How To Prevent Condensation Buildup On Windows

Condensation buildup on windows can be very annoying. Not only is it visually unattractive, but it can start to cause problems to other parts of your house if left untreated. If you notice this happening on your windows, you should take measures to fix it quickly so that it doesn’t cause further issues.

In the sections below, we will describe why condensation tends to build up on windows, what you can do to prevent it from starting, and how to fix the problem if you see it. If you follow the steps we provide early on, you should be able to manage the problem. 

What Is Condensation Buildup On Windows?

To answer this question, we should first consider the phenomenon that causes condensation in general. Condensation is water that forms on cold, hard surfaces when it is combined with warm air, or when the humidity level in a given area is high.

There are different scenarios in which condensation can build up on surfaces:

• Wintertime conditions. You have probably seen condensation buildup not only on windows, but also on walls and other surfaces in the house, particularly in the wintertime. It builds up on windows when warm air hits the cold surface of a window and starts to condense. It is more common in winter because windows are, of course, colder in colder temperatures.
• Increased humidity. Condensation can also build up in areas where there are increased levels of humidity. The bathroom is a place where this is common. When people take showers, humidity levels in the room go way up, which is why your mirror gets foggy. Kitchens can also see condensation buildup when people cook.

What Are The Risks Involved?

Condensation buildup on windows might seem like something that is annoying but not necessarily a serious problem. However, it is something that you should pay attention to because, if left unattended, it can have major implications for the surrounding structures.

Mold, for example, can be a serious problem for your house. It not only eats away at wood and other surfaces, but it can cause major health problems. Prolonged exposure to mold spores  can result in allergic-like symptoms including sneezing, coughing, and headaches. In severe cases it can also cause problems that lead to cancer.

Mold can also lead to excessive dampness in rooms that can cause larger structural problems for your house. When roofs become excessively damp, they can start to leak or cause problems with plumbing. It can cause mildew to form, as well.

The first thing you should do to prevent these problems is get the right windows. You can find high-quality windows for Edmonton homes recipient by looking online. If you are not yet ready to replace your windows, there are preventative steps you can take to preserve the ones you have.

Steps To Take To Prevent Condensation Buildup On Windows

For all these reasons, it is important to take early steps to prevent condensation buildup before it starts. Keep the following points in mind:

1. Keep your bedroom windows open. Believe it or not, the simple process of breathing at night can dramatically increase humidity levels in your bedroom. Therefore, it is a good idea to either keep the windows open, or buy a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels down.
2. Keep your curtains open. If you keep your curtains closed in your bedroom, they will prevent your home’s heating system from adequately heating your windows. As a result, the windows will become cold more easily and will more likely build up condensation. If you really want to have closed curtains for privacy reasons, consider getting thin ones that will still allow your windows to be heated.
3. Keep your bathroom windows open. If you live in Edmonton, your winters will be cold so you might not want to do this all the time. But you should make an effort to keep windows ajar while taking showers. This will make a big difference, and you will notice that both your windows and your bathroom mirror will be clearer as a result.
4. Open kitchen windows when you cook. For the same reasons, you should keep windows slightly open when you cook. The steam from cooking will escape, and you won’t end up with opaque-looking windows.
5. Try to avoid hanging wet clothes. If you hang wet clothes in a room – or especially on a radiator, where the evaporation process will be expedited – the evaporated water will gather on whatever other surfaces are nearby, particularly if they are cold. To prevent this, try to dry clothes in an isolated place such as a basement, or outside if this is feasible.
6. Try to maintain consistency in room temperatures. Major fluctuations in room temperatures can cause surfaces to suddenly build up condensation. If you keep your rooms at a consistently low (but not cold) temperature, the surface-air mixture will be more constant, and you will face fewer condensation issues.
7. If you see condensation buildup between multi-pane windows, replace them. If you live in Edmonton, it is likely that you have invested in multi-pane (two- or three-pane) windows. If you notice that condensation has built up between the panes, this is an indication that there is something wrong with your windows. In these cases, you should have them replaced.
8. If you have other dampness issues, target them independently. Dampness in rooms can be caused by a variety of factors, and they can all manifest themselves on windows as well as other structures. If your rooms are damp, figure out the source of the problem and eliminate it.

Final Words

Condensation buildup on windows is something that can lead to further problems with your house. To prevent this from happening, take early measures to prevent it from starting altogether. If you get in the habit of preventing condensation early on, your house will be in much better shape in the long run.