What is Condensation?
Condensation is the process that occurs when warm and moist air comes into contact with cooler surfaces, such as windows and doors causing water droplets to form. This is especially common during the winter months when the temperature difference inside and outside your home is greater.
Why Does Condensation Occur on Windows and Doors?
A primary source of condensation occurring on windows and doors is excess humidity within the home, which can result from daily activities such as cooking, showering or drying laundry indoors. Inadequate ventilation and poor circulation also contributes to condensation. In homes with limited airflow, moisture becomes trapped and cannot escape efficiently. The greater the temperature difference from the inside and outside of your home is what makes condensation more likely to occur.
The condition of the window itself plays a major role in condensation occurring. In double or triple-pane windows, if the airtight seal between the panes fails, moisture can enter the space between the glass panes. This results in internal condensation that cannot be wiped away and is a sign your windows need to be replaced. It reduces the aesthetic appeal in your home and compromises the window’s overall thermal performance.
Problems Caused by Excess Condensation
Persistent condensation can cause more than just foggy windows – it can lead to a range of serious and costly problems inside your home. One of the most concerning issues is mold growth. If left untreated, mold can quickly spread across the surface of your windows and penetrate into your walls and ceilings. Similarly, the ongoing moisture buildup can lead to rotting of wooden window frames, sills and generally weaken the structural integrity of your home.
Condensation also affects the look and comfort of your home. Peeling paint and bubbling wallpaper are common cosmetic issues that arise from moisture getting trapped behind the surfaces. Moreover, the increased moisture build-up deteriorates your home’s insulation, reducing its overall energy efficiency. Wet insulation loses its effectiveness and can pose health risks, it takes as little as 24-72 hours for mold to form on wet insulation.
Lastly, excess moisture can make the air feel heavy, stuffy and uncomfortable impacting your indoor air quality. Poor air quality may exacerbate respiratory conditions and allergies such as asthma, especially in the children and elderly with weaker immune systems.
7 Steps on How to Reduce or Prevent Condensation
1. Dry laundry outdoors whenever possible
2. Keep kitchen and bathroom doors closed during use to contain moisture in those areas
3. Use lids on pots and pans while cooking to reduce the amount of steam released into the air.
4. Turn on the exhaust fans when cooking or showering
5. Consider using a dehumidifier to actively reduce humidity levels
6. Open windows and doors when weather permits for circulation
7. Utilize ceiling or portable fans to promote better air circulation within your home.