Moisture and condensation on your windows can seem like a worrying problem, but there is good news and bad news that will help you understand what’s going on a little better, as well as some of the ways that you can deal with the issue.
During the summer months, it’s fairly rare for most homes to experience condensation on their windows. The reason is simply that you probably have more airflow coming in and out of your home in the summer, and that keeps moisture from being trapped inside. Air conditioners reduce moisture, having windows or doors open will vent the moist air, and the temperature also keeps damp air from clinging to the window.
However, in the winter, many homes end up trapping moisture inside, and it’s most common in newer homes which are built these days with better insulation and moisture-trapping materials. Older homes, which can be more expensive to heat, tend to vent air and moisture through any number of areas.
So, why does moisture appear on windows in the winter? When the air in your home becomes saturated with water, which can come from a number of sources that we’ll look at next, it turns back into water when it touches cold surfaces like your window panes. For most homes, the moisture level will rise and fall naturally, and it should disappear within a few days. For most home owners, the condensation on their windows will also only cover a small portion of the window pane–likely in the corners, or in the centre of each pane.
For some other home owners though, the problem can become much worse. Window condensation can cover the entire window, or it might even start leaking down the window and over window sills, walls, or it might turn into mould, mildew, or fungus if it has enough time to sit and grow.
So, what can you do if humidity becomes an issue in your home? Here are a few things to keep in mind when trying to solve the problem:
If none of these ideas help your problem, consider having an expert look at your home to find a solution. Keep in mind that the sooner you solve the issue, the less likely the moisture will lead to bigger problems, like rot and mould.