Worried About Condensation on Windows?
If you take a look at your home’s windows and doors in winter, you may notice condensation. As temperatures drop, it often appears on the inside and outside of these surfaces.
(StatePoint and Jeremy Everett)
Here’s what you need to know about why condensation occurs, when it matters and what you can do about it:
Interior Condensation
When the heat is on inside the home in wintertime, a certain amount of humidity feels good — we breathe easier, our skin is less dry and there’s less static in the air. This is fine usually, but when temperatures outside get extremely low, problems can arise. Under these circumstances, humidity can generate condensation on your windows — whether they’re old or new — and this should be managed.
While there’s no problem with condensation on the window glass itself, (except for the fact that visibility can be obscured) that condensation could affect wood trim around the windows and lead to mold and rot. Perhaps even worse, it could be an indicator that condensation is also occurring within your walls, which can lead to unhealthy mold.
Unfortunately, the most common sources of home humidity are everyday parts of life, including showers, cooking, doing laundry and even fish tanks. However, if you see condensation on your windows there are two actions that experts recommend. One, if you have a humidifier, turn it down. The second, use a dehumidifier.
If you notice the condensation freezing on your windows, it means the inside surface of your glass is freezing or 32 degrees Fahrenheit or less. This means your window glass is not stopping the cold temperatures from reaching the inside of your home, and it may be time to consider more energy efficient windows. If you have single-pane glass, it is definitely time to consider upgrading to double-pane or triple-pane insulating glass units.
If you have double-pane insulated glass units, you may want to consider upgrading to triple-pane insulated glass units, if this is a frequent occurrence. Double-pane IGUs have an R-value ranging from 2.00 to 4.00 depending on the low-e glass type and if they have normal atmospheric air between the panes or argon gas.
Argon gas is a non-reactive noble gas that is atomically heavier than the air we breathe, and thus a better insulator for a dead air space. Triple-pane IGU have an R-value ranging from 3.00 for Argon to 10.00 for Krypton dependent on the low-e glass and the size of the spacers. Krypton (Kr) is also a non-reactive noble gas like Argon (Ar), however, it is atomically heavier than Argon, leading to it being a better insulator.
On average, an Alside triple-pane windows with low-e glass and Argon gas are about $50 more than double-pane windows with low-e glass and Argon gas. Upgrading from Argon gas to Krypton gas with low-e glass usually costs about $100 more than double-pane windows with low-e glass and Argon gas. Some of the cost difference may be attributable to a better made window with better components (heavier duty balancers to handle the additional glass weight, better locks, reinforced sashes and frames, etc.
You may also be getting a stronger window with better air and water infiltration numbers, co-extruded vs. rolled aluminum screen frames, more insulation, better warranties, and a lifetime glass breakage warranty.
Exterior Condensation
Exterior condensation occurs when the dew point temperature approaches the outside air temperature. When the air is saturated and can’t hold any more moisture, water vapor forms droplets on surfaces — including your roof, siding, windows and doors.
If you have energy-efficient windows, you may notice exterior condensation occur more than you did when you had older, less energy-efficient windows that allowed warmth from inside the home to reach the outside glass pane and dissipate the condensation. Unlike with interior condensation, there’s nothing to worry about in the case of exterior condensation.
Moisture on the outside pane of glass is normal and a good sign that your windows are functioning correctly to prevent warmth from reaching the outside glass. The condensation will dissipate when the outside air temperature rises.
Next Steps
If there’s no condensation on the exterior of your windows but there’s moisture on adjacent exterior surfaces, this would be a good indicator that it’s time for new windows. Also, if you get constant internal condensation on your windows in very cold weather and your humidity is low, then upgrading to a more thermally efficient window would be a good idea. You may want to check to see if your windows are covered by a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty that may or may not be prorated on transfer to the next homeowner for 20 years.
Look for high-performing replacement windows with the latest technological advances that offer maximum efficiency and comfort. Third-party recognition for a particular brand or product is a strong indicator that you’re investing in a quality product.
Recent testing of Alside Mezzo Vinyl Windows showed that window as the number one window against the most stringent requirements for air and water infiltration.
This winter, pay attention to your home windows, glass doors and other surfaces. Understanding the ins and outs of interior and exterior condensation can help you address potential issues.