How to Prevent Window Condensation
Jan 22, 2021Not All Window condensation is a problem. Here's how to prevent window condensation that could cause problems in your homE.
What Causes Window Condensation?
Window Condensation occurs when moisture in the air settles on a cooler surface. We see condensation happen normally every day, in situations like:
- Shower steam condensing on your bathroom mirror
- Humid air condensing on your glass of iced tea on a hot day
- Eyeglasses fogging up when you walk into a warm house on a cold day
What causes window condensation is that your home’s window glass is another cool surface where moisture can accumulate. So condensation isn’t caused by glass; it’s simply a landing place for moisture in the surrounding air.
With two panes of glass in most windows, including Performax54 windows, you might see condensation on the room-side of the window, on the window glass on the exterior of your home. What you really have to look out for is condensation between window panes.
Is Condensation On Windows Bad?
Not necessarily. More often than not, condensation or fogging on your windows does not indicate a problem with your windows. In some cases, it may actually indicate that your energy-efficient windows are doing their job! Identifying the cause of window condensation can also help you manage your home’s performance and energy efficiency.
Here are three scenarios to watch out for. Click each button to jump to a section:
Room-Side Window Condensation
How to Prevent Window Condensation due to Excess Indoor Moisture
The next time you notice condensation or fogging on your windows, swipe your finger across the foggy area. If the glass feels wet and your finger leaves a trail, you have moisture collecting on room-side of your window glass. This is an indication that your home’s indoor humidity is too high.
What does that mean? In some cases, excess indoor humidity is normal. But constant high humidity can lead to mold growth on wood framing and drywall, and cause poor indoor air quality, both of which can lead to health problems.
Here are a few causes of excess indoor humidity and what you can do about it:
Solution:
This condensation is normal and temporary; it will evaporate on its own as the space returns to a normal humidity level. Running an exhaust fan in the bathroom or the range hood in your kitchen can keep this condensation at bay.
Solution:
During dry winter months, it’s common to run a humidifier in your home. Some HVAC systems even have offer whole-house humidification. The ideal indoor relative humidity level is 30-50% depending on the outdoor air temperature. Refer to your humidifier’s manual for the best way to set and run the unit to achieve this.
Solution:
Outdoor air finds its way into your home through all kinds of gaps and cracks, especially around older, uninsulated windows and doors. When outdoor humidity levels are high, that excess moisture enters your home with the rest of the outdoor air. If you notice indoor condensation on windows that aren’t otherwise affected by steam or humidity from other sources, it may be time to air-seal your home or replace your windows. (Take our one-question quiz to see how much longer your current windows will last.)
Exterior Window Condensation
Excess Outdoor Moisture Causing Window Condensation
If the same swipe test reveals condensation on the exterior side of your windows, it’s a positive indication that your windows are working the way they should! The best dual-paned, energy-efficient windows are designed to reduce heat transfer through the glass. What does that mean?
Just like in your steamy bathroom, moisture in outside air will condense on cooler surfaces. If the surface temperature of your window glass is lower than the dew point, you’ll see condensation on the outside of the window. This means your energy-efficient windows are keeping the warm air inside your house, and not transferring it to the exterior pane of glass – exactly how they should work! As the sun warms the exterior of the window, the condensation will evaporate.
READ MORE: Dual-Pane vs. Triple-Pane Windows
What Causes Condensation Between Window Panes?
If you try the swipe test and can’t feel or remove the condensation from the glass, the moisture is trapped between the window panes. Unfortunately, this problem has no easy solution.
On dual-paned windows, the space between the panes is filled with argon or krypton gas to help insulate the window. Over time, the seals that keep the argon in place can deteriorate. Most windows seals break within 5 to 7 years.
Here are the three things that happen next:
FIRST: The argon gas escapes. The reduces the window’s energy efficiency because it can no longer keep heat from moving through the glass.
SECOND: Surrounding air fills the void. As the insulating gas escapes, it’s replaced by “regular” air, which contains moisture, dust particles, mold spores, etc.
THIRD: Moisture condenses on the interior face of the glass. This causes inaccessible fogging and condensation that can’t be removed.
Once window seals break, the problem will only get worse and lead to more issues, including:
- Excessive fogging or condensation will make it impossible to see through the window glass.
- Moisture can cause rusting of internal metal components, such as metal window spacers
- When the window gets hot, trapped moisture can expand, threatening the structural integrity of the glass, sash and window frame.
How to Fix Window Condensation
Once moisture starts condensing between the window panes, there’s no easy way to remove it. If the fogging is minimal or unobtrusive, you can try sealing the edge of the glass with clear silicone. This might help prevent more moisture from getting in. However, doing this could void the warranty on your windows, and does nothing to recover the lost energy efficiency.
The only option to eliminate condensation inside windows is to replace the affected sash. A new sash with an intact seal around the glass will help the window perform at its best and maintain the structural integrity of the entire window unit. It’ll also restore your clear view through your window!
What to Do if You See Condensation Between Window Panes
If you’re already experiencing condensation between window panes, the best solution is to have the sash replaced by a professional. Use the tips below to get started:
If Your Windows are Out of Warranty
If your windows are original to your home or you’ve had them replaced by another company, reach out to your homebuilder or window installer to discuss replacing the sash.
Unfortunately, broken window seals are typically not covered by window warranties, so this may be an expensive repair. If you’re seeing condensation on multiple windows, or having other issues, it may be time to consider whole-house window replacement.
If You Have an Improveit Lifetime Warranty
If your windows were installed by Improveit, we have great news: Your sash replacement is covered!
All Improveit Performax54 windows come with a complete, transferable lifetime warranty that covers everything – including broken seals.
Our No Seal Failure Guarantee means that if any Improveit window experiences a broken seal, we’ll solve the problem at no cost to you. Click the button below to schedule a warranty service appointment, or call 800-555-6125.
Improveit Knows What Causes Window Condensatio - and How to Fix It
Condensation inside windows is a problem that won’t go away on its own and can’t be fixed with a quick DIY. If you’re dealing with this issue, or other older window problems, such as drafts, difficult operation, broken panes, or deteriorating frames, give Improveit a call for a free window consultation.
Our team of trained and trusted advisors will show you all your window replacement options so you can improve your curb appeal, lower your energy bills, and improve your home with confidence!
Use the form at the bottom of this page, or call at 855-637-2999 to learn more about our unbeatable window warranty and how to prevent window condensation from seal failure forever!
