Glass Condensation
How can I get rid of the condensation that forms on the panes of glass on my window or door?
In order to understand why you are getting condensation on your glass, it is important to understand how condensation forms. Condensation is a very natural and common event, primarily occuring during spring and fall when a warm day follows a cool night, however it can occur any time of year. When warm, moist air comes into contact with cooler surfaces, the excess moisture in the air will condense because the now cooler air cannot hold as much moisture. The point at which the moisture condenses is known as the dewpoint.
Condensation is a very common occurence, however the elimination of such depends on its location whether it be interior, exterior, or between the panes of glass.
Interior condensation:
Caused by excess moisture inside the home, condensation will form on the glass as the warmer moist air condenses on a relatively cooler surface. Since vinyl and glass are by nature cooler surfaces, it will typically show there first. This is not indicative of a problem with the window, in fact it is a warning sign that you may have a humidity problem in your home. Moisture can form in between the walls and ceilings. It can cause rot and mold to form, and can cause paint to blister and peel. In order to eliminate that moisture, you must reduce the humidity in your home. There are many ways this can be accomplished depending on the home.
Exterior condensation:
Condensation on the outside of the panes is most common during spring and fall when a cool night follows a warm day. When the temperature increases, the condensation will evaporate. In fact, this is a sign of energy efficiency, not a malfunctioning window, because the outside pane is thoroughly insulated from the heat indoors.
Between the panes:
Condensation forming between the panes that cannot be wiped off is typically a sign of seal failure. Please contact your installer for service. If unreachable, or no longer in business, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
My previous windows didn't have any condensation, why are my new windows showing it?
While it may be natural to blame the new windows because condensation wasn't showing before, one must take into account the reason the old windows were replaced. Generally, they leaked, were broken, were drafty, etc. The new windows will trap the air more effectively and not allow it to escape. The product was designed to prevent air leakage, both warm air escaping your home in the winter and cool air in the summer.
My neighbors' homes do not have any condensation on their windows, but mine do. Is there something wrong with my windows?
Condensation is not indicative of a product mailfucntion. Unfortunately there is no way we could tell you why your house has condensation where someone else's does not, other than to explain why condensation would occur. There are too many variables for us to pinpoint a reason as to why it might occur. The age of the house, the type of windows installed, the type and amount of insulation used in construction, the number of people in the home and their living habits, the heating/cooling system in place, which way their house faces when the sun rises, among many other things all contribute to the amount of moisture in an individual home.
Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.