Condensation on Windows: What Causes It and How to Stop It

When you’re sitting in your cozy home, protected from the weather, it may be difficult to remember that the exterior building features keeping you safe and comfortable are susceptible to the forces of nature. The sight of condensation on your window glass is a stark reminder of this, but it isn’t necessarily a cause for alarm. If your windows appear to be sweating, and the moisture is on the interior or exterior side of the glass, you probably have nothing to worry about. If you’re seeing condensation between the panes of your double- or triple-glazed windows, then that’s a cause for concern.

What Causes Window Condensation Inside Your Home?

Generally, window condensation occurs when the temperature on one side of the glass is dramatically different from the temperature on the other side. The amount of humidity in the air also plays a role. If you wake up on a chilly morning and notice that the interior side of your window appears foggy, that’s a sign that the air is cold and dry outside but your indoor living space is warm and humid. An easy solution is simply to wipe the glass. If you want to prevent indoor window condensation, you can:

• Use ceiling fans to improve indoor air circulation
• Buy an inexpensive humidity meter to measure indoor air moisture and keep it at 50% or lower by using a dehumidifier
• Raise your window coverings so they’re not trapping heat on your window panes

What Causes Condensation on the Exterior Side of Your Window Panes?

Rising temperatures and humidity outside your home are usually to blame for this phenomenon. If the condensation is bothersome, one remedy is to spray the glass with a water repellent product, such as those used on car windshields.

Condensation Between the Panes—Now That’s a Different Story

If your home has double- or triple-pane windows, which are the norm for modern energy-efficient windows, and you see fog build up between the panes, you have a more serious problem on your hands. This is a sign that the window seal is failing. It means you’re not only losing the energy efficiency benefits of having multi-paned windows but also facing an increased likelihood for mold growth that will be unsightly and potentially become a health concern.

Window replacement is the best solution for this problem, and the window experts at NewSouth Window Solutions will be happy to help you select a high-quality replacement window that meets your needs. Plus, we’ll expertly install it, thus decreasing the likelihood of window condensation caused by seal failure in the future. Contact us today to get started.