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What Causes Condensation on Windows

What Causes Condensation on Windows

Condensation on windows occurs because water vapour in the air deposits itself on surfaces that are at lower temperatures.

When warm moist air meets the cold glass surface of your windows, it releases some of this moisture onto the glass as water droplets. This is condensation.

In most cases, internal condensation issues occur because of too much humidity in the room or little to no air circulation. Low internal room temperatures can also make problems worse because surfaces will be cooler which creates a bigger temperature difference with the air and allows more water to condense.

Where does water vapour come from?

The moisture in the air of your home comes from a variety of sources.  Steam from cooking and hot showers can be carried out of bathrooms or kitchens into cooler rooms; moisture evaporating from clothes that are dried close to radiators; even our breathing causes moisture to get into the air.

Once the water vapour in humid air settles on cold surfaces it becomes condensation and contributes to damp and mould problems.

What is the risk of condensation on windows?

Over time, the effects of condensation can create damp areas which may cause mould around windows and can also lead to wooden window frames rotting.  This can reduce the insulation around those windows and in the long term mean a costly replacement.

How can you reduce condensation on windows?

The most effective way of reducing condensation is controlling the humidity in your home.   Whether this is done by containing moisture in your kitchen or bathroom by closing the door, or improving the ventilation in those rooms with extractor fans, you can help to prevent the moisture in that warm air from reaching windows and forming condensation.

It can also be helpful to wipe down windows and walls regularly and apply a fungicidal wash to prevent mould from forming.  If you do have mould, the NHS recommend wiping it away with a cloth dipped in soapy water and then throwing the cloth away afterwards.

Improve ventilation

The most effective way of reducing the risk of condensation forming on windows throughout your home is to improve ventilation in all rooms.  Modern, energy efficient extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms can help vent humid air outdoors so that it doesn’t have a chance to condense on your windows, and whole house ventilation systems can provide a more effective solution that will keep airflow throughout your home and protect all rooms from damp and mould problems.

To find out whether improved ventilation can help you to reduce condensation in your home, request a free survey today.

Need help with condensation, mould or damp problems?

One of our local experts will contact you to learn more about your problems, offer free expert advice and make recommendations for a permanent solution.

During the free survey we will

  • check Assess any condensation, damp or mould problems in your property
  • check Take readings of the relative humidity levels
  • check Identify any underlying problems and make recommendations for a permanent solution

Need help with condensation, mould or damp problems?

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