawn.
The Bottom Line
Your windows do not cause the condensation. Condensation on the inside of your windows is a sign that your windows are working correctly. Old, drafty windows allow the moisture in your home to escape, along with your heat. When properly installed, Harvey windows do not allow the humidity in your house out. They are intended to keep your conditioned air in, and the outside air out. Which is why you may notice more condensation than with your old windows.
To reduce the amount of condensation on your windows, you will need to control the humidity in your home.
Other sources of information regarding condensation:
The critical thing to realize is that condensation on your windows is a warning sign. With proper ventilation, you can eliminate the problem before it causes any significant damage to your home.
