If you find condensation on your home windows, don’t panic. Condensation on home windows is perfectly normal and very common. So what causes it, and how can you get rid of it? Read on!
What is Condensation?
Droplets of water that fog up on your windows and drip down to the windowsill are condensation. This occurs when the humid air inside your home and the temperature outside are significantly different. The humid air makes contact with the cold window, and the fine mist is “condensed’ into liquid droplets.
Most homes experience condensation at some point. For many, the problem remedies itself as the weather changes. But for those who continue to have problems with condensation, it’s worth looking closer into the problem.
The higher the humidity in your home, the more likely it is you’ll have condensation. And here’s why that’s bad. It’s not just about cloudy windows. The risk you face if you don’t deal with too much condensation is that the additional moisture creates the perfect environment for mold and bacteria to grow. And once that happens, your problems multiply.
Sources of Humidity
Humidity is defined as “the amount of water vapor in the air.” Everyday activities influence levels of humidity within the home. Doing laundry, showering, and cooking can all have an effect. Even things like plants can create humidity if there is an overabundance of them indoors.
There are also sources we have less control of. If it’s been raining, then the moisture outside can certainly affect the level of moisture inside. Also, high levels of ground moisture may be rising through the home’s concrete foundation.
If your home is fairly new, there is a chance it is still in the process of drying out. It takes upwards of a year and a half for wood, concrete, and additional materials to dry fully. The unique conditions within your home will determine the rate at which it dries out.
Reduce Humidity Levels
In order to reduce condensation, you need to reduce humidity. The knowledge that high humidity causes condensation is the first step in curing the problem. After all, if you don’t know what’s causing it, you aren’t aware that you can take steps to resolve the problem.
Moisture generated within a home cannot escape with ease. But there are a few things we can do to help the situation.
- Open the doors and windows. Flush out warm, humid air by opening the doors and windows for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. This process allows the indoor humidity to move back to normal.
- Ventilate your house. Turning on ceiling fans and other fans to circulate air has the potential to help eliminate excess moisture. Don’t forget the exhaust fan over your stovetop and any bathroom exhaust fans that you have.
- Turn up the heat. Running a heater reduces the amount of moisture in the air. The sun can help dry up moisture as well.
- Use a dehumidifier. Right in the name, it helps remove excess water from the air.
- Remove obvious sources of water. Wet firewood should be stored outside. Reduce the number of plants kept in a single room. Spread them throughout the house or maybe gift one or two to a friend.
- Check for ground moisture. If you suspect extra groundwater may be an issue, you may need better guttering, downspouts, or flashing to redirect water away from the foundation. If there are areas of your garage floor or your back patio, for example, that never seem to dry out fully, that could be a sign that groundwater is a challenge.
Clean the Windows
If your windows are cloudy from the presence of condensation over time, they may need a good cleaning. Use a store-bought window cleaner or even just dish soap and water. Grab a rag and start scrubbing the glass.
You may need to go over the window a couple of times to clean off residue that has accumulated over time. Use a squeegee to wick off any final moisture remaining.
Still Have Condensation?
If you’ve tried some things but don’t seem to be having any luck, you can purchase a hygrometer that will measure the humidity inside the home. These devices are usually paired with a clock or temperature gauge and can be purchased online or from a big box store or hardware store. The hygrometer will give you readings of the humidity and show you what, if any, efforts to reduce humidity are helping.
If you’ve successfully reduced the humidity in your home but still see condensation on the windows, check to see if the condensation is on the outside of the window or if it’s in between the panes of glass. If what you’re seeing is droplets of water in between, that likely means the seal on the window has been compromised. In that case, you may be able to replace one of the panels and the seal, but there’s a good chance that you’re going to need to replace that window.
Don’t give up. If the high humidity and condensation persist, and you can’t figure out the cause of the moisture, do not hesitate to reach out to the experts for guidance.
Advanced Auto Glass Is on Your Side
If you need help with your home or auto glass, do the smart thing by relying on the experts. Our team is here to repair and replace your auto and home glass. Reach out to us today at (817) 595-3200 to find out more about our services. If you prefer to reach us online, fill out our online contact form, and we will be in touch at our earliest convenience.
